Commercial truck drivers are often under extreme pressure to meet tight deadlines. Coupled with the hazards of everyday life along with the sheer size and weight of these massive vehicles and the roadways can be a dangerous place. Commercial trucking accidents are often catastrophic in nature and can completely change the course of someoneās life. If youāve been traumatized by one of these large commercial trucks on the roadway and it resulted in severe injury, contact an experienced trucking accident attorney today.
It is critical to have adequate representation to fight for your rights as you navigate the legal system and attempt to put your life back together. There are many reasons for these often preventable accidents involving large commercial trucks on the roadways Here are the 5 most common reasons for large trucking accidents in Massachusetts.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the most common causes of trucking accidents. Drivers are under extreme pressure to meet deadlines and often get paid by the mile which discourages them from stopping for breaks and adequate rest. Tests show that a driver who has been awake for 17 hours demonstrates the same type of impairment as drunk drivers. They have slower response times and make more mistakes in judgment due to a lack of sleep.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is even more dangerous in a massive truck and technology presents many distractions. Drivers spend long periods alone on the road and tend to get bored. Utilizing devices like smartphones, iPads, or even televisions to keep them company distracts them from the task of driving. Even looking down to adjust the GPS coordinates can be inherently dangerous. A large truck can drive the distance of a football field in the 5 seconds it takes to input a new address into the GPS.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics is inherently dangerous in any vehicle, especially a massive truck weighing multiple tons. Some truck drivers are simply careless while others may take certain additives to stay awake without realizing the potential side effects. Driving under the influence of any type of drug or alcohol is very dangerous, and careless, and should be avoided at all costs.
Unsecured or Poorly Secured Cargo
Many trucking accidents happen when unsecured cargo flies from a large truck to present a hazard to other drivers. It may be heavy objects that crash through windshields or lighter debris that other drivers must swerve to miss. Inadvertently they end up colliding with other vehicles. Poorly secured cargo can move around and the massive shift in weight can cause the large truck to jackknife in the roadway beginning a domino accident.
Poor Maintenance
Large trucks require very specific maintenance plans, and it is the driverās responsibility to ensure their truck is in proper working order every time it enters the roadway. A defective part can break, or a large tire can blow out causing a potentially serious accident for other unsuspecting drivers on the road. The driver is responsible for any resulting damages, and in some instances, the trucking company or manufacturer might also be held liable. You can contact a trucking accidents attorney.
Partner with An Experienced Trucking Accidents Attorney Today
If youāve been the victim of a serious or catastrophic injury involving a large truck, partner with an experienced trucking accident attorney today. Truck drivers have a huge responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone on the roadways. They must adhere to strict guidelines which minimize risk while maintaining the safety of their massive vehicles for everyoneās protection. When truck drivers fail to meet their responsibility and cause serious injuries because of their carelessness, they need to be held responsible for their actions. Partner with a great trucking accident attorney who can fight for your rights and help ensure you recover the financial compensation you are due for your unnecessary trauma involving a large truck.Ā
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