Colburn Law

Causes of Severe Truck Accidents

When commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the consequences can be catastrophic. These vehicles can weigh thousands of pounds and are much larger than a passenger car. When collisions happen, they can devastate victims and their families, often resulting in severe injuries, long-term disabilities, and tragic loss of life.

From the pressures of tight delivery schedules to the complexities of maintaining these behemoths of the road, multiple factors can contribute to a severe truck accident. If you are involved in a collision, it is important to know the cause; this can help you find your path to justice and compensation.

Driver Fatigue and Tight Schedules

Driver fatigue is a major factor in many truck accidents. Long hours on the road, irregular sleep patterns, and the monotony of highway driving can lead to extreme tiredness. Fatigued drivers experience impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased awareness of their surroundings.

In severe cases, drivers may experience microsleeps, which are involuntary episodes of sleep that can last for a few seconds. Falling asleep at the wheel for any amount of time can lead to a collision.

Tight schedules exacerbate this issue. When drivers feel pressured to meet unrealistic deadlines, they may push beyond their limits, skipping necessary rest breaks. This creates a dangerous situation where exhausted drivers are operating massive vehicles at high speeds, increasing the risk of accidents.

Driving Under the Influence

According to an analysis of large truck crashes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over-the-counter drug use contributed to 25,000 crashes and illegal drugs contributed to 3,000. Additionally, alcohol contributed to 1,000 accidents.

These substances can severely affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment, slow reaction times, and can cause drowsiness or overconfidence. Even over-the-counter medications can have side effects that make driving dangerous, such as drowsiness or dizziness. When these effects occur while operating a large truck, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Speeding and Recklessness

Speeding is a critical factor in many truck accidents; according to the FMCSA analysis, traveling too fast for the conditions contributed to 32,000 collisions. Due to their size and weight, trucks require much more time and distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When a truck is speeding, this stopping distance increases dramatically, making it difficult to avoid collisions.

Reckless driving behaviors, such as frequent lane changes, tailgating, or failing to signal, are particularly dangerous when exhibited by truck drivers. Aggressive driving can also lead to loss of control, especially when carrying heavy or unbalanced loads.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Regular maintenance is vital for the safe operation of commercial trucks. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to failures in the brakes, transmission, tires, steering system, and many other critical components. When these mechanical issues occur while a truck is in motion, the driver may be unable to maintain control of the vehicle.

Contact Colburn Law for Help with Your Truck Accident Case

If you’ve been involved in a severe truck accident, you deserve justice. In Washington, you have the right to pursue legal action by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit against the person or entity responsible. In these situations, the Seattle truck accident lawyers at Colburn Law can advocate for you.

We can help unravel the complex factors that led to your accident, identify the liable parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm online or call (206) 919-3215 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you pursue justice and recovery.