In 2017, there were 4,280 commercial motor vehicle crashes in Broward County. Many of those accidents involved trucks. Although there are many causes of trucking collisions, some are more common than others. Find out about the five most common reasons for truck accidents.
1. Driver Error
The number one cause of truck accidents is driver error. Although commercial vehicle drivers are held to high standards, they don’t always adhere to those standards. Truck drivers make mistakes, and they can also behave recklessly.
Sometimes, the driver error is somewhat innocent. For instance, a driver might fail to check the adjacent lane before changing lanes. They could forget to put on their turn signal before turning. At other times, the behavior is more reckless. A driver might start driving after having a few drinks, or could start speeding in an effort to meet a deadline.
In any case, the truck driver could be the one liable for the accident. Any reckless or negligent behavior makes them accountable.
2. Faulty Parts
When a trucker’s equipment fails, there is only so much they can do. Unfortunately, faulty parts come with the territory. A faulty part could cause a trucker to lose control over their vehicle. Then, they could find themselves involved in an accident.
When a faulty part is the cause of a collision, the equipment manufacturer could be liable. Their failure to produce a safe and effective part could make them responsible for the damages incurred during the accident.
3. Improper Maintenance
The trucking industry takes a toll on drivers and their vehicles. As a result, trucks need routine maintenance. The maintenance keeps the wear and tear to a minimum and can prevent serious problems.
However, not all trucking companies or drivers provide the vehicles with the maintenance they need. While attempting to cut costs, a company could fail to replace the brakes when necessary. When the truck is on the road, the brakes could fail and cause an accident.
The trucking company might not be to blame. If a maintenance crew doesn’t take their job seriously, they might fail to notice a serious issue. Their negligence could directly cause an accident.
4. Bad Weather
In Fort Lauderdale, bad weather happens frequently. The summer brings thunderstorms, high winds, and monsoon-like downpours. Driving in these conditions is hazardous for even the most experienced drivers.
Truckers face many challenges in bad weather. On slick roads, a trucker may not have much control over their vehicle. In windy weather, the wind could push a trailer into a nearby lane.
Although there are precautions drivers can take to avoid accidents in bad weather, they don’t always take those precautions. For instance, driving the speed limit in bad weather could cause an accident. Truck drivers should drive slower and take turns with care when the conditions aren’t in their favor.
5. Improper Loading
If a truck isn’t loaded properly, an accident can happen. A load could fall off during transport, which could cause other drivers to become accident victims. When debris or objects fall off of truck beds, everyone on the road is at risk. At the times when improper loading causes an accident, the loading crew or trucking company could be liable for the collision.
If negligence or recklessness caused your trucking accident, you deserve compensation. With the help of a Fort Lauderdale truck accident attorney, you can hold the other party responsible for their actions. You may be able to receive money for your medical bills and more.
