Truck accidents happen for many reasons. Contrary to popular belief, truck drivers are not always responsible for truck accidents. Following are some of the common parties that can be held liable for truck accidents:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Cargo loading companies
- Truck manufacturer
- Truck mechanic
Even though there are four other responsible parties, people tend to blame truck drivers for truck accidents. It’s because truck drivers behave in a way that makes people think like this. Truck drivers are negligent in many ways when driving.
Regardless of who caused the accident, victims can file personal injury claims to recover the losses they incurred from the accident. One of the important steps to take after a semi-truck accident is to hire a lawyer.
Since truck drivers will be backed by trucking companies, you will need the help of experienced lawyers to fight them and obtain compensation.
Types of Truck Driver Negligence
Truck drivers don’t realize the part they play in truck accidents. Minor negligence can lead to accidents. Following are some of the common behaviors that truck drivers exhibit:
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Violating Hours of Service Rules
- Violating Traffic Rules
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol is pretty common in the US. Even if punished, drivers tend to repeat the same crime. This behavior is even more common among truck drivers since they work long hours.
Drivers think that a couple of shots can’t impair their driving. But in reality, even a small amount of alcohol in your system can impair your driving. They will have slow reaction times, which can result in accidents.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers usually drive to many new places. They use the GPS system to get around new places. Even a minor distraction, like looking at the map, can lead to accidents. Truck drivers should have their complete focus on the road.
Taking the eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can lead to accidents because trucks are much harder to control than cars. If a truck starts to swerve, you cannot get it back under control easily.
Speeding
Trucks have speed limits. Truck drivers should drive under that limit. Exceeding this speed limit can lead to drivers losing control of the vehicle.
The main reason for speed limits in trucks is that the stopping distance for a truck is longer, even at low speeds. The truck takes around 600 feet to stop when it is fully loaded.
So if the driver crosses the speed limit, they can’t bring the truck to a complete stop suddenly.
Violating Hours of Service Rules
Hours of service rules regulate the number of hours a truck driver can work in a day and week.
This hours of service law exists so that drivers will not operate when they are tired. Sleep-deprived driving is more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol.
Truck drivers violate these hours of service to make more trips. In order to make more trips, they risk their own and others’ lives.
Violating Traffic Laws
Even when small vehicles like cars violate traffic rules, it results in accidents. Imagine what would happen when a huge vehicle like a semi-truck violated traffic rules.
Traffic law violations are a common reason for T-bone accidents. A truck t-boning a car can be disastrous for the car’s driver and occupants. Traffic laws exist for a reason. It should be followed to keep everyone safe.
Wrapping Up
Truck driver negligence plays a huge role when it comes to truck accidents. Truck drivers should be more responsible when they are on the road. The victims can help in controlling truck accidents by holding the drivers accountable for their actions.
If you are a victim, speak with a lawyer and file a personal injury claim. By filing a claim, you can easily recover your losses and, at the same time, hold the negligent party accountable for their actions.
