Common Causes of Truck Accidents By Chanfrau & Chanfrau on January 22, 2014

Any auto accident has the risk of causing serious injuries, but no accident is more likely to result in dire consequences as a collision involving a large commercial truck. By virtue of their sheer size and weight alone, big rigs and other large trucks are already among the most inherently dangerous vehicles on our roadways. Factor in negligence on the part of the operators or owners of these trucks, or on the part of the manufacturers of the parts used in these trucks, and the threats these vehicles pose rises to catastrophic levels.

At the law firm of Chanfrau & Chanfrau, our personal injury lawyers are skilled and experienced in handling all types of trucking accident cases. Throughout Central Florida, truck accident causes from speeding to fatigue are responsible for far too many injuries and deaths, and our truck accident attorneys are working hard to send the message that acts of negligence will not be tolerated. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a truck accident, or if you have lost a member of your family in such an accident, our personal injury attorneys can help, no matter what the cause of the accident.

Most Common Causes of Accidents Involving Big Rigs and Other Large Trucks

Determining the cause of a truck accident is essential to identifying the party or parties liable for the resulting injuries. Among the most common causes of accidents involving big rigs, 18-wheelers, and other large trucks are:

Drug use: According to a 2007 study conducted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the use of prescription or illegal drugs was the most common cause of truck accidents, being a contributing factor in 26 percent of the accidents in the study.
Driver fatigue: Many truckers push themselves to make their runs ahead of schedule, failing to take mandated breaks and driving while extremely tired.
Speeding: In the aforementioned study, speeding was a contributing factor in 23 percent of the accidents.
Driver distractions: Truckers can become distracted by technology, using their radios or cell phones, as well as by outside incidents such as road work or other accidents.
Improper training: Some trucking companies put drivers out on the road before they have been adequately or fully trained.
Improperly maintained trucks: Trucks that have not been inspected thoroughly or according to schedule can be unsafe to drive.
Faulty truck parts: Sometimes, a defective truck part - brakes or tires, for instance, can contribute to a truck accident, putting fault at least in part on the manufacturer of the product.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what the cause of the truck accident is. Victims of truck accidents that were the fault of another party or parties can count on the experienced attorneys of Chanfrau & Chanfrau to represent their rights and fight for the compensation to which they are entitled.