Semitruck crashes can lead to catastrophic injuries for victims. When one of these tragedies occurs, a victim may decide that they want to seek compensation for the financial damages associated with their injuries.
In these cases, determining the party that’s responsible for the crash is imperative because that’s who will be named as a defendant in the matter. Knowing some of the more common causes of semitruck crashes may be beneficial, as a result.
Loose or shifting cargo
Improperly secured or overpacked cargo can shift during transit, especially when the truck is in motion, making sudden turns or when braking. This shifting can alter the truck’s center of gravity, making it difficult to control and potentially leading to jackknife accidents or rollovers.
There’s also a chance that the cargo can come loose from the trailer. At that point, it becomes a roadway hazard that can strike other vehicles. The cargo may also land in the roadway so it becomes an obstacle in the road.
Actions of the trucker
Trucker error includes behaviors such as speeding, aggressive driving and violating traffic laws. Fatigue is another major issue because truckers often face long hours on the road with inadequate rest. This goes directly against Hours of Service regulations that limit driving time between rest breaks.
Distraction is also a growing concern because all drivers, including truckers, sometimes focus on mobile devices or other non-driving tasks. These actions can impair a trucker’s ability to react to road conditions and traffic, which increases the risk of accidents.
Problems with maintenance and components
Regular maintenance is critical for the safety of semitrucks. These vehicles are subject to significant wear and tear due to their size and the distances they cover.
Failure to properly maintain brakes, tires, lights and other critical components can lead to catastrophic failures. For example, tire blowouts can cause a driver to lose control, while brake failures prevent trucks from stopping in time.
Trucking company policies
The policies of trucking companies can prioritize speed and efficiency over safety. This puts pressure on truckers to meet unrealistic schedules that require them to rush or skip required rest breaks.
Ultimately, victims of these crashes must ensure that they name those who are truly liable parties as defendants. This is the only way for them to get the compensation they’re due.