Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents - Basic Accident Info for Motorists

An accident involving a large truck can be devastating. Commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers can weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds. Compared to the average car, which weighs 30,000 pounds, it does not take a scientist to figure out how extensive the damage to a car and its occupants would likely be, if involved in such an accident.

Most commercial truck drivers are skilled and well trained in handling large vehicles. They know how to maneuver effectively and generally know what the truck’s limitations are. For instance, truck drivers are aware they cannot stop on a dime, accelerate quickly, or execute sharp turns.

Several accidents involving large trucks occur because car drivers are either not aware of or ignore the operating limitations of these large trucks. Actions taken by car drivers, which may contribute to an accident with a large truck, include:  

·         Traveling beside or behind a truck, which often hides the car from the truck driver’s view

·         Abruptly changing lanes right in front of a truck without warning

·         Miscalculating the speed of an oncoming truck at an intersection, and attempting to make a turn

·         Not allowing enough room when merging in front of a truck into incoming traffic

·         Failure to move a stalled or broken down vehicle completely onto the shoulder of the road

·         Use of alcohol or drugs while driving

Actions taken by a truck’s driver that may cause an accident include:

·         Failure to pay attention and stay alert,

·         Fatigue and unrealistic delivery schedules,

·         Speeding and tailgating,

·         Illegal passing,

·         Failure to properly secure a large load or load it correctly,

·         Overloading beyond the legally allowed maximum capacity,

·         Failure to compensate for bad weather conditions,

·         Equipment failure or mechanical malfunctions, and

·         Use of alcohol or drugs while driving

These are just a few of the primary causes. There are others as the list can be extensive. As proving negligence is essential to any large truck accident lawsuit, determining the actual cause or causes of an accident will be a priority for all parties involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, especially one involving a big rig, it is important to work with a personal injury attorney skilled in truck accident lawsuits.