The Most Common Causes Of Commercial Truck Accidents
When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be devastating for the victims. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, whereas the average passenger vehicle only weighs a small fraction of it. In the event of an accident, the occupants of the passenger vehicle are at the risk of suffering catastrophic and life-altering injuries, or even wrongful death.
In this post, we will look at the five most common causes of commercial truck accidents in New York.
Driver Error
Driver error is among the most common causes of commercial truck accidents in New York. The most common forms of driver error that can lead to an accident include:
- Speeding
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Making turns or changing lanes without signaling or checking for other vehicles
- Tailgating
- Failing to check blind spots when passing other vehicles or changing lanes
- Making rolling stops at intersections
- Distracted driving
Fatigued or Drowsy Driving
Trucking companies in New York are known to pressure their drivers into meeting unrealistic deadlines. As a result, drivers do not get sufficient rest and tend to stay on the road longer than they should – sometimes in violation of federal hours of service regulations.
Fatigue or lack of sleep can slow down a driver’s reflexes and reaction time, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents. If the driver falls asleep at the wheel or is unable to maintain focus while driving, it can result in a catastrophic accident and injuries.
Improper Cargo Loading
Improperly loaded cargo can shift from one place to another, which can make it difficult for the driver to control the truck. Poorly secured cargo, on the other hand, can fall from the truck, collide into or strike other vehicles, and cause serious accidents.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)’s cargo loading and securement regulations specify how cargo should be loaded into a commercial truck, how much cargo can be loaded, and how it must be secured. Any errors in loading and securing the cargo can affect the truck’s balance, which in turn can increase the risk of an accident to a significant extent.
Defective Parts or Poor Maintenance
A defectively designed or manufactured part can cause a commercial truck to malfunction, as a result of which the driver might lose control of the truck. Trucking companies are required to inspect all the vehicles in their fleet on a regular basis and make sure they are fit for operation. Lack of proper maintenance can lead to mechanical problems, equipment failure or tire blowouts, which can endanger others on the road.
Bad Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions can pose a challenge even to the most skilled of commercial truck drivers. Rain, snow, ice, and sleet can affect traction and make it harder for the driver to control the truck. It’s one of the reasons why commercial truck drivers are advised to drive as slowly as they possibly can and use extreme caution while driving under inclement weather conditions. Stemming from this, pressure from the trucking company to meet delivery deadlines can sometimes push the trucker to ignore the safety practices and cause an accident.
Choose Seasoned Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers in New York with a Proven Track Record of Success
If you have been injured by a commercial truck, you need an experienced New York commercial truck accident attorney to pursue the largest possible financial damages you are entitled to.
Attorney Michael S. Lamonsoff has extensive experience in handling commercial truck accident claims and has an outstanding track record of verdicts and settlements. Highly rated by his clients and respected by his peers, Michael S. Lamonsoff is known as ‘The Bull’ for his aggressive legal strategies and his ability to fight relentlessly to get his clients the compensation they deserve.
Call our firm today at 212-962-1020 or use our online contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a seasoned New York commercial truck accident lawyer.