Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Truck Accidents: Other Commercial Drivers
Commercial truck drivers are generally skilled and experienced drivers. They spend many hours on the road and most strive to ensure the safety of those in smaller vehicles around them. However, several factors make the field dangerous and can contribute to truck accidents.
Inherent dangers exist in the size and weight of the trucks used for commercial transportation and shipping. Further, characteristics inherent in the nature of the trucking business can create hazardous conditions.
Some common causes of truck accidents due to trucking industry realities include:
- Inadequate training as to driving safety, techniques, and defensive driving
- Corrupt compensation systems that encourage faster vehicle speeds and more consecutive hours of driving than would normally be advisable
- Unrealistic schedules and expectations on the part of the trucking company that encourages drivers to speed and hurry, despite the risks associated with this behavior
Other Parties Responsible for a Truck Crash
In many truck accident cases, the truck driver is not the only party responsible for the accident. Truck accidents may also be caused, at least in part, by the:
- Trucking company
- Manufacturer of a defective part
- Maintenance company
- Other drivers
The truck driver is one of many parties that may hold liability in the event of a truck accident. If you have been involved in an accident, it is imperative that you contact a licensed truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Your truck accident attorney will employ investigators to thoroughly assess the accident and all possible defendants. Crucial evidence may be uncovered that points to liability on the part of previously unsuspected defendants, such as poor tire maintenance leading to the accident or black box data showing the trucker exceeded hours of service requirements.
Truck Driver Negligence
When the truck driver is at least partly at fault for the accident, there are several possible theories of liability. Common instances of truck driver negligence include:
- Distracted driving
- Tired driving
- Exceeding hours of service requirements
- Speeding
- Road rage
- Unsafe following distance
- Failure to timely brake to avoid an obstacle
- Unsafe passing
- Failure to yield or stop
- Driver inexperience or lack of sufficient training
Each of these factors will lead to liability on the part of the trucker, and possibly additional defendants including the trucking company. Truck accidents caused by negligent truckers can lead to a host of injuries, usually on the part of the occupants of the much smaller passenger vehicle. Injuries could include:
- Brain injury
- Head injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Disfigurement
- Loss of limbs
- Organ damage
- Scarring
- Death
Your truck accident attorney will assess all of your damages and seek a recovery for each. Through diligence, aggressive representation, and the careful gathering of evidence, you can be made whole again following even the most serious of truck accidents.
Zinda Law Group: Renowned Texas Truck Accident Attorneys
The Texas Truck Accident Attorneys at Zinda Law Group have assisted countless truck accident victims with a wide array of complex accident cases. We often assist in complicated cases involving several defendants.
We understand that a truck accident will commonly have devastating results. As such, we will aggressively seek compensation for your damages stemming from the accident, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
We offer a free consultation to new clients and have office locations in Austin and across Texas. Call Zinda Law Group toll free at 800-863-5312 to speak to one of our award winning truck accident attorneys today.
