When an accident on the roads involves a transport truck, the results can be catastrophic. Unlike crashes involving passenger vehicles, truck accidents typically result in the most severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities due to the immense size and weight of tractor-trailers.
Like other types of auto accidents, though, those involving 18-wheelers happen suddenly and unexpectedly. One second you are simply on the way to your destination, and the next you are suffering from severe injuries. It is not always easy to determine the cause of your crash right away, and it typically requires an extensive investigation. One of our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers outlines the most common causes of these collisions below.
Fatigued Driving
Truck drivers are on the road for many hours at a time as they need to meet tight deadlines. Federal regulations outline the maximum amount of time truckers are allowed to spend on the road without a break or rest period.
Unfortunately, truck drivers do not always comply with these regulations. The trucking companies they work for also often incentivize truckers to violate the hours of service rule so they can deliver more goods and make more profit. This results in fatigued drivers being behind the wheel of the largest vehicles on the road. Fatigued driving can cause truckers to lose focus, make poor decisions, and have slower reaction times. In the worst of cases, fatigued truck drivers may also fall asleep behind the wheel.
Through a thorough discovery process and obtaining evidence, an attorney can determine if fatigued driving contributed to your accident.
Speeding
Speeding is a common cause of many types of accidents on the road, including those that involve tractor-trailers. Even when a truck driver is traveling below the speed limit, it still takes much longer to slow down and stop their vehicle. When a truck driver speeds, even more time is required to slow down their vehicle. Often, it is not possible for speeding truck drivers to stop their vehicles before it is too late.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
It is of critical importance that the cargo on a transport truck is loaded properly. This involves using multiple systems of belts, straps, hooks, and other securing measures. If cargo is not loaded properly onto a truck, it can shift during transport. When it does, it throws the entire vehicle off balance and causes the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Distracted Driving
Any motorist can face a number of distractions on the road, but this is particularly true for truck drivers. Truck drivers have to communicate with other truckers about road and weather conditions, manipulate other systems in the truck, navigate unfamiliar routes and neighborhoods using GPS, eat, and deal with other distractions. When a truck driver is distracted by any of these factors, they cannot focus on the road and take the necessary measures to avoid an accident.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is such a dangerous behavior; it is hard to imagine that any truck driver would engage in it. Unfortunately, truckers drive while impaired more often than people think. Truck drivers often believe that using alcohol or drugs will help them concentrate better while they are behind the wheel. Instead of being more focused, impaired truck drivers have slower reaction times and are much more likely to cause a crash.
Inexperienced Drivers
Driving a commercial truck requires a great deal of skill, knowledge, and experience. Before a truck driver takes control of a big rig, it is critical that they have enough experience operating a commercial truck safely. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Trucking companies do not always take the time and effort to ensure they are hiring properly experienced drivers. Instead, they would rather cut corners so they can protect their profits. When an inexperienced truck driver causes a crash, they and the trucking company they work for could be liable.
Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Determine the Cause of Your Crash
Determining what caused your truck accident is extremely important so you know who to hold liable. However, it is not always easy to identify the cause in the days and weeks following a serious crash. At Big River Trial Attorneys, our Baton Rouge truck accident lawyers can conduct an investigation to determine what caused your injuries and collect evidence to prove your case so you obtain the full and fair settlement you deserve. Call us today at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
