Trucking Accidents: Causes & Liability

Trucking accidents are often severe, resulting in life-changing injuries, property damage, and, tragically, fatalities. Due to the massive size and weight of commercial trucks, these types of collisions can have devastating consequences for those involved.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a trucking accident, understanding what causes these accidents and who may be held responsible is crucial to navigating your recovery.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents occur for a variety of reasons, many of which are preventable. Below are some of the most frequent causes:

1. Driver Fatigue
   Truck drivers typically work long hours to meet delivery deadlines. Despite federal regulations that limit driving hours, some drivers exceed these limits, pushing themselves to the point of fatigue. Fatigue significantly reduces a driver’s ability to stay alert and respond quickly to road conditions, leading to dangerous situations on the road.

2. Distracted Driving
   Just like any other motorist, truck drivers can become distracted by phones, GPS systems, or other activities while driving. The enormous size and weight of trucks make even a brief moment of distraction extremely risky, as it reduces their reaction time and control.

3. Speeding
   Speeding is another major contributor to trucking accidents. Trucks require much more time and distance to stop compared to smaller vehicles. When truck drivers speed, their ability to avoid sudden stops or obstacles is severely compromised, often leading to more serious accidents.

4. Improper Cargo Loading
   Properly loading and securing cargo is essential for maintaining the truck’s balance. When cargo is not loaded correctly, it can shift during transportation, causing the truck to become unstable. This can lead to rollovers, jackknife incidents, or other types of accidents that endanger everyone on the road.

5. Vehicle Maintenance Failures
   Trucks need regular maintenance to operate safely. When trucking companies or drivers fail to maintain their vehicles, mechanical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems can occur, leading to catastrophic accidents.

Who Is Liable in Trucking Accidents?

Determining liability in a trucking accident is more complicated than in other types of motor vehicle collisions, as multiple parties may share responsibility. The key parties that could be held accountable include:

1. The Truck Driver
   If the driver’s negligent actions—such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving while tired—caused the accident, they could be held personally responsible for the damages.

2. The Trucking Company
   Trucking companies have a legal obligation to hire qualified drivers, ensure proper training, and maintain their fleet. If a company encourages drivers to ignore safety regulations, fails to maintain their trucks, or cuts corners in other ways, they can be held liable for accidents that occur as a result of their negligence.

3. Cargo Loaders
   The company responsible for loading the truck can be held accountable if improper loading or securing of cargo contributed to the accident. Shifting cargo can make it difficult for a truck driver to maintain control of their vehicle, leading to preventable crashes.

4. Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers
   In some cases, mechanical failures are due to defective parts or poor manufacturing. If a truck’s malfunction is traced back to a design flaw or production issue, the manufacturer may bear liability for the accident.

Let Us Handle Your Trucking Accident Case Today!

Trucking accidents are complex, with multiple causes and potentially liable parties. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, it’s vital to seek skilled legal representation. At the Law Offices of Dean Petrulakis, we have experience handling these intricate cases and will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.

Let us take care of the legal details so you can focus on healing and moving forward. Call us today at (209) 528-0404 to learn more.