What are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

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Truck accidents are some of the most devastating and destructive accidents that occur on busy roads and highways across the country, often resulting in extensive property damage and serious injuries. Unfortunately, when it comes to highway collisions, the average passenger vehicle is no match for an 80,000-pound commercial truck. Many of these accidents can be prevented if truck drivers make safety a priority and ensure that their truck is serviced regularly. The following are the top three causes of truck accidents in the United States and how to avoid them.

According to the 2007 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), of the two-vehicle traffic accidents that involved large trucks, the truck drivers were considered at fault only 44 percent of the time. However, according to the report, when the truck driver was at fault, the agency found that the truck drivers could have taken steps to avoid unsafe driving behavior or ensure that their truck was in good working order. The FMCSA report identified the following common causes of truck accidents:

  • Speeding: Speeding is one of the top causes of all traffic accidents, but when a massive commercial truck is involved, it can have catastrophic results. This is particularly true when weather or traffic conditions are not ideal. The LTCCS study found that traveling too fast for the weather or traffic conditions was a factor in 23 percent of the truck crashes. In addition, trucks that were traveling too fast were 670 percent more likely to be at fault for a truck accident than if the truck driver was not driving too fast.Generally, truck drivers should reduce their speed by one-third when traveling on wet roads and by at least one half if the roads are covered in snow.
  • Brake Issues: This was the number one cause of truck accidents, according to the LTCCS. Twenty-nine percent of the trucks involved in crashes had problems with their brakes. The LTCCS report found that these trucks were 170 percent more likely to be at fault compared to trucks with properly functioning brakes. Trucks with poor brakes that speed can cause deadly crashes.Truck drivers should make sure that their truck is serviced regularly, including their tires, lights, and brakes. All repairs and replacements should be made before getting back on the road.
  • Unfamiliarity with Route. This was responsible for 22 percent of accidents and increased the risk of accidents by 100 percent, according to the LTCCS report. When the truck driver did not take the time to plan the route and anticipate the curves in the road, steep hills, roadwork, and other factors that could affect safety, they were more likely to cause an accident.

Baltimore Truck Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Truck Accident Victims

If you were seriously injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact the Baltimore truck accident lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton at your earliest convenience. We understand how devastating these accidents can be, and we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve. Our dedicated team will not stop fighting for you until you are completely satisfied. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Prince George’s County, allowing us to represent truck accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.