A truck accident can be devastating for all those involved, especially those riding in the vehicle that was struck. When you or a loved one suffers an injury in a truck accident, you must speak with an experienced Butte truck accident attorney from Everett Cook Law. Our team has represented clients who have been injured in truck crashes caused by many of the following reasons.
Speeding
Speed has long been an issue on the roads of Butte and the surrounding areas, and trucks are not immune. Because trucks carry such heavy loads and are so much larger than cars, they require longer distances to stop safely. The 2022 Safer Trucking Report, conducted by the Institute for Safer Trucking, reported that from 2011 to 2020, there was a 164% increase in fatalities involving trucks traveling on roads of 75 MPH or more.
Aggressive Driving
Truck drivers often operate their vehicles aggressively, which can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Aggressive driving is any of the following actions:
- Weaving between lanes
- Speeding
- Not using a turn signal
- Tailgating
- Not driving for the current weather conditions
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be an increasing issue for motorists across the country and this includes truck drivers. The Institute for Safer Trucking reported in 2020 that 248 fatal crashes involved distracted truck drivers, which led to 277 deaths. Distracted driving includes the following behaviors:
- Eating
- Drinking
- Reading
- Using a mobile device (phone or GPS)
- Changing the radio station
- Shaving
- Putting on makeup
- Getting dressed
Failing to Obey the Rules of the Road and Traffic Laws
The rules of the road and traffic laws are in place for a reason: to keep all motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists safe when out and about. Truck drivers who run stop signs, do not yield to oncoming traffic, speed through construction zones, or run red lights can wind up causing horrific truck accidents.
Truck Driver Fatigue
The fatigue of the truck driver can often lead to a truck accident. Truck drivers are required by law to take breaks from driving every 11 hours if carrying property and every 10 hours if transporting people. It is quite common for both truck drivers and trucking companies to ignore these rules to meet delivery deadlines.
Incorrectly Loaded Cargo
The cargo of a truck must be loaded correctly to avoid serious accidents. Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle. An out-of-control truck can sideswipe multiple vehicles or tip over onto a vehicle, crushing it.
Inclement Weather
Although not directly tied to the truck driver, inclement weather can easily lead to a truck accident. The truck driver should either know how to handle their rig in snowy, icy, rainy, or windy weather, but if they don’t, they should know their limits and maneuver safely to a parking lot to wait out the storm.
Protecting Yourself After a Truck Accident
The initial moments following a truck accident are vital to the outcome of any personal injury claim. Be sure to be honest with the police, seek medical care, and avoid posting about the crash on social media. Then, talk to an experienced truck accident attorney about your injuries so you can build a compensation case.