Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The Top Reasons Semi-Trucks Cause Accidents

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Admin

Commercial trucking accidents are responsible for thousands of injuries every year in the United States, including catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. With so much commercial trucking traffic moving through Missouri on a daily basis, the potential for 18-wheeler accidents is high.

Commercial trucks are significantly larger and heavier than regular passenger vehicles, which can lead to more severe injuries when truck accidents occur. Given the size and weight of these vehicles, the common causes of truck accidents often result in devastating consequences.

If you have been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Missouri, it is in your interest to contact our firm. Our experienced St. Louis accident attorneys provide accident victims and their families with skilled personal injury and wrongful death representation.

Truck accidents can be complex, often involving multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance carriers, all of whom may be responsible in a truck accident case.

When You Need a Missouri Truck Accident Attorney, Call Us!

If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident or suffered a severe injury from a tractor-trailer accident in Missouri, Halvorsen Klote can help you. Please contact us online or call now 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529) for an immediate consultation with a trucking accident lawyer in Missouri.

There Are Many Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Many things can go wrong while on the road, leading to an 18-wheeler, big rig, or commercial truck accident. Common causes of truck accidents include various factors, some of which are preventable. These include:

• Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are often on the road for long hours, which can lead to fatigue and impaired reaction times.
• Truck driver drug and alcohol use: Substance abuse can have catastrophic effects on a driver’s ability to control the vehicle.
• Reckless driving: Speeding, improper lane changes, and failing to adhere to road safety rules increase the risk of accidents.
• Distracted driving: The use of cellphones and text messaging while driving has become a growing concern in commercial trucks. Truck drivers who engage in distracted driving pose a serious risk to others on the road.
• Overweight loads: Trucks that exceed legal weight limits are harder to maneuver and can be prone to tipping over, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
• Licensing issues and lack of proper training: Inadequately trained or improperly licensed drivers may lack the necessary skills to safely operate an 18-wheeler.
• Mechanical malfunctions and improper maintenance: Defective brakes, worn-out tires, and other mechanical malfunctions due to improper maintenance are common causes of truck accidents.
• Hazardous cargoes and spills: Transporting dangerous materials can lead to spills or accidents if not handled carefully.
• Traffic congestion on roads not equipped for high traffic volumes: Overcrowded roads, especially those not designed for heavy truck traffic, can lead to collisions.

Regardless of the specific cause of these truck accidents, they often result in significant injuries or fatalities. Because truck accident injuries are so often catastrophic and disabling, the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, equipment, and possibly lifetime care can be extremely high. Victims of such accidents may face long-term consequences, and it is essential to explore all legal avenues for compensation.

If poor maintenance or defective equipment played a role in causing an accident that results in serious injury or the wrongful death of your loved one, you may have more options and sources for financial recovery.

Compensation from the trucking company and its insurer, or other responsible parties, can go a long way toward making life easier for your family and your injured family member after a serious truck accident case. In many instances, multiple parties may be held liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and the maintenance providers. Legal representation can help ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Our firm takes a personal interest in every case that comes into our office. If you are looking for an attorney that will give you undivided individual attention, commitment to excellence, and use every possible resource available to help you win your case, then please contact our firm directly for a free consultation at 1-877-51-HKLAW (877-514-5529) or submit a contact form. There is no fee unless we win your case.