Common Cause of Semi Accidents
Tractor-trailer and semi truck accidents are often caused by the same factors that contribute to car accidents, such as mechanical defects, improper / unbalanced loads, speeding, drinking, drugs, medications and inclement weather. Other causes are unique to the trucking industry:
Driver Error :: aggressive driving such as tailgating or speeding.
Inattentive Driver :: Due to frequent time on the road, truck drivers can get bored and look for ways to amuse themselves and can ultimately have catastrophic consequences. Focusing their attention on other areas such as TVs, cd’s and cell phones can also contribute to these collisions.
Failure to Properly Inspect or Maintain Equipment :: Some trucking companies attempt to cut costs by not properly servicing their fleet, resulting in mechanical failures while on the roadways.
Improper Loading :: Cargo that is not properly loaded can cause jack-knives or rollovers, creating devastating results.
Inclement Weather :: Due to their size and weight, semis are not easy to control or slow down, making them a force to reckon with even under the best of driving conditions.
Inadequate Training and Supervision :: Many crashes involving semi trucks are caused by unqualified drivers who lack experience. Frequently, their employers hire them without checking credentials or ensuring they can drive safely.
Unrealistic Schedules :: Trucking companies are required by law to properly train their drivers and ensure they are given adequate time to rest between shifts. If companies fail to meet these legal obligations, they can be held liable.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse :: To meet unrealistic deadlines, many drivers turn to alcohols or drugs.
Driver Fatigue :: Although government regulations are designed to prevent fatigue, drivers are pressured to drive more hours and may falsify their records. Many collisions are caused because these drivers are too tired to function properly on the road.
In all of these cases, the behaviors of the driver must be investigated along with the hiring and training practices of the trucking company.
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