Most Common Reasons for Semitruck Accidents

The distribution of goods across the country contributes significantly to the economy, and we have semitruck drivers to thank for transportation. They’re common sights near rural areas and mingle with passenger vehicles on busy highways. Though the causes of their accidents are the same generally, semitruck drivers are up to 10 times more likely to cause an accident due to their vehicles’ lengthy braking times and vast sizes.
Driver Fatigue
Typically, a driver who travels across the country will have long days and sometimes even longer nights. Consequently, driver fatigue is one of the most common reasons for semitruck accidents.
A driver has work hour limitations but will often push through fatigue to keep going due to the demands of the job. This tiredness can result in an accident because it makes a driver’s basic driving skills blurry and drastically decreases focus.
Failure To Secure Loads
No matter the load the truck is carrying, it’s critical that it remains secure and packed appropriately. Failing to distribute the weight evenly and secure it in place can cause an accident, and the truck will have an increased risk of tipping or losing load components during turns.
A driver and their company are liable for load security and having adequate knowledge about load delivery methods. If you experienced an accident due to load failure, you should seek vehicle accident legal advice to assess your circumstances and evaluate your claim.
Rear-End Collisions
A rear-end collision with a semi is one of the deadliest types of accidents. When a truck driver fails to brake accordingly, the weight of their load impacts the vehicle in front of them and results in a potentially catastrophic collision.
Lack of Training
Due to the job being in high demand, companies lack time to train drivers before putting them on the road. A requirement to drive on public roads with full loads is a lengthy training process with a set number of hours behind the wheel.
Sometimes, companies and drivers overlook the guidelines to get on the road faster. This can result in a driver lacking experience and making decisions that could harm them and other drivers.
The most common reasons for a semitruck accident often resemble those of passenger vehicles. It’s essential to reach out to a legal advisor if you’re the victim of an accident due to any of these circumstances. Remember that things like practical training and proper resting hours can dramatically reduce the number of accidents on the road.