Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Truck drivers experience some of the most gruesome hours of any profession, leaving them working through some unideal circumstances in order to get their job done. Our Chicago truck accident attorneys have seen firsthand the difficulties that can occur as the result of trucking accidents; from injuries to even death, it’s important that truck drivers take action to stay safe behind the wheel.

Here are some of the most common causes of trucking accidents and what you can do to avoid putting yourself in this scenario.

Fatigue

Overall fatigue is one of the most common causes of trucking accidents. Drivers are typically required to drive extremely long distances in order to complete their orders. They usually don’t get a lot of rest between driving shifts which leads them to push themselves to drive even when they haven’t gotten a ton of rest. The pressure to continue to meet certain standards and schedules can force the drivers to push themselves too far, putting themselves and other drivers on the road at risk of a serious injury. When you get too tired behind the wheel, it causes a loss of concentration and coordination.

Poor Driver Training and Truck Maintenance

Truck drivers are required to go through extensive training and compile a certain number of practice hours before they are able to operate commercial vehicles on public roads. However, drivers are finding ways out of this training which makes them less experienced when driving on the roads. This lack of training shows the way that they navigate their trucks on the roads, as they don’t have the experience behind the wheel that they need.

On a similar note, the law requires that truck drivers inspect their vehicles to ensure the trucks are in top condition before hitting the road. Poorly maintained trucks also contribute to the number of trucking-related accidents that our Chicago truck accident lawyers encounter.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major cause of concern, especially for truck drivers. The truck itself carries so much weight that one wrong maneuver could result in disaster. Because truck drivers are traveling for such long distances, they often get bored behind the wheel, distracting themselves with using their phone, changing the radio station or eating.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking-related accident, you don’t have to suffer through this difficult time alone. Our team at Shea Law Group has helped navigate trucking accidents and can help you determine how to proceed. Take advantage of our free consultations so we can help you determine if you have a case worth pursuing.