Drivers of commercial trucks must exercise an increased level of caution on the roadway. The reason is that trucks are significantly larger than most passenger vehicles and can cause serious injuries when involved in a collision. To prevent such collisions from occurring, it is important for drivers to have a better understanding of what causes these accidents.
Although truck drivers are asked to exercise a higher level of care to prevent accidents, truck accidents are more often than not caused by drivers of passenger vehicles. This is typically the result of drivers who do not understand the mobility and capabilities of commercial trucks. Truck accidents often occur when car drivers dart in front of a truck, drive in areas where the driver has minimal visibility, drive in between trucks or drive on the right side of a truck making a wide turn.
Although the majority of truck drivers are properly trained and skilled to operate their vehicle, there are certain circumstances in which a driver causes an accident with another vehicle. Some truck drivers may lack the appropriate training and defensive driving skills to properly avoid and protect other drivers. Additionally, drivers may travel at increased speeds or for longer hours than prescribed, resulting in an increased probability of creating a dangerous condition.
As stated above, the size of commercial trucks relative to other vehicles makes it more likely that serious injuries will occur if the truck is involved in an accident. Those injured may experience a lengthy physical recovery and significant medical expenses as a result. Depending on the cause of the accident and the party at fault, those injured may be entitled to seek compensation from the truck driver and their employer.
Source: FindLaw, “Common Causes of Truck Accidents,” accessed on Mar. 22, 2015