Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Any auto accident has the potential to cause severe damage, but there are few more harmful than trucking accidents. Truck accidents often result in serious personal injuries, costly property damage, and emotional trauma for those involved. The damages in a trucking accident can be severe because trucks are large and heavy, and, in most cases, these heavy vehicles strike automobiles that are much smaller in weight and size.
It is important for victims of trucking accidents to ensure their rights are protected and that they are justly compensated for any damages they incur. Determining the cause of a trucking accident is key to proving liability so that damages can be rewarded.
At Quick Law Group, PLLC, our experienced attorneys have a great understanding of the causes of trucking accidents occurring in the Seattle, WA and Bellevue, WA area. This experience and understanding allows our attorneys to build the strongest case on behalf of our clients, so we can help them obtain compensation for all related losses.
Causes of Truck Accidents
As with any other vehicle or driver, there are multiple factors that can affect the abilities of a truck driver and the function and safety of the truck itself. Any one of these factors can increase the risk of a truck accident. Below are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents:
- Driver fatigue: Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents. Although there are federal regulations in place that prohibit truck drivers from driving for more than 11 consecutive hours, these regulations are not always followed. Even when a driver is within these guidelines, the sheer number of miles that most drivers cover during this time can be exhausting to even the most experienced drivers.
- Insufficient training: Driving a commercial truck is not the same as driving a passenger vehicle. Truck drivers are supposed to undergo special training to ensure they can handle the truck properly. Unfortunately, insufficient training is a top cause of trucking accidents.
- Improper truck maintenance or equipment failure: A trucking company is responsible for maintaining their vehicles to ensure they are running properly. All maintenance should be properly documented. If a truck is not maintained, it can lead to equipment failure, which may cause an accident. If a truck has been maintained, and equipment failure still occurs, the manufacturer may be held responsible for any resulting accidents.
- Improper loading: Most commercial trucks carry heavy loads in their trailers. A truck’s load must be weighed and loaded properly to ensure the truck is properly balanced. A heavy load, or one that has not been loaded properly, can make it more difficult to control the truck and increase the risk of an accident.
- Driver error: Another leading cause of truck accidents is driver error. There is a range of decisions a truck driver can make that can increase the likelihood of an accident. This includes practices such as driving under the influence, texting while driving, speeding, and road rage.
Proving Liability
When a trucking accident occurs, there is a lot that goes into proving liability. Attorneys Matthew and Elizabeth Quick works with experts in the field to determine the cause of a truck accident, which is vital to assigning liability. Based on our findings, we may be able to build a case of liability against the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle or parts manufacturer, or any combination of the three. Trucking companies often have experienced lawyers who are willing to use aggressive tactics to avoid providing accident victims with the compensation they are justly due, so it is very important to work with an experienced attorney following a trucking accident.
Contact Us
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss the details of your case. Experienced attorney Elizabeth Quick and the legal team at Quick Law Group, PLLC are ready to fight to ensure your legal rights are protected.