Highways in Newport Beach, such as State Routes 1 and 55, are frequently used by heavy commercial vehicles. People in smaller vehicles are more likely to sustain severe wounds in a collision with big trucks.
The majority of traffic-related fatalities in the United States are caused by large trucks. In 2019, 11% of traffic fatalities involved large trucks.
Legal recourse is available to victims of truck accidents who can prove the other party’s carelessness. You can file an injury complaint with the negligent truck driver’s insurance provider or go to court. It is in the victim’s best interest to get the services of experienced legal personnel, like the truck accident attorneys at Bentley & More LLP. They will fight for your rights against greedy insurance companies and trucking firms.
Here are five mistakes that can lead to truck accidents.
Negligence Behind the Wheel
Driver mistakes are the leading cause of collisions involving trucks. According to recent Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) research, this is true. Over half of the truck accidents were attributed to the following four factors:
- Failure to perform: The driver did not do their job because they were tired, had a heart attack, or had a medical emergency.
- Poor driving performance: the driver exhibited fear, overcompensation, or a lack of directional control.
- Carelessness: The motorist was careless, either because they were preoccupied with something else (either inside or outside the car). Or they did not pay close enough attention to the road.
- Decision: The driver was either going too fast for the weather and road conditions. Alternatively, they misjudged other cars’ speeds or did not keep a distance.
Mechanical Failure in the Truck
Equipment failures are the second leading cause of truck accidents, including:
- Faulty tires
- Reverse-detection alert devices
- Poorly maintained tires and brakes
There were 4,119 fatalities associated with heavy trucks in 2019. In these collisions, approximately 16% were people riding in trucks, 67% were in cars and other passenger cars, and 15% were riding motorcycles, walking, or biking.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates annual preventative maintenance and pre-trip inspections for all commercial trucks. However, some truck drivers and their companies might try to get around regulations by fabricating inspection documents.
Drivers Without Experience
Commercial trucking in the United States has grown rapidly in recent years. There is a surge in newly licensed drivers who may or may not have the necessary experience. Trucking businesses don’t usually take the time to find and train drivers.
Even though the truck drivers are independent contractors, they could still be held responsible for any accidents they cause. For example, if a shipping company allows an unqualified driver to transport their goods, the company could be partially responsible for a truck accident. This is especially true when transporting hazardous materials.
Incorrect Loading
When a truck’s load isn’t properly secured in the trailer, it might shift and throw off the vehicle’s equilibrium. Therefore, making it difficult to stop or maneuver. Loads that aren’t secured have the potential to come loose and tumble from trailers.
It, in turn, presents unexpected challenges to drivers behind the trailer. When trailers are overloaded, the risk of them tipping over increases.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Unfortunately, not all commercial truck drivers take adverse weather into account before hitting the roads. Larger vehicles are more likely to be damaged by wet and icy roads. Drivers should take extra precautions in stormy conditions. Heavy trucks are more difficult to control in bad weather because of their size and weight than passenger vehicles.
Conclusion
If you were injured because of a truck driver’s negligence, you have every right to pursue legal action to recover financial damages. You can file a personal injury suit against the trucking firm, driver, and anyone else responsible for your injuries.
The insurance provider can also be sued if they refuse to negotiate a reasonable payment with you. Since the procedure may be lengthy and complicated, it’s best to have it handled by an experienced attorney.
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