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Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. This is primarily due to the size difference between semi-trucks and regular vehicles. Commercial trucks are powerful vehicles, and they can cause a lot of damage. In fact, approximately 5,000 people die in the U.S. every year due to truck accidents. And although some accidents are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to lower your chances of being involved in a truck accident. In this article, we examine the top causes of truck accidents and how to avoid them.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Fatigue: Trucking companies often pressure their drivers to work long hours. And although the law imposes rest requirements on truckers, many of them ignore these requirements. Unfortunately, driving while tired or drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Driving While Intoxicated: Commercial driver license holders are held to a stricter standard than regular drivers when it comes to driving while under the influence. For example, in most states, the allowable blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for truck drivers is lower than the legal BAC amount for regular drivers. Unfortunately, however, some truck drivers ignore these laws, and they operate their vehicles while intoxicated.
Reckless Driving: Reckless driving is another common cause of truck accidents. Examples of reckless driving include tailgating, speeding, reckless passing, ignoring traffic signals, and passing on a two-lane road.
Distracted Driving: The popularity of devices like cell phones and GPS systems has drastically increased the number of distracted driving accidents. Unfortunately, truck drivers are not immune to common distracted driving behaviors.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles in good condition. When they fail to do so, accidents can happen, and accident victims may be entitled to significant financial compensation for their injuries.
Poor training: Finally, trucking companies must adequately train their drivers. Some companies, however, cut corners in this area, thereby placing the driving public at risk.
Tips for Avoiding Truck Accidents
To reduce your odds of being involved in a truck accident, do the following:
- Give commercial trucks plenty of space
- Avoid blind spots
- Pass trucks quickly
- Use caution when a truck is making a turn
- Avoid distractions while driving
- Check the weather before driving
- Use your signals
- Use caution when pulling over on the highway
- Use caution when merging
Contact a Long Island Truck Accident Attorney
If you’ve been hurt in a Long Island truck accident, you need an experienced Long Island truck accident attorney on your side. At Dell & Dean, PLLC, we are here to help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your truck accident injuries. When you come to us for help, we will do everything possible to obtain a successful result in your New York truck accident case. Please contact us to arrange a free case evaluation with one of our talented lawyers.
