Different Types and Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are responsible for thousands of deaths and injuries each year. Statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show that truck accidents killed 4,317 people during 2016. Countless others suffer life-altering injuries from these accidents. Statistics on truck accidents are not surprising once you consider that a fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

In Connecticut and across the US, there are common factors that may lead to various types of truck accidents. The different types of truck accidents and their causes include:

1. Drowsy driving accidents. Due to long hours on the road and other factors, commercial truck drivers can suffer drowsiness while driving. Drowsy driving accidents can occur when truck drivers violate hours of service rules. These rules dictate how long commercial truckers can work or operate their vehicles. Obstructive sleep apnea, prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications may also contribute to drowsy driving accidents.
2. Accidents caused by unsafe driving. Certain driving habits can cause truck accidents. Commercial truck drivers are more likely to crash if they are distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Speeding is a major cause of commercial truck accidents. Truckers can also cause accidents if they perform unsafe lane changes.
3. Lost load accidents. Debris can fall from commercial trucks and hit other drivers. Motorists can also hit truck debris on the road. These types of accidents can happen when loads are not properly secured.
4. Rollover accidents. There are a few reasons rollover accidents can occur. Cargo loads may shift while truck drivers are making turns. This could lead to a rollover accident. In other cases, commercial trucks can jackknife during slippery road conditions. Jackknifing, which may lead to a rollover accident, is where the trailer bends into a “V” shape towards the truck cabin.
5. Underride accidents. Motor vehicles can be sheered in half if they pass underneath the back or side of a truck’s trailer. Underride incidents are an especially gruesome type of truck accident that often leads to fatalities. Truckers may cause this type of accident by suddenly hitting the brakes. Weak rear-underride guards can also lead to underride crashes.
6. Accidents caused by mechanical failure. Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to cause accidents. Tire blowouts can cause truck crashes, as can poorly maintained brakes. These are only two of many possible examples of how poor maintenance practices could contribute to an accident.

Contact Our Hartford Truck Accident Attorneys with Questions

Do you have questions about your legal rights after a truck accident? Contact our Hartford truck accident lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We can help you determine whether it would be possible to seek compensation for your injuries or loss. To schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys, call (860) 549-8440 or use our online case review form.