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Common Causes of Truck Accidents That Everyone Should Know About

  • July 23, 2022
  • 6 min read
Common Causes of Truck Accidents That Everyone Should Know About

Every day, large trucks ply the roads of Florida, transporting goods to and from businesses and homes. While most of these truck drivers are responsible and careful on the road, there are always a few who cause accidents through their negligence or recklessness.

If you are involved in a truck accident, it is important to know what caused it so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening again. There are several common causes of truck accidents in Florida that everyone should be aware of.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is, for sure, one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Florida. Truck drivers are often distracted by their cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronic devices while behind the wheel. This can lead to them not paying attention to the road and causing an accident.  

If you see a truck driver who appears to be distracted, it is best to give them a wide berth. According to the truck accident lawyer in Lakeland, some common accidents and consequences of distracted driving among truck drivers include rear-end accidents, side-swipe accidents, head-on collisions, and rollover accidents. All of these types of accidents can cause serious injuries and even death. If you are involved in an accident with a distracted truck driver, it is important to seek legal help so that you can get the compensation you deserve.

On the other hand, if you are a truck driver, it is important to avoid distractions while driving. Put your phone away and do not use it while behind the wheel. If you need to use a GPS device or other electronic device, pull over to a safe location first.

Speeding

Unfortunately, truck drivers often feel pressure to meet deadlines and make deliveries on time. This can lead them to speed and take risks while on the road. When a truck is going too fast, it can be difficult for the driver to stop or swerve to avoid an accident. This can lead to serious accidents, especially if the truck is carrying a heavy load. Additionally, speeding increases the likelihood of a rollover accident, which can be especially dangerous.

If you are involved in a mishap with a speeding truck, it is important to seek legal help. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

Tailgating

Tailgating is another common cause of truck accidents in Florida. When a truck driver is tailgating, it means that they are following too closely behind the vehicle in front of them. This can be dangerous because it gives the driver less time to react if the car in front of them stops or slows down suddenly. Additionally, if the truck driver hits the brakes hard to avoid an accident, the truck could jackknife or roll over.

Tailgating goes along with speeding and reckless driving. However, it can also be caused by distractions, such as a truck driver who is on their phone and not paying attention to the road. The best way to avoid an accident with a tailgating truck is to give them plenty of space and not let them get too close to your vehicle. And if they do get too close, try not to brake suddenly as this could cause an accident or make the situation worse. Instead, gently slow down and let them pass when it is safe to do so.

Fatigued Driving

Because of the nature of their job, truck drivers often have to drive for long hours, and this can lead to fatigue. When a driver is fatigued, they are more likely to make mistakes and have slower reaction times. This can be dangerous, especially when operating a large truck.

Some of the common signs of fatigue include yawning, rubbings eyes, and nodding off. If you see a truck driver exhibiting these signs, it is best to give them a wide berth as they could fall asleep at the wheel and cause an accident. However, if you are a truck driver, it is important to get enough rest before getting behind the wheel. If you are feeling fatigued, pull over to a safe location and take a nap. It is better to arrive late than not at all.

Limited Sight

Making a turn is one of the most difficult maneuvers for a large truck. This is because trucks have a large blind spot on both sides, which makes it hard for the driver to see cars in adjacent lanes. Additionally, trucks are much longer than cars, so they need more space to make a turn. This means that they often have to swing wide to make a turn, which can lead to an accident if there is a car in the way.

If you are approaching an intersection and see a truck making a turn, it is best to slow down and give them plenty of space. And if you are a truck driver, be sure to signal early and give yourself plenty of room to make the turn.

On the other hand, because trucks have large blind spots on both sides, it means that a driver may not be able to see a car next to them when they are changing lanes. If they try to change lanes without signaling or checking their mirrors, they could sideswipe a car and cause an accident.

So, if you are driving next to a truck, be sure to give them plenty of space. And if you are a truck driver, be sure to use your turn signal when changing lanes and check your mirrors before making any sudden moves.

Improper Loading

Finally, trucks have to carry a lot of weight, and this weight needs to be distributed evenly for the truck to drive safely. If the load is not properly secured or is not distributed evenly, it can cause the truck to tip over. Additionally, if the load shifts while the truck is driving, it can make the truck harder to control and increase the risk of an accident.

That is why it is so important for truck drivers to make sure that their load is properly secured before they start driving. And if they need to stop for any reason, they should re-check the load to make sure that it has not shifted.

As you can see, many different factors can contribute to a truck accident. By understanding these common causes, you can help avoid an accident yourself or, at the very least, know what to do if you find yourself in a situation with a truck. 

And, if you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer who can help you get the compensation you deserve.

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