Truck accidents are devastating and typically have a bigger impact when a crash occurs due to the vehicle’s large size. When you or a loved one experiences an injury in a truck accident due to another driver’s negligence, you have legal options.
You could pursue financial compensation to cover your medical bills, loss of income, and other things. One of our experienced truck accident attorneys could walk you through the lawsuit process and inform you about the common causes of truck accidents in Houston and how they can affect your compensation claim.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Every truck accident case is different, especially in a big city like Houston, where many common causes of collisions exist. By understanding each cause, everyone can work to prevent crashes from happening in the future.
Driving Under the Influence
When a truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they are more likely to get into an accident.
Improper Cargo Loading
When cargo is loaded improperly, the truck can cause accidents due to shifting cargo, uneven weight distribution, and other factors.
Lack of Experience
Due to their size, trucks are harder to drive. Drivers who lack experience maneuvering a larger vehicle are more likely to crash.
Poor Maintenance
Truck accidents are not always the fault of the driver. Sometimes, trucking companies fail to regularly maintain their trucks, which can result in a brake malfunction or essential parts failing to work.
Following Too Closely
Everyone should drive with a respectful distance from other cars, and a larger distance from trucks. Trucks need more space to stop than other vehicles and could rear-end the car in front of them if they are too close.
Speeding
A speeding truck is more difficult to control in emergencies. The vehicle’s weight and size require more time and space to stop, which is harder at high speeds.
Fatigue
Truck drivers often push themselves to meet deadlines and exceed legally permitted driving limits, even when tired. Federal regulations allow property-carrying commercial truck drivers to drive for up to 11 hours after resting for 10 consecutive hours. Meanwhile, passenger-carrying drivers may drive for at most 10 hours after resting for eight hours straight. Those who ignore these rules are more likely to cause accidents.
No matter the cause, one should immediately seek medical attention after getting into a crash with a truck.
Types of Truck Accidents
These common factors cause a variety of truck accidents in Houston. Some examples of the most common truck accidents are:
Wide-turn Accidents
Large 18-wheeler trucks need extra space to attempt right turns. If they fail to turn widely enough, their rear wheels can hit the curb and cause the truck to roll over.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents happen when a vehicle crashes with the side or rear of a semi-truck trailer. These are some of the most dangerous and deadly collisions.
Rear-end Truck Accidents
These occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. They are caused by following too closely, speeding, distraction, inattentiveness, or brake failure.
Tire Blowouts
These happen when someone’s tire pops or blows out and goes flat, often causing vehicles to lose control. Heavy loads and improperly maintained tires are often the culprits.
Rollover Accidents
A rollover accident occurs when a vehicle falls onto its side or roof. Depending upon the force of the collision, the vehicle may roll over multiple times. These car crashes usually include only one car, but two or more vehicles can also be involved.
Jackknife Accidents
This accident involves a car with two parts folding in on itself at the point of separation. The hinging effect closely resembles the look of a pocketknife blade folding into its handle while closing.
When trucks try to rush while carrying precious, heavy, or dangerous cargo, catastrophic accidents can ensue. A lawyer could help hold the negligent parties accountable.
Consult a Houston Truck Accident Attorney Today About the Causes
Know that you have resources when you or a loved one experience injuries from a truck collision. Let a trained team of professionals handle your truck accident case for you. We could create a strategy to get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today to discuss the common causes of truck accidents in Houston.