Semitrucks carry goods around the country, but that vital service doesn’t come without risks. These large vehicles are a danger to smaller vehicles because semitrucks are so much heavier and larger.
Understanding the more common causes of semitruck wrecks may help truck operators and motorists alike to avoid them.
What are the common causes of semitruck crashes?
There are many different things that can lead to semitruck crashes. In some cases, more than one of these concerns may contribute to the cause of a wreck:
- Trucker error: This includes things like speeding or failing to follow traffic laws. It can also involve drowsy, drunk or distracted driving.
- Trucking company policies: Trucking companies that have tight deadlines or policies that encourage truckers to rush can contribute to crashes.
- Lax maintenance or defective parts: Semitrucks that aren’t maintained properly or that have defective parts installed can have mechanical failures that lead to a wreck.
- Improper loading: Cargo that’s not secured properly can come loose from the trailer or cause the entire rig to shift.
In some cases, the cause of a wreck isn’t immediately evident. In those cases, an investigation involving crash reconstruction will likely be necessary.
How can drivers help to prevent these wrecks?
One of the most effective ways for drivers to avoid semitruck crashes is to stay out of “no zones” that are around such rigs. This means passing them as quickly as possible while remaining safe and avoiding zipping in front of the semitruck.
Even with drivers being as safe as possible, there’s still a chance that they’ll be hit by a big rig. Anyone who’s struck by a semitruck can suffer catastrophic injuries. They should obtain immediate medical care, which can be costly.
Victims may opt to pursue a claim for compensation. Determining the cause of a wreck can help them to learn who should be named as the defendant in any particular matter. This is often a complex undertaking, so working with a legal representative who understands these matters may be beneficial for victims.