Trucks are one of the most critical road vehicles, transporting goods from one place to another. However, truck accidents are not uncommon. When a car crashes, the whole situation can become a nightmare for all the parties involved. It is essential to be prepared and to know what to do in such situations.
1. Poor Road Quality
Truck accidents are far more likely to occur on roads damaged by wear and tear, potholes, or cracks. Trucks calculate the grip of the road by using their front axle assembly. If the car hits a bump or breaks in a road surface, it will not be able to identify it, which means you cannot be prepared for it.
If you were involved in a truck crash due to poor road conditions, a Houston truck accident lawyer can help you file a compensation claim.
2. Dangerous Roads
Many truck accidents happen when roads are too narrow, not allowing the truck to move to the shoulder. Such conditions can be dangerous for all motorists on the road and the problem should be addressed before a severe crash happens.
3. Overloaded Trucks
Trucks are allowed to drive with a maximum weight, but irresponsible truckers or other employees sometimes ignore this to save money. It is an excellent idea to look out for such mistakes and report anyone who might have overloaded a truck.
4. Bad Brakes
Trucks are hard to maneuver, but they have strong brakes. If they are not functioning well, there will be a high chance of accidents as the brakes might overheat. Bad breaks can lead to accidents as the driver cannot stop in time or at all if something happens.
5. Dangerous Drivers
Drivers are responsible for their actions and should always drive safely. This means obeying the traffic rules and having a high degree of alertness. Truck drivers may engage in distracted driving, speeding, or other types of dangerous driving practices.
6. Blind Spots
Trucks are massive vehicles with multiple blind spots, where the truck driver cannot see sections of the road. If your small vehicle is in one of the blind spots, the truck driver will not see you, thus exposing you to a higher risk of collision.
7. Distractions
Given the long hours, truck drivers are stuck behind the wheel, they face a high risk of distraction. There are many activities that qualify as a distraction for drivers, including:
- Texting while driving
- Drinking and eating
- Smoking
- Checking the GPS
8. Bad Weather
Trucks cannot handle bad weather situations as well as regular cars. If it rains, the roads will be slippery, which can lead to a terrible outcome. Given the size of the vehicle, trucks will be hard to control under bad weather. Drivers should avoid being on the road under extremely harsh weather conditions, if possible.
9. Drunk or Tired Drivers
Drivers are not allowed to drive while intoxicated. Alcohol can impair driving abilities by affecting your reflexes, perception, decision-making abilities, and more. Under Texas law, all drivers who are intoxicated by drugs or alcohol or have a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or more are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle.
10. Speeding
Given the size and weight of a truck, it is critical to practice safe driving. Speeding will increase the risk of a traffic accident, as the driver will have less time to react to oncoming danger. In Texas, for example, the speed limit is set at 70 mph. However, the Texas Transportation Commission may raise the speed limit up to 85 mph, if the highway can accommodate that speed.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
There are many reasons why trucks crash, and you should be aware of those. There are measures that you can take to prevent such situations from occurring. It is crucial for all motorists to practice safe driving and avoid driving in adverse conditions, if possible.
Contact a truck accident lawyer if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident and seek legal counsel on your behalf. An attorney can help collect the available evidence and build a strong case against the liable party.
