Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Hire a Knowledgeable St. Louis Truck Accident Attorney

While truck accidents can be caused by a plethora of different factors, some causes are much more common than others. Truck accidents oftentimes involve some level of truck driver negligence or carelessness, such as driving under extreme fatigue or improperly loading a truck’s cargo. If you were injured in a collision caused by a truck driver’s reckless actions, a St. Louis truck accident lawyer from Ochs & Klein Attorneys, P.C. can represent your interests in court and help you seek compensation for your suffering.

Tell us about your injuries by calling our office today at (800) 491-1486.

What Are the Forms of Truck Driver Negligence?

Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicate that truck driver negligence contributes to 88% of all truck accidents. This carelessness can turn a 40-ton semi-truck into a wrecking ball on the roads, destroying anything within its path. Since safely controlling an 18-wheeler can be difficult under ideal conditions, adding negligence into the mix can be disastrous.

Accidents are often caused by the following types of truck driver negligence:

1. Driving for too long without rest: Since truck drivers are often pushed to reach their destination in as little time as possible, they may sometimes skip mandatory rest breaks or drive more than the federal maximum amount of consecutive hours. Truck drivers are only allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours per day and 70 hours per week.

2. Failing to properly maintain a vehicle: Drivers may skip vehicle inspections to shave time off their journey. This can cause trailer hitches, headlights, windshield wipers, and tires to fail.

3. Improperly loading cargo: Overloading a vehicle can cause it to require a greater distance to come to a complete stop and increase its chance of tipping over. Under-loading or failing to tie down cargo can cause a truck’s center of gravity to shift in transit, increasing a driver’s chance of losing control of their vehicle.

4. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Commercial drivers in Missouri can be charged with DWI if they are driving their vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or more. In addition, truck drivers may not operate their vehicles while under the influence of any prescription or illicit drugs.

5. Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit, especially in inclement weather, can increase a driver’s chance of losing control of their vehicle.

6. Distracted driving: Driving while using a smartphone, reading, eating, or playing with a radio requires a driver to divert their visual and cognitive attention away from the road, causing them to fail to react to hazards in time.

How Can Driver Negligence Be Proven?

Many of these actions violate safety procedures outlined by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If it can be proven that a truck driver violated federal regulations in the event of an accident, this can be greatly beneficial to an accident victim’s personal injury case and provide compelling evidence in their favor. Proving negligence oftentimes requires the examination of police reports, eyewitness testimonies, driver’s logbooks, electronic onboard recorders, and accident reconstructions. If you have been injured, an attorney can examine the circumstances of your crash and create a strategy that maximizes your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.

Injured? Contact Ochs & Klein Attorneys, P.C.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a collision caused by a reckless truck driver, a St. Louis truck accident attorney from our firm can help you file a personal injury claim and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf. With more than 80 years’ of collective experience and an AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, we have the experience and vast knowledge you need to get you through this difficult time and ensure that the responsible parties are held accountable for their wrongdoing.

Contact our office online to schedule an initial consultation today.