Truck accidents are, unfortunately, very common on the roads of Virginia, and they can occur very suddenly. In many cases, drivers of smaller vehicles are left with serious injuries, but they do not know how the truck accident happened, making it more difficult to get the compensation they need to start rebuilding their lives.
The cause of a large truck crash is not always easily identifiable, and it often requires extensive investigation. An experienced Virginia truck accident attorney can oversee this investigation to identify the cause so you can obtain the full compensation you deserve. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Virginia.
Drowsy Driving
Truck drivers must meet very tight deadlines and to do so, they generally need to be on the road as much as possible. Federal regulations set rules regarding the hours of service a truck driver can remain on the road, and when they must take breaks. Unfortunately, many drivers ignore these rules in order to meet their deadlines. Other times, the trucking company may actually offer incentives for drivers to ignore the rules. When this happens, truck drivers can become very drowsy on the road and make mistakes that result in an accident.
Impaired Driving
For many, it is unfathomable that anyone would drive while impaired, much less the driver of a commercial truck. Unfortunately, truck drivers often think that drugs or alcohol might actually help them stay awake, which also means they can remain on the road longer and get to their destination on time. Impaired driving is incredibly dangerous and reckless behavior. When truck operate their rigs while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it can cause some of the worst truck accidents.
Excessive Speed
Trucks are very heavy vehicles, and they take a very long time to slow down and come to a full stop. When truck drivers exceed the posted speed limit, they often do not have the amount of distance necessary to stop, and they may end up crashing into a vehicle in front of them. Speeding not only causes truck accidents, but it can also increase the severity of accidents and the injuries sustained as a result of such crashes.
Improper Inspection and Maintenance of Trucks
Many people assume the truck driver is the one at fault when a crash happens, but this is not always true. Trucking companies are required to inspect their trucks regularly and to perform regular maintenance and repairs when needed. In an effort to reduce their costs, some trucking companies cut corners and take shortcuts with maintenance and repairs. When this is the case, a part of the truck could fail and cause a crash.
Improper Loading
Truck drivers are often not responsible for loading and unloading their trailers. In many cases, other individuals, or even another company, are responsible for this job. When cargo is loaded or balanced improperly, the load can move around during transport, throwing the entire truck off balance. An unbalanced truck could cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. With a flatbed trailer, improperly secured cargo could fall from the trailer and create serious danger to other drivers.
We Can Help You Put the Pieces Together
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with a commercial truck, the team at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you determine what happened, why it happened, and how to get you full compensation under the law for your injuries. We will work hard to uncover all of the relevant details while ensuring that your rights and best interests are fully protected.
To learn more about our firm and how we can help you, contact our Virginia truck accident liability attorneys today. Call (833) 997-1774 to speak with a member of our team. We offer free consultations, so you have nothing to lose by calling today.
RELATED CONTENT: