2 Common Causes of Truck Accidents
| September 11th, 2017
Semi trucks and tractor trailers are vital to the nation’s economy. They’re responsible for transporting goods from one end of the country to the other, making it possible for people to buy the things they need regardless of where they live in the U.S. But big trucks’ ubiquity and the increasing demand for consumer goods also mean that there are more trucks than ever on the nation’s roadways, including the streets, highways, and interstates in California. And the more trucks there are, the greater the risk all drivers face when they share the road with those 80,000-pound behemoths. At Berg Injury Lawyers, we know that truck accidents can and do occur under a wide variety of circumstances. However, we also know that two highly common causes often lead to truck crashes:- Driver fatigue – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created driver service hour restrictions to help keep fatigued, sleepy, and exhausted truck drivers off the road. Unfortunately, some drivers and trucking companies exceed the FMCSA’s restrictions to increase profits and shorten trips, putting themselves and others at risk.
- Improper loading – While trucks are designed to carry up to 80,000 pounds, the weight of their loads must be secured and evenly distributed. Even larger, more powerful trucks can struggle or become difficult to drive if their loads shift or become loose during transit. In some cases, trucks with uneven loads can even flip, blocking roadways and causing serious accidents.
