Truck accidents happen for many of the same reasons as car accidents, but some causes are particular to the trucking industry. Understanding what often leads to truck crashes can help in determining who was at fault and whether any safety regulations were violated. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truckers are often under pressure to cover long distances on tight deadlines. While federal hours-of-service rules limit driving time (generally to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty), drivers and companies don’t always comply. Fatigued driving is a leading cause of tragic truck crashes. In fact, studies have found a significant percentage of truck crashes involve an overtired driver. (Imagine a trucker dozing off – the consequences can be disastrous.)
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding is especially dangerous for big rigs because they require a much longer distance to stop. Driving over 55 mph was a factor in 41.4% of fatal truck accidents in 2021, compared to 29% for passenger-car-only crashes . When a truck is going too fast for conditions or weaving through traffic, it can easily jackknife or be unable to brake in time to avoid a collision.
Unsafe Lane Changes / Blind Spots
Due to their size, trucks have enormous blind spots (“no-zones”) along each side and behind. If a truck driver fails to check these areas or a car hangs out in a blind spot, deadly side-swipe or merge accidents can occur. In about 63% of fatal truck crashes, the crash is precipitated by something encroaching into the truck’s lane – sometimes another vehicle, other times the truck drifting out of its lane.
Driver Inattention or Error
Truck drivers can make mistakes just like anyone. Distractions (texting, GPS, eating) and errors in judgment (following too closely, not adjusting to weather) are common contributors to crashes. In roughly 24% of fatal truck accidents, the critical event was a truck driver error such as losing control or improperly departing the lane .
Improper Loading or Vehicle Defects
How a truck is loaded is critical. Overloaded trailers or improperly secured cargo can cause tire blowouts or shifts that lead to rollover accidents. Mechanical failures (bad brakes, worn tires, trailer hitch failures) also play a role. However, only about 4% of fatal truck crashes are attributed to vehicle-related factors , suggesting human factors are far more common.
Impaired Driving
Unlike typical car crashes, alcohol or drug impairment is a relatively rare cause in commercial trucking collisions – truck drivers have a lot to lose and are closely monitored. Only about 3% of truck accidents involve an intoxicated truck driver , far lower than the rate for passenger vehicle crashes. Still, when it does happen, it’s inexcusable and often grounds for punitive damages. (By contrast, 20-25% of fatal crashes involving cars or motorcycles involve an intoxicated driver .)
Other factors like bad weather, poor road conditions, or the actions of other drivers (a car cutting off a truck, for example) can also contribute to truck accidents. An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate all potential causes of the crash. This can include analyzing the truck’s electronic logs, subpoenaing the driver’s records and the trucking company’s maintenance logs, and hiring accident reconstruction experts. Identifying every contributing cause is crucial not only for proving the truck driver’s or company’s negligence but also for identifying all parties who might be liable. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Chicago, contact Fabbrini Law Group today for a consultation.