Trucking accidents are devastating and often result in fatalities and severe injuries. These vehicles’ sheer size and weight make them particularly dangerous, and they are prone to mechanical problems, too. For instance, a truck’s balance can be a crucial factor in its safe operation on the highway. Poorly balanced loads can overturn or lead to a crash. Furthermore, defective truck parts can cause disastrous situations, not to mention human errors.
If you are the victim of a trucking accident, you need to discuss your case with a South Bend truck accident lawyer. They will investigate the crash’s causes, identify the liable parties, collect evidence, and negotiate a settlement on your behalf to get your life back on track. Nevertheless, understanding how these accidents happen offers you the proper tools to fight for your case.
Truck Driving Errors
A variety of factors cause trucking accidents. First, truck drivers must obey the rules of the road. If they fail to do so, they can be legally liable for any resulting injuries or fatalities. Often, this happens due to distracted driving. Other factors include speeding, careless driving, or reckless maneuvering. Also, drivers should drive cautiously in poor weather conditions.
Poor road conditions can also contribute to accidents, and many drivers need to be aware of how hazardous these conditions are. Poor lighting or poorly marked roads can also lead to confusion and errors. Truckers often don’t know the roads in Indiana well, making them especially vulnerable to driving mistakes.
Truck Driver Fatigue and Drowsiness
One of the most common factors in trucking accidents is truck driver fatigue. Tired drivers are more likely to make mistakes on the road, such as failing to stay alert at all times, looking in their mirrors, or braking too late. They also tend to ignore traffic rules, take unnecessary risks, and drive too fast.
Truck crashes often involve multiple vehicles. For example, if a commercial truck strikes a passenger car, the smaller vehicle will usually be the one to take the brunt of the crash. In the past years, over eighty percent of fatalities in truck accidents involved passenger cars, bicycles, and large trucks.
Recent studies show that fatigue is responsible for almost half of all fatal truck crashes. Nevertheless, it’s important not to generalize these findings. Generally speaking, truck driver fatigue has a lot to do with company policy; therefore, a seasoned attorney will go after both the driver and their employer in pursuit of compensation.
Disregarding Traffic Signals and Road Signs
Disregarding traffic signs and signals is one of the top causes of trucking accidents. In the past six years, these violations contributed to over fifty deaths and over seven hundred injuries, some of which were incapacitating. In addition, reckless driving and tailgating also increase the risk of truck crashes.
It is also important to heed construction signs, which are there to warn drivers of construction activities ahead. When these signs are visible and easily understood, drivers are more likely to heed them and avoid accidents. Despite the temporary nature of construction signs, it is still important to observe them as part of the Indiana highway laws.
Speeding and Recklessness
Research shows that speed and recklessness are among the most common factors leading to trucking accidents in Indiana. In addition, Indiana highways have many curves and hills, which can limit visibility. This can cause truck drivers to make mistakes that lead to an accident.
Driving Under the Influence
Indiana has several laws against driving under the influence. These laws are important for truck drivers because they may be legally responsible for the damages they cause. In addition, in some cases, the trucking company is also liable for the damages caused by their drivers. Therefore, drivers must be kept under strict guidelines, or others may sue them.
While most truckers undergo drug tests before hiring, these tests aren’t enough to deter people from drinking and driving. The Department of Transportation requires commercial drivers to undergo urinalysis tests to meet federal requirements, but these regulations aren’t enough to stop drunk drivers from operating a truck. Additionally, truck drivers face high pressures to make their delivery deadlines, which can “convince them” to use medication to stay awake and be alert, which, in turn, may lead to speeding and reckless driving. This can result in high-velocity collisions.
If you are suspected of driving under the influence (although interesting measures are taken to stop this), you may be arrested and given a breathalyzer test. You will pay fines if you test positive for alcohol, and your license will most likely be suspended. In addition, a conviction in court may also result in an extended license suspension and possible jail time.
Bottom Line
Truck accidents can cause serious injuries and fatalities to all parties involved. The size and weight of commercial trucks make them a particularly dangerous vehicle to drive on the road. However, truck accidents can also happen for several reasons. For example, a truck can have an overloaded load or other mechanical issues, which make it more difficult to navigate highways safely. No matter your accident, you have the right to compensation for your losses. A truck accident lawyer in your state will do everything possible to establish fault and obtain satisfactory economic and non-economic damages on your behalf.
