Finding the causes of truck accidents

by | Sep 20, 2021 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

Truck accidents are a constant source of concern for those who drive on I-55, Highway 82 and other busy Mississippi thoroughfares. When a collision involving an 18-wheeler or other large truck occurs, the resulting injuries are often severe. It is important to identify the causes of these accidents so we can reduce their numbers and protect the lives of innocent drivers, passengers and pedestrians on our streets and highways.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Distracted driving: The stopping distance of a semi-truck weighing 80,000 pounds is close to the length of two football fields. When drivers are inattentive, this distance stretches even longer, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and other accidents.
  • Faulty brakes: When braking systems are in poor repair, the stopping distance can be even longer or not apply at all as an out-of-control truck careens into traffic.
  • Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are pushed to deliver more loads in less time, sometimes exceeding the limits of their bodies. Operating a large commercial truck requires a level of constant attention a fatigued driver is not able to summon.
  • Drug and alcohol abuse: While the overwhelming majority of truck drivers are law-abiding citizens, it only takes one instance of drug or alcohol abuse to create a deadly hazard on the road.

The importance of thorough investigations

Trucking companies aggressively defend against injury lawsuits. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident caused by the negligence of a truck driver, trucking company or other at-fault party, you deserve compensation for your losses, but need facts and evidence to support your claim. By working with a law firm with the resources to investigate complex truck accident claims, you can maximize your chances of a successful financial recovery.