The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported a 20 percent increase in trucking accidents in the last 20 years. Although the commercial truck industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, the accidents involving these large vehicles can result in serious injury and, in some cases, death. In this blog, our Fort Worth truck accident attorney explains the most common causes of trucking accidents.
Driver Error
According to the FMCSA, driver error is ten times more likely to be the cause of a trucking accident than any other factor. A driver error can include distraction, exhaustion, or drug and alcohol abuse. Any one of these factors alone can seriously impair a driver’s ability to operate a large commercial truck.
Equipment Failure
Although the FMCSA requires all truck drivers to follow safety regulations, some drivers fail to perform yearly quality inspection checks on their trucks, which can result in an equipment failure while driving. Equipment failure can range from a manufacturing error such as defective tires to mechanical issues such as improperly maintained brakes.
Weather
Tumultuous weather conditions can pose a big risk on road safety. High wind speeds can cause the trailer of a semi-truck to flip over and heavy rain or snow can greatly reduce visibility for truck drivers. Because the truck’s size and weight is 20 times larger than that of a normal passenger vehicle, it’s extremely difficult for trucks to brake abruptly should the weather cause an unexpected road block.
Improper Loading
Trucks often carry an extremely heavy cargo and if loaded improperly, it can lead to a catastrophic accident. A load that is not balanced can cause the trailer to flip over and loads that are not properly secured can fall off the bed of the truck towards any vehicles driving behind it.
Our Fort Worth trucking accident attorneys at the Law Office of James M. Stanley have been advocating for the wrongfully injured since 1976. We offer home and hospital visits and provide around-the-clock legal assistance. Call us today at (817) 591-4222 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.