An auto accident can lead to serious medical conditions. Some of the most dangerous kinds of auto accidents are the ones that involve large trucks. Over 100,000 truck accidents happen almost every year. Some of these semi-trucks weigh almost 80,000 pounds. These heavy vehicles can lead to devastating auto accidents, often leading to traumatic injuries and losses.
Why do trucking accidents happen? There are a few common causes, including:
1. Distractions
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of auto accidents. A trucker may be distracted while driving as a result of texting, eating, changing the radio or adjusting their seating. Even a little distraction can cause a trucker to take their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.
2. Substance use
Trucks are often known to drive many hours without taking breaks to meet their shipment times. However, some truckers will use certain substances to meet their deadlines. Substance use can lead to poor driving and negligence, which can increase the risk of a trucking accident.
3. Road rage
Truckers may become aggressive toward other drivers. As a result, they may intentionally act in a way that endangers other drivers, such as tailgating, speeding or running cars off the road.
4. Drowsiness
Many truckers are pushed to miss sleep to meet deadlines. These truckers can develop insomnia and other sleeping conditions that lead to drowsiness. Drowsiness can reduce a trucker’s attention and cause them to fall asleep while behind the wheel, leading to auto accidents.
If you or someone you know was injured by a truck driver, legal guidance can help recover damages for medical expenses and other losses.