Common Causes of Truck Accidents In Florida
Commercial trucks were involved in about 121,000 injury-causing crashes in a recent year, and these accidents can happen at any time in the Brandon area. Injured victims need to determine who was at fault for the accident so they can seek the compensation they deserve, and this begins with identifying the cause of the crash.
If you suffered injuries, a Brandon truck accident attorney can evaluate who might be liable for your losses. In the meantime, below are some common causes of truck accidents.
Driver Errors
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that driver error is a primary cause of semi-truck crashes. Drivers can make many mistakes or errors in judgment, including the following.
Distracted driving
Truck driving can be a lonely and monotonous job, so it is no surprise that drivers try to find ways to keep themselves entertained. However, too many forms of entertainment cause serious distractions, including texting, calling loved ones, eating and drinking, having passengers, or even watching videos or movies on a tablet.
Fatigued driving
Despite clear restrictions on hours of service set by the FMCSA, many drivers continue to spend too long on the road and become fatigued. Other drivers might be within the hours of service limits, but they might have other causes of drowsiness, such as undiagnosed sleep apnea or other sleep disorders.
Speeding
Not only should truck drivers always obey the posted speed limit, but they should also avoid driving too fast for conditions, including adverse road or weather conditions. When truck drivers speed, it makes it more difficult to stop the truck to avoid a crash when necessary.
Impaired driving
Even though truckers are responsible for large, heavy vehicles, some of them might use substances that cause impairment behind the wheel. This might include marijuana, alcohol, stimulants, or even prescription medication.
Improper Cargo Loading
The primary function of large trucks is to transport cargo, and cargo might be loaded and unloaded by drivers, independent crews, or other parties. When these parties fail to load and secure cargo in the proper manner, the cargo can shift and throw the truck off balance, often causing jackknife accidents. Unsecured cargo might also spill, causing chain-reaction traffic crashes on the highway.
Mechanical Defects
Trucks are complex machines, and many parts can fail and cause a driver to crash. These include:
- Brakes
- Tires
- Coupling devices
- Transmissions
Defects might occur because the part was defective from the start or due to inadequate maintenance and repairs of the rig.
Trucking Company Negligence
In some cases, an accident may be the result of negligence on the part of the trucking company itself. Some examples of ways in which trucking companies may be negligence include:
- Failing to adequately maintain their vehicles
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
- Negligent supervision or retention of drivers
- Offering incentives for hours of service violations or other misconduct by drivers
While truck companies can usually be liable for accidents caused by drivers, they can also be liable for negligence on the part of the company itself.
Let a Brandon Truck Accident Lawyer Assess Your Rights
After a truck crash, you want the law firm of Carman, Bevington & Finegan, P.A., on your side. Contact us to learn how a Brandon truck accident attorney can help seek compensation for your medical bills and other losses. Injury case evaluations are always free.