Trucks present very real dangers because of their incredible size and weight. When traveling at high speeds, they present a far higher danger to the roads than a normal vehicle.
This blog will highlight some of the most common ways that trucks and other heavy duty vehicles can get involved in accidents.
Accidents where a passenger vehicle is at fault
It is not uncommon for a passenger vehicle to be at fault or to blame for large truck accidents. This is often an accident in the form of a collision through an unsafe or negligent act performed by the driver.
Some of the most common unsafe acts committed by drivers of ordinary vehicles include:
- Abruptly changing lanes or not checking mirrors before changing lanes
- Misjudging the speed of a truck when crossing at an intersection
- Driving between trucks without caution
- Driving in the immediate area around a truck, known as “No-Zones”
- Failure to make changes in relation to speed when seeing a truck change lanes
You can read more about driving safety on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) website.
Accidents where a commercial truck driver is at fault
Commercial truck drivers have been trained to have a high amount of skill when driving there heavy vehicles; however, tragic mistakes unfortunately happen. The most common mistakes made are:
- Unrealistic schedules and pressure from clients or employers
- Highway fatigue
- Inadequate driving technique
Legal advice
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to seek trusted legal advice.
Source: Find law, “Common causes of Truck accidents,” accessed July 28, 2017
