In 2019, an estimated 118,000 large trucks were involved in accidents that lead to injuries, and 5,005 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash. More often than not, an accident with a truck on a US road can lead to some devastating consequences, and the victims of such accidents are left with some expensive medical bills to pay or even the loss of a loved one.

 

What leads to these types of accidents? Here are 4 contributing factors to trucking accidents:

 

1. Driver Error

One of the most common explanations for why trucking injuries happen is: someone made a mistake. An FMCSA case study estimates that over 80% of these incidents can be attributed to driver error, which can be split into 4 categories:

 

  • Nonperformance - the driver fell asleep or was otherwise incapacitated

  • Recognition - the driver was not paying attention to the road

  • Decision - misjudgment on behalf of the driver, such as speeding

  • Performance - driving recklessly

 

Driver error can be attributed to the truck driver and the passenger vehicle. While it’s understood the truck driver needs to excerpt more caution when on the road, passenger vehicles also must be cautious when approaching or passing large trucks by avoiding blind spots or signaling before they try to pass.

 

2. Vehicle Malfunction

FMCSA estimated that around 10% of trucking accidents are caused at least in part by issues with the vehicle itself. This can be either a problem on the manufacturer’s side, and the vehicle was put on the market with a key flaw that affected its performance.

However, it can also be a maintenance issue, meaning the trucking company that owns the truck does not take the proper steps to maintain or repair the truck, thus putting everyone at risk of injuries.

 

3. The Environment

Another factor found by the FMCSA is ‘environment,’ which refers to certain issues with the road, such as improper signaling or issues that lead to traffic disruptions.

 

While responsible for fewer cases, the environment does seem to be a common reason trucks get into accidents with passenger vehicles, specifically.

 

4. Improper Working Conditions

Sometimes, the trucking injury may not be necessarily caused by something present at the collision scene. Companies that force their drivers to meet unreasonable demands end up encouraging reckless driving.

 

A driver may ignore their own needs (such as to sleep) or even ignore weather conditions that may require more caution driving to meet the company-imposed deadline. This often results in accidents as the driver is rushing through the roads because of their boss’ pressures. Truck accidents are often the result of driver fatigue.

 

St. Louis Truck Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, an experienced St Louis truck accident attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help you protect your legal right to compensation.

Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4300 for a FREE case evaluation.