Trucks are the largest vehicle on the road, making them also the most dangerous. Due to their massive size, trucks can cause many severe accidents on the road. These have the potential to lead to life-impacting injuries or even death to those involved. Because there are many trucks on the road at all times, it is important to understand how they can be dangerous in order to avoid possible accidents with them. The main causes of large truck accidents are as follows:
Poor Judgement
Everyone is subject to human error when driving. However, it is important to be cautious on the road at all times. Any driving errors can lead to accidents. This can include driving too fast, improper lane changes, making dangerous turns, and following other vehicles too closely.
Distracted Driving
Because of a truck’s immense size, it can be more difficult to control than a passenger vehicle. It is because of this that if a driver is not giving the road their full attention, they may not be able to slow down or navigate the vehicle in time to prevent an accident from happening.
Impaired Driving
According to the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), the third leading cause of truck accidents is non-performance errors. This could be if a truck driver operates the vehicle while drowsy or under the influence. It may also be the case if they suffer from a medical condition such as a heart attack, seizure, or stroke while driving.
Vehicle Malfunction
It is possible for a truck or parts of it to be defective and malfunction. In these situations, a third party may be liable for causing an accident instead of the driver. This can include the following parties:
- The motor carrier
- The maintenance contractor
- The cargo loading company
- The manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts
Poor Conditions
It is an unfortunate truth that not all roads are in the best condition. Some examples of poor conditions that can cause accidents may include:
- Broken or crumbling concrete
- Large potholes
- Unmarked curbs
- Soft shoulders
- Oil slicks
- Missing guardrails
- Narrow lanes
- Sharp ramps
- Malfunctioning stoplights
- Weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, etc).
Contact our Firm
If you or a loved one has been in a personal injury accident in Pennsylvania, it’s important that you contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney to help you with your case and to make sure that you are not taken advantage of. Contact Spear Greenfield to get the right attorney in your corner.
Call or text (215) 985-2424 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
