Semi-truck accidents are growing more common across the United States based on recent reports from the legal sector as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and other organizations. This ongoing uptick is being attributed to a few key factors. For one, there are younger, inexperienced drivers on the road, and they’re more likely to be involved in accidents in general.
Secondly, the number of 18-wheelers on the road is increasing. Despite a national shortage of truck drivers, there’s a constantly growing demand for goods, and semi-trucks are responsible for delivering nearly three-quarters of those products. Additionally, because of the surging demand for goods, the lack of available truck drivers, and other factors, some trucking companies are putting new drivers on the road before they’re properly trained. That, of course, is sure to lead to more accidents.
Georgia is among the states where 18-wheeler accidents are the most common. Because of that, a growing number of people are turning to firms like Howe.Law in Warner Robins for help with getting the compensation they’re entitled to after being involved in an incident with a semi-truck. Understanding the intricacies of these accidents is essential whether you or a family member has already been involved in one or you’re simply trying to prepare yourself for the possibility ahead of time.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
We’ve already mentioned a couple of the reasons why truck accidents are happening more frequently. One is the growing number of newcomers to the trucking industry. Operating an 18-wheeler is much different than driving a standard car, truck, or SUV. From pulling out into traffic and making turns to starting off on hills and coming to a stop on downgrades, virtually every aspect of vehicle operation is more complicated in a semi-truck.
These trucks are larger, heavier, and less responsive than passenger vehicles. They need more room to maneuver through tight turns, and they can’t make sudden stops the way other vehicles can. That, alone, makes accidents more likely, especially when combined with other factors like traffic congestion and inclement weather. Those are only a few of the points to consider.
Stress
Stress also contributes to the growing number of truck accidents. Commercial drivers are often under a lot of pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines, and the companies they work for expect them to cover as many miles as they can in as little time as possible. Of course, America’s ever-growing shortage of truck drivers places even more pressure on them. There aren’t really enough drivers to meet the increasing demand, so those that are available have to work harder than ever to keep up.
Besides that, commercial truck drivers are up against stringent regulations. They can’t log more than 14 hours on duty every 24 hours, and only 11 of those hours can be spent driving. They’re required to be off duty for at least 10 hours between driving periods, and they have to keep meticulous records of their driving and off-duty time.
It’s a common belief that truckers can easily falsify their driving logs, but that’s largely a misconception. At this point, many trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices that automatically keep track of drivers’ hours. Even manual logs require drivers to account for virtually every moment they’re on duty. All problem drivers encounter during their shift’s places added strain on their schedules, including traffic jams, delays when loading and unloading, and road work to list a few. All of that may lead them to drive recklessly and grow ever more impatient on the road. In turn, those factors increase the risk of accidents.
Mechanical problems can be a major contributing factor as well. Tire blowouts and problems with braking and suspension systems are common issues in this category. Electrical system, engine, steering, and transmission malfunctions can also cause serious issues on the road. A seemingly minor air leak can cause a truck’s brakes to fail. Trailer couplings can fail, causing the trailer to separate from the truck or potentially affecting the functionality of the trailer brakes. Those are only a few of the possibilities.
Even modern safety features can cause significant problems for semi-truck drivers. Automatic emergency braking doesn’t always work the way it’s intended to, and sudden, unexpected stops can cause semi-truck drivers to lose control. Alerts from forward collision warning and blind spot monitoring systems can be problematic as well. In some cases, those systems are too sensitive. That results in constant false warnings, especially in heavy traffic and crowded areas, which can be extremely distracting.
Other Drivers
It’s important to point out that inexperienced and reckless passenger vehicle drivers can certainly play a role in truck accidents. Semi-trucks take far longer to stop than other vehicles. They have broader blind spots and often need more space to turn than passenger vehicles too. Not everyone fully understands those challenges. People in passengers’ vehicles commonly make sudden stops in front of 18-wheelers, linger in their blind spots, cut them off when changing lanes, or follow them too closely. All those actions can increase the risks of being involved in an accident with a semi-truck.
Determining Fault in a Truck Accident
With so many variables potentially entering the mix, proving who is at fault for a truck accident can be particularly difficult. Many people are quick to point fingers at the truck drivers themselves. Though they’re often at least partially responsible for accidents, they’re not always completely to blame. In some instances, the companies they work for are largely at fault due to placing too many demands on their drivers, not providing adequate training, failing to properly maintain their trucks, or even hiring drivers who aren’t truly qualified to operate commercial vehicles.
Truck manufacturers, parts suppliers, and mechanics are sometimes deemed responsible for accidents as well. Design flaws and defective parts play a significant role in some 18-wheeler accidents. Mechanics who provide shoddy maintenance or repair services can contribute to accidents too. Even the companies’ truckers haul loads for may be partially responsible for crashes. They may not balance cargo properly when loading it or fail to adequately secure loads. As mentioned, even victims of semi-truck accidents or other passenger vehicle drivers may also be held partially accountable.
Ensuring Justice is Served with Legal Representation
Semi-truck accidents are growing more common, and they can be particularly dangerous. Several factors can contribute to a truck accident, and a range of parties can be held responsible for them. Proving who is at fault and to what extent can be complicated. With that being the case, seeking help from an attorney is recommended. Having experienced legal representation can make a world of difference when it comes to ensuring justice is served and receiving the compensation you’re entitled to after an unfortunate encounter with an 18-wheeler.
