Truck accidents are not uncommon. Unfortunately, they have devastating effects on the driver, motorists, passengers, and commuters alike. As much as auto accidents also happen to smaller cars, due to their size and weight, trucks carry a higher susceptibility to accidents when not properly handled. Also, due to their large size, they cause more fatalities, especially in collisions involving smaller or multiple cars.
After a truck accident, you will need to hire a reputable attorney to help in investigating your NJ truck accident case. That way, you ensure all at-fault parties are brought to book, and you receive the deserved compensation.
However, in this article, we are going to focus on the common causes of truck accidents you should know.
- Improper truck maintenance
The law requires that trucks undergo regular maintenance to ensure they are in proper working conditions. A ‘simple’ negligent act in the maintenance process is enough to cause a grisly road accident that ends up in fatalities.
Truck accidents may result from failed brakes and unsecured cargo. Other accidents may result from truck mechanical problems, among other things. In most cases, these scenarios may be avoided if brake replacements were made on time, the cargo was properly secured, or the truck underwent proper servicing.
- Over-speeding
Over-speeding is a major cause of car accidents. So, when a truck driver over-speeds, they are not only endangering their lives, but also the lives of other motorists.
What makes truck over-speeding accidents catastrophic is the fact that the impact and fatality of any over-speeding accident are directly proportional to the weight of the vehicle.
- Weather conditions
A majority of countries experience both extreme climates. Driving in summer is great. However, during winter when the roads are filled with snow or rainy can be fatal. Snow can be slippery, causing a truck to skid off the road. Also, truck drivers transporting goods during heavy rains might have visibility problems, increasing their chances of running into someone or colliding with oncoming vehicles.
- Fatigued drivers
Due to the minimal number of professional truck drivers we have in the country, truck companies may have staff shortages. As much as it is the rights of truck drivers to have days of rest, some of them might not be able to do so because of work schedules.
Additionally, many truck drivers transport goods over long distances and may be on the road for a couple of days. Some of these roads are in poor condition, making it harder and tiresome for them to navigate. Since the drivers are overworking, they suffer from fatigue. It is then that a driver falls asleep while driving, putting the lives of other people in danger.
