The Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Most people never drive semi-trucks, and for a good reason, due to their sheer size. Semi-trucks can stretch as far as 80 feet and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Driving this type of vehicle requires preparation and training. Truck drivers must have additional time and space to make turns and come to a complete stop.

Unfortunately, truck drivers can make mistakes, too, while they’re driving these huge vehicles. Like other motorists, they can cause serious injuries and death when they hurt someone in a truck accident. If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a semi-truck accident, you deserve to receive compensation for your damages. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney today.

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Causes of semi-truck accidents

When it comes to semi-truck accidents, several parties can cause these types of accidents.

The truck driver’s fault

A majority of semi-truck accidents happen because of a truck driver’s negligence. Semi-truck accidents might happen when truck drivers drive when fatigued, speed, tailgate, drive improperly in traffic congestion, and more.

Driving through fatigue

Truck drivers often spend eight to ten hours on the roads for their work shifts. Driving on the same roads for a long time can increase the chances of falling asleep behind the wheel. The risks are greater if drivers do not rest when necessary under federal regulations.

Speeding

Like other motorists, truck drivers can speed on the roads. The only difference is the ability to stop is less in a large truck. When truck drivers speed, they reduce the reaction time needed to make a safe stop. Since truck drivers already need additional time to stop, they can place many drivers in danger by taking this risk.

Tailgating

Tailgating is already frightening and dangerous with passenger vehicles. When a semi-truck is tailgating you, it is terrifying. Tailgating increases the chances of a rear-end accident. Because trucks are larger than passenger vehicles, you know the passenger vehicle will take on most of that impact.

Traffic congestion

Traffic congestion increases the number of accidents in general. When more vehicles are on the road, it leads to more road rage and recklessness. This is especially true for truck drivers. When truck drivers aren’t paying attention to the traffic signs or the flow of traffic, they can limit their reaction time and hurt other drivers.

A third-party driver’s fault

Another person driving a smaller vehicle can cause a semi-truck to crash and affect your vehicle, as well. The recklessness of other drivers can cause trucks to swerve, roll over, or otherwise lose control. Some actions that other drivers can take include placing themselves in the truck driver’s blind spot, cutting off the truck, driving while distracted, failing to yield, and more.

Placing themselves in the truck driver’s blind spot

The truck driver’s blind spot is the most dangerous place a driver can find themselves. The truck’s blind spots are larger, and they barely notice the presence of the other driver. That means they can hit the other driver when the truck driver attempts to merge into the other lane.

Cutting the truck off

This is another dangerous action that can seriously harm the other driver. When the other driver cuts the truck off, the truck driver will have to slam on their brakes. Truck drivers can’t always stop in the nick of time before hitting a car.

Distracted driving

Like other motorists, car drivers can lose focus behind the wheel. Unfortunately, that one second they take their eyes off the road can cause them to get seriously injured or killed.

Failing to yield

Drivers can cause semi-truck accidents when they fail to merge or allow the right of way to trucks on the highway. Some drivers take that risk and cut trucks off to avoid waiting behind a truck.

The truck manufacturer’s fault

Outside other cars and truck drivers, the truck manufacturer can also be liable for a semi-truck accident. The truck manufacturer can create defective truck parts that make the truck dangerous to operate.

The worst part is that the truck driver won’t know about the defect until it’s too late. These defects can be a worn-down tire, a defective steering wheel, or a faulty brake. These defects can make it more difficult for truck drivers to keep control of the truck.

Road maintenance

Road maintenance is another common cause of semi-truck accidents. Local and state governments are responsible for the maintenance of the roads. That means the government agency is to blame when you run across a pothole that has been on the road for years.

These dangerous road conditions can cause serious damage to the truck’s tires. One of the scariest situations you want to find yourself in is next to a truck with blown-out tires. Other road conditions involve work zones.

Even when they are in the middle of a construction project, construction companies must maintain the safety of the roads. That means that they can’t leave any dangerous debris like nails or uneven pavement on the roadways without some warning signs. The construction company can be liable if they fail to safely maintain the roads.

Weather conditions

Weather conditions can also increase the possibility of semi-truck accidents. The roads are the most dangerous for motorists when it rains. The harder it rains, the harder it is to maintain visibility. This can lead to a serious accident if other motorists aren’t paying attention or panic.

Truck drivers should never drive too fast for weather conditions, even if they feel confident. When a driver is negligent in rain or snow, they can cause a crash.

The trucking company’s fault

Trucking companies can cause semi-truck accidents when they deliberately ignore the federal regulations that all truckers must follow.

These regulations include requiring truck drivers to take mandatory breaks, performing drug testing for truck drivers, and performing routine maintenance on trucks.

To cut costs, trucking companies might look the other way or even encourage violations by drivers.

