Truck Accidents: Causes, Prevention, and What to Do in the Aftermath
Being involved in a road mishap involving big rigs is unfortunate and can also be catastrophic. It may not be as simple as navigating through mishaps involving only vehicles because determining liability in truck accidents can be pretty complex. This article highlights the common causes of truck accidents, how people can prevent these accidents, and what you can do in the aftermath of one to assert your rights and ensure that you come out stronger.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Human Factors
One of the primary causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. When a truck driver is tired because he has spent several hours on the road, he will lose focus and concentration while driving, leading to the risk of a drastic accident. According to the seasoned truck accident attorneys in Alpharetta, you can sue if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation involving a big rig with a tired or drowsy driver. Since there are several factors to consider in this case, you may not be directly filing a lawsuit against the driver but against the trucking company, which should be responsible for its drivers.
Distracted driving can also cause truck mishaps wherein the drivers may lose focus on the road due to distractions such as using their phones behind the wheel. While it is never permitted to handle a big rig under the influence of alcohol or, worse, drugs, there are instances wherein drivers drink and drive, impairing their judgment and overall cognitive activities because of the effect of alcohol. Both distracted and impaired driving are human factors considered common causes of road mishaps involving big rigs.
Mechanical Issues
Another common cause of truck accidents is mechanical issues. When a big rig is poorly maintained, expect it will not be road-worthy to be driven for hours, which is usually the case with trucks delivering various types of goods from one state to another. This can often lead to equipment failure, causing road accidents. The driver may find that the brakes of the big rig are not working, leading to an extreme road mishap that could have been prevented if only the equipment were well maintained.
Road and Weather Conditions
Finally, even road and weather conditions are crucial to road safety. Because of the sheer volume of big rigs, it can be devastating when these lose control because of slippery roads brought about by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rains or snow. Foggy weather conditions can also affect the visibility of the road. The risk is even elevated during night trips, particularly for roads without ample warning signs. Drivers must implement extra care and precaution to ensure road safety.
Prevention Strategies
Regulatory Measures
One of the best ways to prevent truck accidents is by imposing regulatory measures such as those indicating service hours. This means limiting the number of hours that drivers should be on the road to prevent fatigue or being overworked. Every person behind the wheel of a big rig should also possess a commercial driver's license to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate the equipment properly. There should also be regulations about the weight and size limits for the trucks, preventing overloading, which can lead to instability. Aside from this, regulatory bodies should impose strict maintenance standards to ensure that the big rigs are road-worthy. A thorough inspection of the engine, lights, fluids, and brakes can go a long way in preventing mechanical failures that lead to catastrophic road accidents.
Use of Technology
Another way to prevent accidents involving trucks is the use of technology. Various technological innovations are now available, such as collision avoidance systems and electronic logging devices. Collision avoidance systems notify drivers of potential clashes so they can take corrective action accordingly. Meanwhile, electronic logging devices help note the driver's hours on the road, ensuring they stay within the appropriate time. Trucking companies can also use GPS to monitor where their drivers are and the best route that they can take, mainly to avoid dangerous roads.
Driver Training
Finally, driver training should be strictly followed to prevent truck accidents. Proper training will equip the drivers with the knowledge and skills to operate the equipment in various road conditions and emergencies. This encompasses not only classroom training but also hands-on practices. Besides driver training programs, awareness campaigns should also be provided to other motorists, ensuring they know what to do when sharing the road with big rigs. Trucking companies must also impose drug and alcohol testing programs for their drivers to prevent impaired driving that also leads to accidents.
Handling the Aftermath
Medical Assistance
When you get involved in a truck accident, the first thing you need to do is to get medical assistance regardless of the severity of the injuries you sustained. Even if you deem that your injuries are only minor, you still need to seek medical attention for you to have proper documentation that will serve as a crucial piece of evidence later on. Keep a copy of your records and the bills you must pay to back up your compensation claim.
Legal Steps
While recovering from your injuries, it is wise to take practical legal steps to ensure that the liable party will be held accountable and you get fair compensation. In this case, seek the help of a legal advocate who is well-versed in truck accident cases. They are in the best position to help you with a compelling strategy to ensure the success of your claim. They will help you in various aspects of the case, including gathering the necessary pieces of evidence and negotiating with different parties on your behalf, even with insurance companies.
Truck accidents are often catastrophic. Human factors, mechanical issues, and sometimes weather conditions cause these accidents. Nevertheless, these can be prevented through many ways, such as imposing regulatory measures and technological solutions and offering the proper training and education. If you get involved in a truck accident, ensure your safety first and take the appropriate legal and practical steps. You will emerge victorious from this situation when you seek medical and legal assistance.
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