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The main reasons why truck accidents occur

Some people make accidents more likely to happen, whether by driving irresponsibly (or illegally) or driving recklessly (or intoxicated). Here are the top reasons why truck accidents usually take place.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is responsible for keeping public roads safe for everyone who uses them, be it motorists or cyclists or pedestrians or commuters using public transportation. A truck accident can be life-changing for victims and their families, leading to significant medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering for both family members and the victim. They will have to live with permanent injuries underscoring the importance of seeking legal counsel specialized in handling truck injuries to navigate the complexities of such cases effectively.

If you happen to be in a truck accident, you have the opportunity to compensate for your injuries. However, to navigate through these complicated truck accident lawsuits, this guide by Swenson & Shelley can help you.

Some people make accidents more likely to happen, whether by driving irresponsibly (or illegally) or driving recklessly (or intoxicated). Here are the top reasons why truck accidents usually take place:

1) Driving under influence (of substance)
Driving while under the influence of drugs or intoxicants is illegal in any state. The amount of alcohol or drugs in the bloodstream can affect judgment, awareness, and ability to react quickly enough to prevent a collision.

Even though it may be legal for you to drink alcohol within the prescribed limits, these limits don’t apply to truck drivers because they have different tolerances for intoxication due to their size and weight carrying capacity. Hence, if an accident happens and a truck driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it would be safe to contact a North Carolina fatal truck accident lawyer to seek legal advice and representation. Remember, you might be held accountable for any damages and injuries inflicted on victims as a result of a collision.

2) Speeding and failing to follow traffic rules/laws
Going above the speed limit or failure to abide by traffic rules are often seen as the two most significant factors in truck accidents. Truck drivers are responsible for transporting cargo safely to its destination on time without causing danger to other road users. Speeding reduces reaction time to stop following sudden changes in situations or emergencies that cause fatal accidents.

Failure to follow the rules increases the risk of collisions with cars coming from different directions. The truck carrying goods also has a higher chance of overturning when speeding. Hence, truck drivers need to strictly stick to the speed limit because many lives depend on it.

3) Truck driver fatigue
Truck drivers are obligated by law to take regular breaks to not become fatigued during long-distance drives. Some experts suggest that quitting at least once an hour ensures safety on North Carolina’s highways, especially considering that many big rigs are governed by federal regulations, which require rest periods every few hours. However, some truck drivers still choose to ignore the signs of fatigue and keep on driving, often with fatal consequences.

4) Driver inattention and distraction
Truck accidents most commonly occur because drivers ignore what they’re doing, for example, when they talk on cell phones or send text messages while behind the wheel. Heavy trucks require precision steering and responsiveness due to their sheer size, which can be difficult to perform another task simultaneously.

Some trucking companies police their employees by installing monitoring systems that detect any activity interfering with driving performance. However, it’s still up to each driver whether they will abide by company rules or not.

5) Improper turning
Truckers should always follow the signs and avoid making sharp turns at intersections or on/off highways if they are unsure about safety. Negotiating turns is difficult for some tractor-trailers if the driver has failed to brake correctly before changing lanes or turning around. Failure to execute a turn properly can result in skidding or rolling over, which can cause injuries for truck occupants and people driving nearby vehicles.

6) Poor construction of roads
Sometimes, road damage may lead to hazardous conditions that increase accidents. This is especially true when road equipment is installed, repaired, or maintained due to heavy rainfall. Maintenance workers have all the necessary safety tools to clear debris away from North Carolina’s highways.

However, drivers rushing or speeding excessively because of bad weather might not be able to stop in time before colliding with construction vehicles blocking lanes.


Photo by DuarteIsmaelsv from Pixabay

7) Failure to maintain fleet vehicles
Some trucking companies are not adequately equipped or trained to inspect, repair, and replace essential components of their vehicles. This can cause severe mechanical problems, which may require immediate attention by a mechanic before they become dangerous. Drivers who fail to keep track of routine maintenance schedules could also be held liable for any damage caused if it’s found that the truck was unroadworthy when it crashed into another vehicle/object. A broken axle, for example, could snap apart while driving at high speeds and roll over the cab in the process.

The reasons listed above are some of the leading causes of North Carolina truck accidents. They are not always easy to avoid or predict, but when they do happen, everyone needs to remain calm and assist anyone who may need help before dialing 911 for assistance. Victims of these accidents have several options available when seeking compensation from negligent parties, including filing lawsuits against individual drivers or even commercial companies that hired particular contractors. A North Carolina personal injury attorney will help victims understand their rights and options.

Main photo by rauschenberger from Pixabay

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