The majority of large trucks and buses on the road require a commercial driver license to operate. These drivers are trained and educated on the safest methods to drive these large vehicles and are held to a higher standard. While some truck accidents are not the fault of the driver, many others occur as a result of negligence. When others are injured in a truck accident, the cause of the accident is the determining factor of whether the truck driver or their employer is liable for damages.

Some truck accidents are not the fault of the truck driver. Just because a large truck hits another vehicle does not mean the truck driver was at fault. Other drivers on the road can cause accidents due to unsafe driving, resulting in large truck crashes. Poor weather conditions can create slippery roadways where both large trucks and passenger vehicles slide into each other. However, there are many circumstances where truck drivers and their employers are negligent, putting others at risk on the roads.

Safety Issues

Trucking companies and drivers need to maintain safe vehicles. Poor maintenance of large trucks can lead to serious injury accidents. Tires that are unsafe or brakes that need service can impact the safety of large trucks. If an accident is caused by safety problems with a large truck, the driver or owner of the truck may be liable for injuries or damages caused by the accident. In addition, they also need to ensure the loads they carry are secure. Falling debris or lost loads are common causes of accidents.

Driver-Related Crash Factors

According to a study performed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driver-related factors were recorded for 32% of truck fatality accidents in 2016. The top three driver-related factors that caused accidents in that study were: speeding, distracted driving and impairment. All three factors are controlled by the driver, and crashes caused by these factors could be considered driver negligence. Other driver-related crash factors include:

• Careless driving
• Not staying in the correct lane
• Not obeying traffic lights/signs
• Following too closely
• Backing improperly
• Overcorrecting

When a serious truck accident occurs that causes injuries or fatalities, it is important that these accidents are carefully investigated. Victims in these accidents need an experienced truck accident lawyer to help them find the cause of the accident. Our team at Race Law Firm has the experience you need if you were the victim of a truck accident. Contact our firm to schedule a free consultation to discuss your truck accident injury claim.