When a commercial truck is involved in an accident, the results can be devastating. Unlike standard car crashes, these collisions often lead to serious injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers and big rigs.
But truck accidents don’t just impact the drivers involved—they can disrupt businesses, delay shipments, and create ripple effects throughout the economy. The transportation industry keeps goods moving across the country, but when accidents happen, the consequences can be widespread.
So, what’s causing these crashes? In this article, we’ll break down the 10 most common causes of truck accidents, from driver fatigue to equipment failures, and discuss what drivers, trucking companies, and everyday motorists can do to help make the roads safer for everyone.
1. Driver Fatigue
According to Forbes, one of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue.
Commercial truck drivers drive long hours, often exceeding the legally permitted driving time limits, which can result in fatigue, driver errors, and a higher risk of accidents.
Federal regulations permit property-carrying commercial truck drivers to operate their vehicles for up to 11 hours after taking a rest of 10 consecutive hours, while passenger-carrying drivers are authorized to drive for a maximum of 10 hours after taking eight consecutive hours off duty.
However, we have found that drivers and their employers ignore these limitations. Finding this information in discovery in a case is often vitally important to the success of that case.
2. Speeding
Speeding is another major cause of commercial truck accidents.
According to the 2022 Safer Trucking Report released by the Institute for Safer Trucking, there was a 164% surge in fatalities between 2011-2020 resulting from truck crashes on roads where the speed limit is 75 mph or higher.
Driving too fast makes it difficult for truckers to react to unexpected situations, leading to accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, excessive speed reduces the ability to stop in time. The weight of the vehicle and cargo requires even greater stopping distances that often cannot occur at such high speeds.
3. Improperly Loaded Cargo
Improperly loaded cargo can also lead to a variety of issues, including cargo shift, unbalanced weight distribution, and overloaded trailers. These problems can lead to accidents, and even worse, they can cause cargo to spill onto the road, creating additional hazards for other drivers.
Determining the proper load is an important step in determining the cause of the crash. Additionally, if another company was responsible for loading the vehicle—and did so improperly—this may be an additional defendant to consider.
Wondering if you have a case? Take our quiz to find out.Tell Us What HappenedPlease provide the basic details of your accident so we are prepared to discuss your case at your free consultation.Type of Case(Required) Car Accident Slip/Trip & Fall Injured By Someone Injured By Defective Product Death Due to Negligence4. Equipment Failure
Equipment failure is another major cause of truck accidents.
One of the three major types of critical events linked with truck fatalities, as stated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), is the loss of control of the vehicle caused by traveling at a speed unsuitable for the road conditions, vehicle systems malfunction, cargo shifting, or poor road conditions.
5. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving includes speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, and failing to use a turn signal when changing lanes. These actions can create hazardous road conditions and increase the risk of semi truck accidents.
Truck drivers who panic, overcompensate, or exercise poor directional control in response to an aggressive driver can make the situation even worse.
6. Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions can create hazardous driving conditions for commercial truck drivers. Rain, snow, and ice can reduce visibility and make the road surface slick, which can increase the risk that an accident will occur.
7. Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a growing concern for commercial truck drivers.
In 2020, the Institute for Safer Trucking reported that distracted truck drivers were involved in 248 fatal crashes, leading to 277 fatalities. Distracted driving behavior can include texting or talking on the phone while driving, eating or drinking while driving, or even reading while driving. Failing to check blind spots before changing lanes due to distraction is a common factor in large truck crashes.
8. Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in any kind of accident, especially commercial truck accidents.
In the last few years, trucking companies have lost many older and more experienced drivers who have been replaced by drivers who are often new to driving a large truck. These drivers can be some of the most dangerous on the road.
According to the Institute for Safer Trucking, younger drivers between the ages of 18-20 were 3 times more likely to have fatal crashes due to distracted driving. Inexperienced drivers may lack the necessary skills and training to handle unexpected situations on the road.
9. Failure to Obey Traffic Laws
Failure to obey traffic laws is another common cause of commercial truck accidents. This can include not stopping at red lights and stop signs, not yielding the right of way, and speeding in construction zones. These actions can create dangerous situations on the road and increase the risk of accidents.
10. Driving Under the Influence
According to the FMCSA, motor vehicle crashes are significantly influenced by major factors such as alcohol consumption. When commercial truck drivers are under the influence, their judgment and reaction time are impaired, which can lead to accidents.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you are in a crash involving a commercial truck, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention for your injuries.
This step is important following any accident, but especially when your passenger vehicle collides with a truck 10 times its size.
It’s important to document the accident scene and gather information from the truck driver, including their name, contact information, and insurance details. Avoid admitting fault or making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt.
Once you have received medical attention, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney who has experience with truck accident cases. A qualified attorney can help guide you as you file a claim, negotiate with the insurance company, and pursue the compensation you deserve.
