According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2011 truck accidents caused 50% of vehicle fatalities in the state of Georgia. Trucks are approximately 25 times heavier than cars, inflicting serious damage when involved in vehicle crashes. Many truckers also work under stressful conditions, working long shifts with little to no sleep. These factors increase the probability and deadliness of trucking accidents.
Top five causes of truck accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driving error causes 90% of large truck crashes. Speeding, fatigue, recklessness, and distracted driving often produce these errors. In addition to truckers’ errors, the other most common causes of large truck accidents are:
- Improper training
- Equipment failure
- Weather conditions
- Improper loading
Truck companies’ records can be the key to a successful compensation claim
According to the (FMCSA) section 396.7, a vehicle shall not be operated if it will likely cause an accident. Thankfully, truck companies are obligated to keep various records about their drivers and vehicles. They maintain files such as driver logs, which can indicate if a truck driver was too sleepy to be driving. These archives also document routine vehicle check-ups, which are often not performed on time.
Note that many companies only keep files from the previous six months, if not less. If you have been injured in a truck-related accident, it is important to meet with an experienced personal injury lawyer and file a lawsuit as soon as possible. Getting the truck company’s records immediately is essential to building a winning case.
Need a truck accident lawyer?
It is important to have a skilled truck accident attorney when fighting big truck companies. Contact us today at (877) 851-4261 to discuss your best course of action.
By J. Michael McGarity | Published October 3, 2013 | Posted in Motor Vehicle Accidents