Arthur Elk: Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Posted in Accident & Injury on December 9, 2013
By Arthur Elk
The highways are filled with semi-trucks and tractor-trailers. Because of their large size and tremendous weight, semi-trucks are more prone to accidents than small passenger vehicles. As a car accident lawyer, I see cases like this all the time. When they occur, there is a huge risk of injury. Ironically, truck drivers seem to be better protected due to their sheer bulk and surrounding metal. But when semi-trucks collide with smaller cars, serious injuries and even death are likely to occur.
The most common causes of trucking accidents are as follows:
- Drug use
- Blind spots
- Distractions
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Driver fatigue
- Illegal driving maneuver
- Driver unfamiliar with area
Careless driving of passenger vehicles can also trigger an accident. Trucks need a lot more room to slow down, stop, and turn. It’s important to keep this in mind when traveling. Also remember that their visibility is limited due to blind spots.
Most trucking accidents involve front or rear-end collisions, lane change collisions, jackknifing, or loss of control. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, it’s vital to seek the help of a qualified car accident attorney who can help determine fault, take action, and protect your rights in order to seek compensation.