Due to their size and weight, large trucks are a danger on the road for other smaller vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Trailer trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it difficult to halt, and the severity of injuries is often great because of the large impact. There are a wide variety of reasons why truck accidents occur, but negligence tops the list.
If you have been in an accident with a truck, the truck driver or trucking company could be held liable for your injuries. You can recover your damages if you can prove that the driver’s actions or the truck caused your injuries. It is recommended to speak to a truck accident lawyer in OC to discuss your options. Meanwhile, here are some common examples of negligence in truck drivers.
Examples of negligence that leads to truck accidents
- Driver errors.
Negligence on the truck driver’s part is one of the most common reasons truck accidents occur. There are certain rules and regulations about driving for a specific number of hours per week, but many drivers do not adhere to them. Drivers work longer hours than allowed without rest and sleep, increasing the risks of a collision.
Moreover, trucking companies also have a high turnover, which means new and inexperienced drivers are on the road. Taken together, these factors can lead to a deadly accident.
- GPS-related accidents.
While GPS is great for traveling to an unknown place, especially for truck drivers, looking at the GPS and trying to understand the directions can cause distraction. To look at the directions, you would require to move your eyes off the road. A truck driver should always stop their vehicle on the safe side of the road and ensure the area is safe before looking at the GPS. However, truck drivers are negligent and cause accidents.
- Ignoring road conditions.
Truck drivers should drive according to road conditions. Since the vehicle is so heavy and huge, it is important to go at a safe speed at all times and look out for hazards. This can be done by being responsible and attentive toward the road. However, many truck drivers continue to drive irresponsibly in bad road conditions, such as potholes, slippery roads due to rain or snow, road work, etc.
- Equipment failure.
There are certain pieces of equipment in the truck that, when they do not function properly, can lead to accidents. For example, defective brakes can result in the truck crashing into another vehicle.