Truckers have an essential job and transport countless goods throughout the country. However, the size, including the length and weight of semi-trucks, make collisions severe. Therefore, professional drivers must use the highest level of caution and care to prevent crashes and causing harm to others traveling near them on roads and highways.
When a truck driver’s negligence causes injuries to other drivers around them, the civil court will hold them financially accountable. If you have questions about the common causes of truck accidents in Southaven or need help with a claim, call an experienced tractor-trailer collision lawyer at the Law Office of David E. Gordon.
Frequent Causes of Truck Crashes
Most 18-wheeler crashes in Mississippi occur due to:
Truck Operation Error
Errors behind the wheel cause over 80 percent of truck crashes annually in the United States. According to a causation study completed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), mistakes may happen because of a lack of experience and adequate training or during inclement weather, which can cause poor road conditions.
Driver Distractions
Truck driver distractions are a leading cause of semi-truck accidents nationwide. Studies show that when truckers divert their attention to texting, reaching for objects in the cab, and other hazardous driving behaviors, they are much more likely to deviate from the lane and cause collisions.
Speeding and Unsafe Maneuvers
Driving over the highway speed limit or too fast when the roads are slick from rain, snow, or sleet causes a significant number of wrecks each year. Because of their size, tractor-trailers have more blind spots than other vehicles. Unsafe maneuvers without carefully checking each blind spot can quickly turn into a severe crash.
Fatigued Truckers
18-wheelers require the trucker’s attentiveness and coordination. Alertness and being ready to take quick action at any moment are also crucial. Failing to get adequate sleep substantially impairs their ability to control vehicles effectively and causes collisions.
During a free consultation, David E. Gordon can answer specific questions regarding the common causes of truck collisions in Southaven.
Safe Commercial Truck Operation
Truck drivers must complete extensive classroom and truck operation training and obtain their commercial driver’s license, or CDL, before legally operating heavy commercial vehicles. That includes completing regular vehicle inspections to ensure it is in safe working order.
According to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety Driver Service Bureau’s Commercial Driver’s Manual, locating defects through inspection ensures roadway safety. It can prevent much more significant problems in the long run. They must inspect during and after trips and check the following:
- Wheels, tires, and rims
- The vehicle’s brakes
- Trailer coupling devices
- Lights, turning signals, and reflectors
- Electrical connections to brakes and trailers
- Cargo securement equipment and devices
The state requires that 18-wheeler operators complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection documents and report problems they find immediately. When they fail to do so, and an accident ensures, they can be held legally accountable.
To learn more about holding negligent truckers and companies accountable for causing tractor-trailer wrecks in Southaven, call the Law Office of David E. Gordon to schedule an appointment.
Call a Qualified Attorney About Common Causes of Southaven Truck Accidents
Commercial truck accidents can be catastrophic, having devastating consequences for everyone involved. You have the right to seek compensation from the liable party if you suffered injuries and property damage due to negligence.
A board-certified personal injury lawyer knowledgeable about the common causes of truck accidents in Southaven can investigate the cause and gather evidence to establish fault. Call the Law Office of David E. Gordon to schedule your free consultation today.
