What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

April 28, 2019

Accidents involving large semi trucks are often devastating, and they are unfortunately more common than they should be. While truck accidents are sometimes caused by maintenance or equipment issues, more often they are caused by human error. Distracted driving and driving under the influence are problems with truck drivers just as with car drivers, but can have more catastrophic consequences due to the large size of trucks.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a truck accident in Jeffersonville or Louisville, call personal injury attorney Karl Truman at 502-306-0709 for your free consultation.

Truck Accident Causes

Truck drivers are human and just as prone to mistakes as anyone else driving on the road. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence
• Distracted driving
• Careless or reckless driving

Truck drivers often have to drive long distances on a tight schedule. This unfortunately often leads to drowsy driving, which is incredibly dangerous. A single momentary lapse of concentration can cause catastrophe. Another problem that arises from drowsy driving is driving under the influence. When truckers need to stay on schedule, they may make unwise decisions to use drugs to try to stay awake.

Other causes of truck accidents can include:

• Cargo not secured properly
• Poor truck maintenance
• Faulty equipment
• Insufficient driver training

Liability in a truck accident can be complex. The trucking company, maintenance company, or truck driver him or herself may all be found responsible depending on what the ultimate cause of the accident is determined to be. This is why you need an experienced truck driver lawyer to handle your case and make sure that all responsible parties are held liable, so that you can get the maximum compensation owed to you.

What to Do If You Were Injured in a Truck Accident

If you were injured in a truck accident, the first thing to do is get medical attention for your injuries. Truck accidents often cause serious injury, and you may have gone straight to the hospital from the scene of the accident. You will need to concentrate on healing and recovery, but as soon as you can, it will be a good idea to call Karl Truman for your free consultation. Hospital bills can pile up quickly, and we can help you get the compensation you need so that you don’t end up drowning in medical debt from an accident that wasn’t your fault.

If you do not go straight to the hospital, there are a few other things you should do at the scene of the accident. These include:

• Take photos
• Get contact information from all involved parties
• Write down everything you remember about the accident
• Visit your doctor to get checked for injuries
• Call Karl Truman

Above all, you should not sign anything an insurance company offers you before consulting Mr. Truman. Insurance companies are notorious for offering settlements far below what your case is actually worth, and it is always worth it to check with a lawyer that the settlement offer is fair before accepting. Once you accept a settlement offer, you cannot get anything more from the insurance company, so don’t rush into it.

Schedule Your Truck Accident Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact personal injury lawyer Karl Truman at 502-306-0709 for your complimentary consultation. We serve clients in Jeffersonville, IN and Louisville, KY.