Causation is one of the most contested topics in a truck accident personal injury case. Parties frequently disagree on how an accident occurred and who was at fault. Understanding common causes of these catastrophic accidents can help determine liability and prevent future ones.

Our attorneys at Church Church Hittle and Antrim have experience investigating and determining liability. We have the resources and background to fight for the maximum compensation possible.

Read on to learn more about the common causes of truck accidents.

Truck Accident Statistics

How many big rig accidents happen on the highway every day? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,788 people were killed nationally in 2021 traffic accidents involving a large truck. Note that 72% of the fatalities were occupants of other vehicles, not the truck. Because of a truck’s immense size and weight, truck drivers are generally more protected than car occupants in a crash.

In 2023, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported 4,910 crashes involving large trucks in Indiana. That’s an average of 13-14 crashes a day.

Common Causes of Semi-truck Accidents

Truck accident cases can be a convoluted mess. Multiple parties are often involved in the crash, and determining whether the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, truck service company, truck loader, or another vehicle was responsible can be difficult.

Common causes of truck accidents to be wary of include the following.

Truck Driver Error

Truck driver negligence and disregard for driving safety are common causes of accidents. The following are common examples.

Driver fatigue

Truck drivers spend long hours on stretched highways. It’s a monotonous job. Drivers can become tired, especially if they do not get sufficient rest and sleep. This fatigue can reduce their alertness and impair their reflexes.

Distracted driving

Taking one’s eyes off the road for a moment can have devastating consequences. Common distractions include eating, drinking, and changing the radio station. Reaching for something can also take your focus away from the road. In a digital world, cell phones are another major attention detractor as well.

Intoxicated driving

A truck driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Intoxication impairs one’s judgment and ability to competently assess a situation.

Reckless behavior

Bad driving habits and reckless behavior contribute to many truck accidents. This includes failing to follow traffic laws, driving in the wrong lane, and failing to check mirrors.

Inadequately Secured Truck

Trucks carry heavy cargo for long periods. The cargo must be properly secured onto the truck. If it is not, then it can move. Moving cargo can disrupt the balance of the truck, causing it to veer off course.

Cargo can also fall off the truck and onto other vehicles if it is not properly secured.

Poor Weather Conditions

Though not within human control, poor weather conditions can cause traffic accidents. Rain, snow, and fog can decrease visibility. Also, cold temperatures can cause water to freeze into ice, creating slippery road conditions. A truck driver must drive at speeds appropriate for the weather conditions.

Mechanical Failure

Another one of the common causes of truck accidents is mechanical failure. Trucks go through quite the ordeal. They carry heavy cargo for long distances for hours at a time. Therefore, trucks need to have regular maintenance checks.

This check helps to ensure that the vehicles are in working condition, such as working brakes and a properly charged battery. Failure to check for issues can cause problems to go unnoticed.

Liability for mechanical failure can fall on the truck service company for failure to identify the error or the truck company for failing to schedule regular maintenance.

Lack of Experience

You need a specific commercial trucking license to drive a semi-truck. Trucks are huge vehicles to maneuver. Not everyone can do it. Drivers need specific experience and skills to drive a truck.

Novice truck drivers are more likely to cause a truck accident due to their lack of experience in controlling the vehicles.

Poor Road Conditions

If roads are not adequately maintained, serious accidents can occur. This includes potholes, uneven streets, and broken streetlights.

Speak to Our Seasoned Indiana Truck Accident Lawyers at CCHA Law

After a truck accident, your finances are in turmoil. We know no amount of money can turn back time to before the accident. But we want to help you and ease your burden. At CCHA Law, we have been serving the residents of Indiana since 1880. Our experienced attorneys help identify all liable parties that contributed to the crash to increase your opportunity for recovery.

Contact us now for a free consultation.