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After Accidents

The top 5 factors that lead to truck accidents in Texas

On Behalf of | Mar 7, 2022 | Auto Accidents

A truck accident isn’t always the fault of the truck driver, but it does happen. There are several contributing factors that you should be aware of to have a better understanding of why a thorough investigation occurs for truck accident cases.

Equipment failure

An Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Fatal Causation study found that 30% of trucks had at least one out-of-service equipment issue. Examples of these issues include worn tires, improper inflation, poorly maintained brakes, defective lights, bad transmissions and overall bad maintenance. In 55% of truck accidents that resulted in injury, there was at least one mechanical failure of the truck.

Driver shortage

The truck driver shortage combined with the increasing demand for goods distribution results in more pressure on truck drivers and companies. Some companies are hiring younger, less experienced drivers to try meeting the demand.

Unrealistic schedules

Pressure to get goods delivered fast results in companies creating unrealistic schedules for their drivers. The stress and long hours can cause workers to get into accidents or make a mistake when loading the trucks.

Driver error

Distracted driving and misjudging the speed and distance of other vehicles on the road are other possible reasons behind truck accidents. In some cases, a truck driver makes the wrong choice in responding to a hazard on the road. There are also instances of truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel or having a medical emergency such as a seizure or heart attack.

Substance use

In a few truck accidents, the driver had an addiction and was under the influence. Because of how dangerous truck accidents can be for anyone involved in the accident, companies should conduct regular drug screenings.

Truck accidents are complex cases when a victim wants to make a personal injury claim. It’s possible that the trucking company or the truck’s manufacturer is responsible.