Posted in Wisconsin Workers Compensation Related News
There are thousands of accidents involving commercial trucks every year. These trucks are bigger and more powerful than standard vehicles, so they are more likely to cause severe injuries and fatalities during crashes. While some truck accidents are due to poor weather conditions or bad roads, a large percentage of them are caused by driver error. Let’s take a closer look at the common types of driver error:
Speeding
Companies rely on truck drivers to deliver their goods in a timely fashion. This might pressure some truck drivers to drive above the speed limit to deliver their items on time. Unfortunately, speeding puts everyone on the road in danger. Driving too fast can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle and crash into other cars.
Fatigue
It’s no secret that truck drivers spend most of their days on the road. If they don’t take their required breaks, they may become too tired and lose focus of the road ahead of them. If they are really fatigued, they may eve fall asleep behind the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Driving a truck all day can get tedious, so some drivers may do various things to entertain themselves while behind the wheel. For example, they may talk on their phone or send text messages. However, this can cause them to take their focus off the road. If they aren’t paying close attention to the road ahead of them, they are more likely to get into an accident.
Improper Vehicle Maintenance
Just like all other vehicles, commercial trucks must be maintained and serviced on a regular basis. If a truck isn’t properly maintained, it is more likely to break down in the middle of the road. For example, if the brakes haven’t been serviced in a long time, a truck driver might not be able to stop the truck in time and cause a collision.
Drunk Driving
Despite all the known dangers of drunk driving, some truck drivers still choose to get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol can cloud their judgment and make it difficult for them to concentrate on the road, increasing the chances of accidents.
Poor Training
Operating a commercial truck isn’t the same as operating a standard vehicle. It’s actually a lot more difficult. That’s why truck drivers must go through intensive training before getting behind the wheel. They will learn how to properly operate a big truck and reduce the risk of accidents. If a truck drivers doesn’t receive the proper training, he or she might be a danger to everyone else on the road.
Were you hurt in a truck accident? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. A skilled trucking accident lawyer citizens rely on may be able to help you pursue a lawsuit against the driver who hit you and get justice. Most truck accident lawyers offer free case evaluations, so you do not have anything to lose by scheduling a consultation with one.
