Truck accidents can be caused by several things, anything from driver error to faulty equipment on the truck itself.
- Speeding– Speed limits are designed to keep drivers of all vehicles safe. Failing to obey the speed limit can not only put yourself in danger but others on the road, too.
- Drowsiness– When truck drivers are on the road for long periods of time, they tend to get drowsy at late hours.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol– While illegal in all states, drugs or alcohol can be a contributing factor in a truck accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance– Semi-trucks are designed to be driven thousands of miles, but regular maintenance is still needed. Each vehicle should undergo inspections regularly.
- Equipment Failure– There is a lot of equipment on a semi that helps the driver navigate the roadways safely. When equipment fails, it could cause unsafe driving and in turn, cause an accident.
- Inclement weather– If there is bad weather, it is best to stay off the roads unless it is an emergency.
- Improper loading of cargo– Per federal and state regulations, cargo is to be loaded under strict guidelines that account for weight, size, length, width, and height. When these guidelines are not followed, it could cause cargo to fall off onto the road causing a catastrophic accident.
Depending on what caused the accident, there could be more than one person held liable. Due to the complicated nature of truck accident lawsuits, including determining the liable party, reconstructing the accident, and acquiring evidence, it is important to speak with a Collinsville truck accident lawyer immediately following the accident. They will be able to guide you on the next steps to take.
