Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

We know it’s not always your fault when you’re involved in an accident. Sometimes, it’s just one of those things that happen. It’s a momentary lapse in judgment or something unavoidable on the road.

But sometimes, it’s the other driver’s fault. When you’re talking about an 18-wheeler, it could mean serious injuries or death for drivers like you, who may have been paying attention as you’re expected to do.

If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler and aren’t sure what to do, the truck accidents lawyers of Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law can help you seek compensation for your injuries. We seek to ensure the at-fault party faces consequences for careless actions. Let’s begin by taking a look at some of the major causes of 18-wheeler accidents on the roadways today.

Drowsy Drivers

Drowsiness is a major danger on the road and the cause of many trucking accidents. Drivers are sometimes forced to work long hours, leaving them fatigued and unfocused. 

Drivers are required to take breaks and be out of the truck for 10 hours in any 24-hour period. This does not always happen, as many trucking companies push their drivers to complete deliveries as quickly as possible without considering the fatigue they might be experiencing. If this happens, your lawyer can use this to determine fault and seek compensation for your claim.

Highway Hypnosis

A phenomenon called highway hypnosis can occur when drivers are experiencing fatigue.

It affects people who operate motor vehicles for long periods of time and become drowsy. Sleep deprivation affects everyone differently, but in general, it makes people lose focus on their surroundings. This can cause the driver to lose control of his vehicle, especially true if they are driving at night. 

If you find yourself in a collision and you suspect that driver fatigue is the cause, an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can help you get the answers you need. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help if you need guidance following a truck accident.

Distracted Driving

There is an increasing causal connection between distracted driving and accidents involving the commercial trucking industry. Distracted driving can be anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, including texting, using GPS for navigation, or eating.

Distracted driving is especially dangerous for people behind the wheel of a truck because they sit higher off the ground. That makes it harder to see pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles around them when they are holding their phones or other devices.

Inadequate Maintenance and Inspection

Commercial trucking companies should have a good maintenance program where they inspect their vehicles as frequently as possible. Tires and brakes should be checked before each trip, as well as other items such as lights and mirrors. 

Commercial trucking companies should also send their drivers on regular inspections so that they can make sure everything is working properly. When a trucking accident happens, your lawyers can request proof that these inspections are being performed and any lapse in maintenance can be used to help prove your case.

Unsecured Loads

There is also a causal link between unsecured loads and 18-wheeler accidents. When a truck’s cargo can move freely inside the truck, it can impact the way the truck navigates and can make it easier for the driver to lose control. 

When cargo shifts during transport, it can cause the truck to tip over. When an unsecured load shifts while driving, it can cause a rollover. If an unsecured load shifts while driving on a curve or turn at high speed, it may jackknife. That means the trailer will be perpendicular to your car’s direction of travel instead of parallel. 

In addition, if there are loose items inside the trailer due to poor packing, those items may cause the driver to become distracted and if he brakes suddenly, he could lose control.

Get Justice for Preventable 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 18-wheeler accident occurs, it can be a nightmare for everyone involved. Commercial trucking companies can be held liable when their employees are drowsy or experiencing driver fatigue from being overworked, are driving distracted on the job, or otherwise operate an 18-wheeler in a manner that can cause injury to others.

There are many causes of 18-wheeler accidents, so stay alert when on the road. If you suffer through a wreck with a semi-truck, call Gibbs & Crivelli, Slingshot Law. We offer free consultations, so you know what to expect when you’re hurt. Reach us at 800-488-7840  or contact our lawyers in our online contact form below to talk about how to proceed with your case.