What are the most common causes of truck accidents?

On Behalf of | Aug 25, 2022 | Motor Vehicle Accidents

With big trucks regularly traveling across the roads in Mississippi, it’s only natural for more truck accidents to occur. These are the most common causes of these accidents.

Driver fatigue

Truckers are required to work long hours to meet strict deadlines. As they travel from one destination to another over long miles, they often skip much-needed rest breaks. This leads to the driver becoming fatigued behind the wheel, which is one of the most dangerous situations imaginable. Even if the driver doesn’t fall asleep, a truck accident can occur.

Distracted driving

It’s dangerous for any driver to become distracted, but it can be even deadlier when a truck driver is distracted. Even taking their attention off the road for five seconds can lead to a deadly crash.

Poor truck maintenance

Huge commercial trucks must be properly maintained to ensure that they are safe to travel on the road. If a truck has any problems, it could lead to an accident. Even if it’s a situation of worn tires, the truck can suffer a tire blowout, which can put everyone on the road at risk as worn pieces of a tire suddenly litter the road.

Improper cargo loading

Trucks are required to carry cargo from one place to another. Sometimes, that cargo consists of dangerous substances or very heavy objects like lumber. If the cargo is improperly loaded or secured, it can make for a disastrous situation while the truck is traveling. It can come loose and scatter across the road, which can lead to multiple accidents and fatalities.

Speeding

Speeding is a huge factor that can lead to truck accidents. Trucks take longer to stop than other vehicles due to the design of their brakes. If a trucker is going too fast, it can make it impossible to stop in time to avoid a crash.

These factors can all increase the risk of a serious truck accident.

If you have been injured as a result of a truck collision, you should consult with an experienced attorney who handles these specific types of cases.