Unsafe Conditions Lead Truck Accidents

Large trucks present special dangers to others on the road due to their size. Trucks usually weigh 20 to 30 times that of a passenger car. When truck accidents occur, the occupants of the truck are less likely to be hurt than those in passenger cars. In representing victims of truck accidents, our firm sees several common factors that contribute to truck wrecks, including:

1. Driver fatigue. Due to demanding schedules, truck drivers are often overworked. Even though there are strict requirements about how long a driver can operate, drivers flout these regulations so that they can meet their deadlines.
2. Improper maintenance or defective parts. Drivers and trucking fleets are responsible for regular maintenance. Tire blowouts are one dangerous condition that can occur if a truck is not properly serviced. Brakes are another part that must be kept in good repair.
3. Distracted driving. Because of the length of time drivers must operate, driving distracted is a real risk. Whether talking on the phone or surfing the internet, such a habit can take a driver’s eyes off the road.
4. Driver inexperience. Even though drivers must be properly licensed, such a license does not mean they have mastery of operating an 18-wheeler. Also, a driver may run into conditions such as rain or snow that he or she is not familiar with.
5. Improper cargo loading. Loads must be properly secured, and truck trailers must be properly weighted. Also, trucks are sometimes overloaded making it harder to brake.

Dangers 18-Wheelers Pose to Others

It is important to understand that most fatalities in accidents involving tractor-trailers are the occupants of passenger vehicles. The size of the truck makes everyone else on the road vulnerable.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 3,852 people died in truck accidents in 2015:

• 69 percent were riding in cars or passenger vehicles;
• 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcycles; and
• Only 16 percent were truck occupants.

Contact a Lake County Truck Accident Lawyer

Large trucks are subject to numerous federal and state regulations to combat some of the unsafe conditions that can lead to serious accidents. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident with a truck, you should retain a lawyer who has experience in truck accident cases and who understands the regulations trucks must follow. Call the qualified Lake County wrongful death attorneys of Salvi & Maher, LLP at 847-622-3303 to set up a free consultation.

Source:

http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/large-trucks/fatalityfacts/large-trucks