Truck accidents can be devastating and often lead to severe injury or death. In 2022, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation's Crash Facts, 14,759 trucks were involved in accidents. This includes tractor, concrete mixer, dump, garbage, tanker, tow, and other truck combinations. Of these accidents, 3,738 involved injuries or fatalities.
Due to the significant size and weight of commercial trucks, injuries sustained in accidents can be severe, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Lacerations and bruises
- Psychological trauma
At Alex & Associates, we understand the immense impact a truck accident can have on victims and their families. In this blog, we discuss the common causes of such accidents and the legal implications the cause of an accident can have on a personal injury case.
Accident Causes & Negligence: How Are They Connected?
When determining who is at fault in a truck accident, identifying the cause is paramount. For instance, driver error might indicate individual accountability, whereas equipment failure could point to the manufacturer or maintenance team. Alternatively, patterns of accidents related to overloaded cargo could implicate the trucking company.
The details of what caused an accident significantly influence the direction and outcome of a personal injury claim, including:
- Determining liability
- Calculating damages
- Understanding insurance coverage
- Contextualizing federal and state trucking regulations
Factors That May Point to Negligence
When a commercial truck is involved in a collision, the consequences can be far-reaching, affecting not only the drivers but also passengers, other vehicles, and pedestrians. Knowing the common causes of truck accidents can provide insight into liability and compensation claims. In particular, determining the cause of a truck accident can help the courts determine if negligence or wrongdoing contributed to an accident.
Many factors can contribute to a truck accident, including:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and can become excessively tired, leading to poor decision-making and reaction times.
- Distracted driving: Using mobile devices, eating, or any activity taking the driver’s attention away from the road can result in an accident.
- Driving under the influence: Operating a truck while impaired by alcohol or drugs is not only illegal but also immensely dangerous.
- Poor vehicle maintenance: Failure to properly maintain crucial components like brakes and tires can lead to catastrophic failures on the road.
- Overloaded cargo: Excessive cargo can cause instability and reduce the truck's maneuverability, increasing the risk of rollover accidents.
- Speeding: Exceeding speed limits can lead to loss of control, especially in large trucks requiring more distance to stop.
- Equipment failure: Essential parts such as steering components, brakes, tires, or other mechanical parts may fail, leading to accidents.
- Inadequate driver training: Drivers must be thoroughly trained to handle large trucks safely. Inadequate training can lead to errors on the road.
Why Seek Compensation?
Insurance payouts often fall short of covering the total extent of damages sustained in such incidents. Through obtaining legal representation, victims can gain support in seeking compensation that addresses the scope of their immediate medical expenses and other damages, including lost wages and earning capacity, long-term care needs, chronic pain, and suffering.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, taking the following steps is recommended:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to the police
- Document everything related to the accident and your injuries
- Contact a reputable personal injury law firm, like Alex & Associates
At Alex & Associates, we are dedicated to providing our clients with professional and compassionate legal assistance in the wake of a truck accident. It's crucial in such trying times to consider your legal options, which often extend beyond insurance settlements.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, please reach out for a free consultation to explore your rights.