With more than 30,000 fatal car accidents occurring on U.S. roads in 2014 alone, it’s normal for drivers to be cautious when driving. This is especially true when it comes to sharing the road with tractor trailers. Commercial truck accidents are all too common and can result in significant damages and injuries. So, to better help you share the road safely with truck drivers, let’s take a look at a few common causes of commercial truck accidents.
Equipment Failure
One of the most common causes of commercial truck accidents is equipment failure. This can be due to poor part production, lack of truck maintenance, or simple wear and tear. If equipment failure is the cause of a truck accident, this is where a lawsuit can get complicated. Proving fault can be complex because in a case like this, there may be multiple parties at fault. An experienced lawyer will know what actions to take to prove exactly who is responsible for the accident.
Driver Error
Another common cause of commercial truck accidents is driver error. Truck drivers can make mistakes just like other drivers on the road. When they get behind the wheel, truck drivers have an increased responsibility to drive safely. But truck drivers may still drive drowsy, drunk, or simply recklessly. If a truck driver is responsible for an accident, an attorney will have to gather proper evidence to be able to sufficiently prove fault.
Other Drivers
Just as truck drivers can be responsible for accidents, other drivers on the road can cause accidents, too. In fact, other drivers may be responsible for more commercial truck accidents than actual truck drivers. Unfortunately, some drivers may be reckless when driving by trucks and take risks like unsafe passing, driving between trucks, and changing lanes too quickly in front of a truck. All of these mistakes can easily lead to an accident.
As you can see, there are several causes of a truck accident. If you’re involved in a commercial truck accident, contact the Steigmann Law team today. We have the knowledge and experience needed to handle the complexity of commercial truck accidents.