Types of Commercial Trucking Accidents
Here at The Tawwater Law Firm, we always take auto accident cases serious, particularly when large trucks are involved. Oklahoma City residents can turn to our team for assistance with lawsuits involving and legal actions over truck accidents, because our team has the necessary experience to achieve results.
There are many different causes of trucking accidents, and we don't just mean the possibility of a jackknifed vehicle. Let's consider some of the most common reasons that truck accidents occur.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue refers to sensations of drowsiness or exhaustion felt by the drivers of commercial trucks. This often occurs as a result of long hours behind the wheel without adequate sleep and without proper breaks for rest. These issues can be exacerbated by trucking companies pushing their drivers too hard and demanding too much of them.
Driver fatigue made major headlines last year when a Walmart truck collided with the limo bus containing actor/comedian Tracy Morgan and his friend, fellow comedian James McNair. McNair was killed, and Morgan was seriously injury. The driver of that Walmart truck had not slept for 24 hours leading up to the accident.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Inattentive Driving
Driver distraction can also lead to serious accidents with truck drivers. This might be an issue of a truck driver texting or using a mobile device while behind the wheel, or even simple tasks such as eating while driving.
It should also be noted that large trucks have substantial blind spots, and it is possible for truck drivers to not see vehicles at their sides. When driving near a large truck, be sure to exercise great caution in order to avoid being caught in that blind spot.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Commercial trucks rack up a lot of miles when crossing the state and the country, and so they need to be regularly and properly maintained. Poor maintenance of a truck can take many forms, from driving on bad tires, to driving with malfunctioning brakes, to driving with bad steering. All of these can make auto accidents more likely, and why trucking companies need to make sure their fleet of vehicles is in good shape.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving/Driving While Intoxicated
Drinking and driving is always dangerous, no matter who does it. When truck drivers do it, however, the accidents can be extremely serious. This is especially true if a truck driver is drunk on a busy city street or on the highway. The use of illegal narcotics (i.e., marijuana, cocaine) or legal drugs (i.e., pain killers, amphetamines) can similarly lead to dangerous driving behaviors.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Poorly Secured Loads
A number of auto accidents are the result of trailers coming unhitched or the objects loaded onto a trailer coming loose. This can lead to serious collisions with other vehicles as well as dangerous road debris. It's important that all loads are properly secured and that truck drivers remain attentive about these matters at all times.
Trucking Accidents Caused by Poor Weather
Rain, snow, and fog can make roads much more dangerous. Truck drivers need to exercise caution in poor weather, driving at slower speeds and taking greater care with regard to other drivers. While truck drivers cannot control the weather, they can definitely alter their driving to mitigate the negative effects of the weather on their driving.
Contact the Lawyers at The Tawwater Law Firm
For more information about your legal options following a serious injury that occurred as a result of a trucking accident, be sure to contact our team of personal injury attorneys today. The team at The Tawwater Law Firm looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you receive just compensation for injuries and other hardships sustained.
