As the driver of a passenger vehicle, you won’t go a single day without seeing a commercial truck on the road. If you spend a lot of time on the interstate, it goes without saying that you’ll always be in close proximity to truck drivers.
Even though you hope to avoid trouble on the road, it’s always a good idea to understand why truck accidents happen. This information could go a long way in helping you avoid a crash at some point in the future.
Common causes of semi truck accidents
Here are some of the top causes of truck accidents:
- Reckless Driving: When a trucker drives in a reckless manner, such as speeding or changing lanes without signaling, it increases the likelihood of an accident.
- Drowsy Driving: Truckers spend many hours on the road, which can lead to fatigue. When this sets in, the driver should take a break as opposed to pushing forward.
- Inadequate Training: There is nothing easy about driving a truck. Trucking companies are staffed with the responsibility of making sure all its drivers are trained for any situation that may occur.
- Unrealistic Schedules: There are times when trucking companies set an unrealistic schedule, thus forcing the trucker to drive too fast and neglect to take breaks.
- Distracted Driving: This remains a big problem for all drivers. Truckers who text and drive, talk on a cellphone, or get distracted by anything else in their cabin are more likely to cause a crash.
If you notice a truck driver acting in a negligent manner, such as by driving faster than the speed limit, you should keep as much distance as possible. This may be an inconvenience to you, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What to do next
If you happen to find yourself part of a truck accident, move your car to safety and call for help. You will want to receive medical attention as quickly as possible, as there is a good chance you have suffered an injury.
Only after your health is back in order will you want to learn more about your legal rights and the steps you can take to seek compensation from the negligent party.