Commercial vehicle accidents can cause severe injuries and leave victims dealing with lengthy recoveries and unexpected expenses. Knowing why these crashes happen helps everyone understand how to reduce risks and keep people safe on the road. It can also help you determine if you have a personal injury claim after being involved in a truck accident in Louisville. Some of the most common causes include:
Driver Fatigue
Fatigued drivers often struggle with slower reaction times and poor decision-making, which can lead to serious accidents. Federal regulations limit the number of hours a commercial driver can work, yet these rules are not always followed or enforced. When companies push drivers to meet strict deadlines with little rest, fatigue-related crashes become more likely.
Distracted Driving
Using phones, GPS devices, or any other distractions behind the wheel poses a huge risk, especially for commercial drivers operating large, heavy vehicles. The driver is likely to be the liable party, but in some cases, the company can also be held responsible if they failed to enforce policies against distracted driving.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
When brakes, tires, or other essential parts are not properly maintained, the chance of a catastrophic accident skyrockets. Trucking companies have a duty to keep their vehicles in safe condition through regular inspections and repairs. Failure to do so can lead to issues like brake failure or tire blowouts, which could lead to a major accident.
Inadequate Driver Training
Operating a commercial vehicle requires specialized knowledge, from maneuvering large trailers to understanding complex safety rules. Drivers who receive incomplete or rushed training may not be able to handle unexpected hazards, which increases the likelihood of an accident.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
High speeds make large vehicles more dangerous by limiting reaction time and increasing the impact of a collision. Aggressive behaviors like tailgating or unsafe lane changes further raise the risk of an accident. If you’re a victim of this behavior, you may be entitled to seek compensation for the physical and financial harm you’ve suffered with help from a specialized accident lawyer in Louisville.
Improper Loading or Overloading
Transporting cargo that isn’t secured correctly or that exceeds weight limits can cause problems like tire blowouts or rollovers. Trucking companies are responsible for making sure the cargo is loaded safely and within legal requirements. If they fail to do so and the load shifts or falls off, it can cause serious problems on the highway.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
No one should ever get behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, it happens. These substances impair judgment, slow reaction time, and make it difficult to drive responsibly. Crashes involving commercial trucks and DUIs can be especially devastating because of the vehicle’s size.
Mechanical Failure
Braking problems, steering issues, or other mechanical defects can bring about sudden and uncontrollable accidents. The people who own or maintain the commercial vehicles are responsible for ensuring that they meet safety standards. If they fail to catch or repair a malfunction, they could be held responsible for any resulting crashes.
Vehicle Blind Spots
Large commercial vehicles have extensive blind spots that make it tough for drivers to see smaller cars or motorcycles. Accidents happen when drivers neglect to check mirrors or rely on sensing systems that aren’t always accurate. To lower the risks, commercial drivers should properly adjust mirrors and stay aware of vehicles near them.
Understanding these common causes can help victims determine what steps to take after a commercial vehicle accident, and whether they have grounds for a personal injury claim in Louisville. If you have any questions, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.