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Semi-Truck Accidents

Are semi tractor-trailer accidents viewed differently than other auto accidents?
What is a "commercial truck"?
Why is a traffic accident involving a commercial truck more likely to cause injury than one involving passenger cars?
Who can be sued in a truck accident case?
What are the most common factors in collisions between commercial trucks and automobiles?
Is investigation important in a truck accident case?
If a semi-truck is carrying a hazardous liquid, and the victim of the accident is now suffering from respitory problems, can the driver as well as the shipper of the chemicals be held liable?

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Common Causes Of Truck Accidents & Big Rig Dangers: Even More Dangers

In the last two articles, we covered some of the most common causes of truck accidents: poor trucker decisions and truck size and weight. In the third and last article in the series, we will cover the remaining common causes of truck accidents.

(Keller & Keller Quick Tip*: a large number of fatal truck accidents arise from a combination of causes, however, the single largest factor involved is a semi-trucks inherent dangers paired with another drivers lack of understanding on how to share the road with big rigs.)

· Poorly loaded cargo. Trucks can carry tens of thousands of pounds of cargo - of an almost unimaginable variety. These objects must be properly packed and secured for maximum safety. If the cargo is off balance or shifts during transportation, it can cause jackknifing and rollovers. If the cargo is not properly secured, it could fall off of the truck, causing accidents and major safety issues.

· Adverse weather conditions. Driving any type of vehicle is more dangerous when you add rain, wind, snow, or ice. However, the troubles are magnified if you are driving a truck. Wind can literally blow trucks over, while ice and snow makes braking and keeping control of the vehicle even more difficult. Fog or rain can decrease visibility and increase blind spots.

· Inexperienced truckers. Studies have found that a disproportionate number of truck accidents involve truckers in training or truckers without much experience. This makes sense - they are simply not yet familiar with the dangers of truck driving or how big and heavy their vehicle really is. Employers of truck drivers should always check for commercial trucking licenses and confirm the trucker's driving history.

· Mechanical problems. Trucks are on the road far more often than family-owed vehicles - they are constantly driving high speeds on the highway and hauling huge amounts of goods. It is no surprise that they need much more maintenance, especially in regards to their tires and brakes. Although trucks are required to be checked for mechanical problems fairly often, it is still a leading cause of truck accidents.