Improving safety for semi-trucks

Just like with every other vehicle, semi-trucks can benefit from safety technology. Technological features make cars safer to operate and keep drivers alert. These features include rear-view cameras, lane detection signals, and GPS systems. These features can increase safety for truck drivers as well. Here are some truck technologies that can make trucking safer for everyone.

Driver alert systems

One of the technologies that can help with truck driver fatigue is a driver alert system. Driver alert systems can detect a driver’s drowsiness through different factors throughout the day. These factors include the frequency of turn signal use, the length of the trip, and the driver’s steering behavior. When drivers engage in actions like an abrupt wheel turning after long periods of inactivity, that is an indication that the driver fell asleep and had to adjust themselves quickly.

Electronic stability control

Another critical technology is electronic stability control, which detects the presence of defects in the truck. This technology investigates tire movement and steering wheel activity over time. It checks for signs of wear and tear, like loss of traction on tires. Once the defect is detected, the technology will respond by decreasing the speed or adjusting the engine power of the semi-truck.

Rear-view cameras

Rear-view cameras can help semi-trucks when it comes to limited visibility. These cameras can make the blind spots of trucks more visible to truck drivers. This makes it easier for drivers to notice other drivers’ presence and traffic hazards.

Forward collision detection

This type of technology helps to prevent accidents due to driver negligence. Forward collision detection can warn truck drivers when tailgating a car and getting too close. This technology incorporates the use of cameras and light detection and ranging technology. This technology, known as LiDAR, uses lasers to measure the distance between different objects. Other types of technologies used for this detection include emergency braking systems and lane assist technologies.

Automatic braking

In addition to forwarding collision detection, automatic braking technology can stop trucks from hitting other objects and pedestrians. Automatic braking systems use forward-facing radar and camera technology to detect the presence of other cars and pedestrians. This technology gives the truck driver visual and audible warnings when a car or person is present and then applies the brakes.

Lane departure warnings

Lane departure technology helps to alert the truck driver when the truck is departing from the lane and automatically corrects it. This technology helps to warn drivers when the truck begins to stray from the lane. It then directs the truck back to the center of the lane.

When this issue continues a few times, a coffee cup icon will be on the dashboard recommending that the driver take a break. Some lane departure warnings depend on speed and whether the driver used a turn signal.

Blind spot detection

Blind spot detection technology can assist truck drivers with their blind spots. Because the truck driver’s blind spots are larger, they will require greater visual detection. Blind spot detection uses blind spot radars to detect traffic from the side and back of the truck.

Adaptive cruise control

This technology helps prevent a semi-truck accident by keeping a safe distance between the truck and the vehicle. Just like automatic braking, adaptive cruise control uses several audible and visual warnings when the truck is not maintaining a safe distance.

This technology is great for reducing collisions and can be helpful when truck drivers are unable to see in inclement weather conditions. It is also helpful when the cars in traffic continue to start and stop. The technology will automatically come to a stop when the car in front of the truck comes to a stop.

Electronic logging devices

Electronic logging devices help track the driver’s hours of service without truck drivers manually logging in the information. The device automatically records the number of hours the truck driver has been on the road. Instead of pulling over and writing their hours down, electronic logging devices record the data for the truck driver.

Trucking companies can also use these devices to their advantage. They can use the logging device information to ensure truckers follow the HOS regulations.

Better safety training for truck drivers

While these technologies are helpful for truck drivers, they’re only helpful when the truck drivers know how to maximize them. If truck drivers don’t know how to use the features, it’s all for nothing. That is why trucking companies should incorporate safety training with their drivers next to the technology features.

Regardless of how long a trucker has been in the business, all drivers should be required to take safety courses and learn about the different safety features.

Trucking companies should also learn which safety features use telematics. Telematics is the combination of telecommunications and informatics in computer systems. It automatically monitors the movements and digital information on a truck. This type of feature helps keep trucking companies aware of the way that a truck is functioning.

It also makes it easier for trucking companies to keep track of the truck driver’s behavior. In addition to the driver’s actions, telematics helps monitor fuel usage and the best routes.

Hands-free technology

Trucking companies can also use safety features that are cutting edge. Some safety features can be applied and monitored through apps, making it easier for truck drivers to manage. The more hands-free a safety feature is, the less risky it will be for the truck driver to use.

Are you in need of legal assistance? Call a truck accident attorney today.

If you were involved in a semi-truck accident, there are legal questions that you need answers to. Contact a skilled truck accident attorney who can give you the necessary answers. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in holding the liable parties accountable for your losses depending on the cause of your truck crash.

If you were in an accident involving a semi-truck, you likely have legal questions that deserve answers. Contact A Truck Collision attorney who can help.

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