Expert Witness: Common Factors that Contribute to Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are among the general vehicular incidents on the road that lead to property damage, injury and death. When a truck collides with a smaller or less equipped car, the truck usually is damaged less, and those inside the bigger vehicle tend to have fewer injuries.
However, there are several factors that contribute to these incidents. It is essential to know how these accidents occur so that with education, the rate at which they occur may be reduced. The extensive damage these trucks cause when colliding with other vehicles often leads to personal injury claims. To fully realize how the elements connect to the incident, an expert witness may provide the much needed details.
Accident Causes
Driver fatigue is one of the most dangerous factors when there is an incident. Even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has explained the seriousness of this factor in all drivers but especially operators of trucks. There are thousands of miles driven by these individuals each week. Because numerous workers for trucking companies are paid by the mile, there are more incentives to push their trucks as far as they are capable of doing before they drop from fatigue. Because of the accidents these issues have caused, federal regulations have been implemented to limit the number of hours a truck driver is permitted to stay on the road before resting. Unfortunately, the problem with fatigue in these persons is still common and of the most dangerous causes of accidents.Improper maintenance of larger trucks and keeping the in operable conditions is not often accomplished even though there are federal regulations in existence that require these actions. There have been numerous vehicle parts, components and materials that have been reported that led to serious incidents due to malfunctions with brakes, worn tires, engine difficulties and trailers considered unsafe. When federal regulations are maintained, periodic maintenance is performed before each trip to provide additional safety. These negative practices impact the driver, those on the road and the company when insurance claims or negligence cases are filed due to discovered maintenance failures.
Distractions during Driving
Distractions for drivers are one of the top reasons there are roadways accidents. This issue is considered the equivalent of heavy and big trucks colliding with other vehicles. Distractions come in many forms, but they may be observed through vision, hand or concentration difficulties which lead to a deficiency of driver skill and attention. This could mean the use of a cellphone, a talking passenger or various other stimuli. Radio adjustments often take the eyes of the driver away from the road, GPS alterations and inputting data, eating, talking and moving items around may all lead to accidents on the road. It is important to adjust the vehicle so that these complications are dealt with before the journey.Truckers have a greater susceptibility to these issues due to the long hours on the road and the solitude they remain in while transporting goods. When alleviating the boredom or quiet of these trips, they may become distracted enough to cause an incident. Additionally, these large truck operators are not permitted use of a cellphone while driving.
Inexperience of Drivers
The lack of experience for young drivers colliding with truckers or a rushed training may result in truck drivers that do not possess the experience needed to run long trips on the road. This may be due to courses having been purchased by the company but little of the time is spent completing these training courses. Many businesses have a shortage of these individuals and speed up the classes to place the persons behind the wheel to start them working. Some companies seek inexperienced drivers out specifically due to the lower rate they may charge per mile than their more experienced counter parts. The give and take of trading experience for cost may be an accident with injuries and liability as the result.Unsuitable Loading
Cargo may be loaded incorrectly or it is accomplished in an unsuitable manner. When the items have been placed quickly with little thought to securing them safely, it is possible objects may fall off the truck causing a traffic accident.Expert Truck Accident Witnesses
Professional expert witnesses often have the knowledge of how these common factors affect the driver behind the wheel of a large truck. He or she has the experience in providing a comprehensive detailing of how the individual driver is impacted by these elements and the incident occurred. In many complicated or long drawn out cases, an expert witness for truck accidents is a necessity.Provided by HG.org
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer.
