Causes of Truck Accidents
When truck accidents occur, it is important that the cause of the accident be thoroughly investigated in order to determine who is responsible. Once responsibility can be determined, a personal injury lawsuit may be considered in order to recover compensation for damages that resulted from the accident.
At Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC, our attorneys have handled many complex truck accident cases in which many different causes of the accident may have been considered. We are detail-oriented investigators who gather all evidence in order to structure the strongest lawsuit possible on your behalf. Our firm is committed to aggressively standing up for the rights of individuals and families who have sustained injuries and are wondering how to deal with the lost wages, medical expenses, and pain and suffering that has incurred in the aftermath of the accident. Contact us today to discuss your truck accident situation and any of the causes below.
Driver Negligence and Fatigue
Just as the mistakes that motorists make can cause car accidents, mistakes that truck drivers make also cause serious trucking accidents. However, when the driver of a heavy semi truck makes a mistake, it can result in a catastrophic crash. Since trucks are so much larger and heavier than ordinary vehicles, the damages done in a truck/car collision or other type of truck accident are often much more severe. Driver negligence can include:
- Driver speeding
- Reckless driving
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving more hours than allowed by federal laws
- Driver drug abuse (driving under the influence of some type of drugs or alcohol)
Overloaded or Unbalanced Cargo
Tractor-trailers are often carrying several tons of cargo in their trailers. However, if that cargo is not properly loaded or is loaded more than the 18-wheeler can carry, it creates a dangerous situation for other drivers on the road. An overloaded truck or one with unbalanced cargo can be extremely difficult for the driver to control, often resulting in jackknife accidents, other types of accidents and injuries to other drivers.
Negligent Hiring
Though truck drivers must be extremely capable and well trained to maneuver large semi trucks, they are not always screened as closely as they should be when being hired. A trucking company may be liable if the truck driver who caused the accident never should have been hired. If he or she had a background that included the loss of a driver’s license or the driver was not certified to drive that particular type of truck, the trucking company may be responsible for compensating the injured parties.
Other Causes of Truck Accidents
There are other reasons for a truck accident to occur. A Connecticut truck accident attorney at our firm can examine these possibilities, which can include:
- Failure to properly train a driver
- Defective truck equipment
- Failure to maintain or improperly maintain a truck
- Failure to keep proper records and logbooks
Contact Our Connecticut Trucking Accident Lawyer
To learn more about truck accident causes and the personal injury services that we offer, please contact our law firm. The initial consultation is free of cost and obligation. For your convenience, we maintain offices in Bridgeport and New Haven, Connecticut.