Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents in Hattiesburg
Although fatalities due to 18-wheeler accidents have diminished in recent years, they still occur daily. Negligence is the leading cause of these accidents. Some of the common causes of truck accidents include:
Drunk Driving: These truckers have to deal with long hours, stress, traffic, and even bad weather. To relieve their stress, some drivers turn to alcohol, prescription, illegal drugs, and other types of substance abuse. Alcohol and drugs affect not only their minds but also their reflexes on the road. When drivers drive under the influence, they risk hurting not just themselves but also their fellow truckers and other drivers on the road. It’s against the law for a truck driver to drive with alcohol in their system. The consequence for doing so can range from a fine to jail time for the driver.
Drowsy Driving: Driving while tired is a serious problem that affects commercial drivers across the United States. This unacceptable behavior is prevalent among commercial truck drivers. When drivers are exhausted, they are at an increased risk of a crash. Drivers who work long hours fall asleep or lose concentration while driving. This can lead to accidents.
Driver Distraction: Taking one’s eyes off the road for even a few seconds can put people’s lives in danger. Texting while driving is never worth the risk, especially for drivers of commercial vehicles. Distracted driving has become a significant problem in Hattiesburg. Distracted driving is on the rise as smartphone use has increased.
Speeding: Trucks are much larger than cars and cannot accelerate, decelerate, or steer as quickly as a smaller vehicle. Speeding has led to many deaths and ruined many lives in recent years.
Bad Weather: Bad weather causes slippery road conditions. Slippery roads can make truck drivers lose control over their vehicles. Bad weather can also reduce visibility and increase the risk of accidents and fatalities.
Road Construction: Construction may prohibit drivers of commercial trucks from following a particular route. Truck drivers may attempt to navigate around a roadblock. This can be dangerous if another vehicle is in that area as this may result in a collision causing major damage to both cars and possible injuries to both drivers.
Unbalanced Loads: Overloaded trucks are a significant cause of accidents on the road. Improper weight distribution can easily result in a trucking accident. Excessive loads will not only strain the truck but can also cause the vehicle to overturn or blow out tires.
Lack of Maintenance: Commercial trucks require regular maintenance and heavy-duty truck accessories like many other vehicles. Truck accidents can often be avoided with proper maintenance. Before heading out on the road, make sure your truck is serviced. Defective parts must be replaced. A mechanical failure can have a devastating impact on the lives of those sharing the road with tractor-trailers.
Reckless Driving: Due to the nature of their job, drivers of commercial trucks are more prone to road rage than other types of drivers. They may suffer from intense stress to deliver goods on time without fail, which could lead to tailgating, failing to yield the right-of-way, or cutting off another driver. This stress can quickly escalate into a dangerous driving situation that may endanger themselves and other drivers on the road.
Large truck accidents are often traumatizing. Hence, it is necessary to hire an experienced truck accident attorney to help you get maximum compensation for your financial, emotional, and physical distress. Our Hattiesburg truck accident attorneys at Mama Justice can help you get the compensation you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with our law firm in Southern Mississippi to get started on your case right away.
Parties that Can be Held Liable After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents are different from car accidents. One of the most significant differences is that in truck accidents, you can find more than one liable party. Due to the way liability works for truck accidents, many third parties may be found liable for the accident. To determine liability for truck accidents, a comprehensive investigation should be conducted. All parties involved and any witnesses should be interviewed, and all available evidence should be examined.
The following may be held liable:
Driver: The truck driver may be held liable for the damages caused by his negligence. Negligent behavior can range from speeding to leaving large blind spots, carrying an unsafe load, or even driving while tired or distracted. If negligence is proven, the trucker may be found guilty of criminal charges and likely suffer a loss of employment. Did you suffer a personal injury due to a truck driver’s negligence? Contact one of our experienced and trusted personal injury attorneys today. We will work to get you the compensation that you deserve.
Trucking Companies: The trucking company could be held liable for any damages caused in a collision due to the principle of vicarious liability. A truck driver’s employer may be held accountable for collisions or damages if the driver is overworked or fatigued. Trucking companies have to ensure that commercial truck drivers exercise reasonable care and control over their vehicles. If the trucking company engaged in negligent hiring practices, they could be held at fault for this reason, as well.
Loading Companies: The loading company may be liable if the cargo causes an accident. The loading company is responsible for properly securing and loading the cargo. Cargo needs to be loaded safely to prevent shifting and falling during transportation.
Truck Manufacturers: A truck is manufactured by assembling various parts. A truck can pose a serious risk to passengers who may be harmed in an accident when a defect exists in any of these parts. Truck manufacturers are held responsible for the safety of their vehicles and must ensure that all parts work as intended and are safe to use. Manufacturers who fail to ensure that their trucks or parts meet safety standards can be held liable for injuries caused by the trucks and their defective parts.
To get justice after being involved in a truck accident, you need to hire the legal services of an experienced Hattiesburg truck accident attorney. Contact Mama Justice now to schedule a free consultation.
