Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Accidents involving trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles have an overwhelming potential for devastation. For those who have suffered harm from these wrecks, identifying an underlying cause is a top priority, as it allows you to pursue accountability from those at fault.

At Cunningham Bounds, we have cultivated a national reputation fighting for those whose lives have been upended by serious wrecks. We know the importance of properly investigating truck accidents, how to identify negligent at-fault parties, and how to position victims for the compensation they deserve.

While we encourage anyone who has been harmed in a trucking wreck to get in touch with our team, we also want to provide some information that can help victims understand when they might have grounds to file a claim. For example, if your crash was caused by any of the negligent factors below, you might be entitled to compensation.

1. Driver Fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours under strict deadlines, leading to exhaustion. Federal regulations limit the number of hours interstate truck drivers can be on the road and on duty, but these rules are sometimes ignored or violated. Fatigued driving and regulatory violations are inexcusable acts of negligence, and can be grounds for victims to seek compensation for their damages.
    
2. Distracted Driving. Distracted driving is a concern across all types of vehicles, and especially for truck drivers who pilot massive and incredibly dangerous machines. Distractions such as using a smartphone, eating, adjusting the GPS, or even daydreaming can lead to a loss of focus on the road, causing severe accidents. If driver distraction played a role in your trucking crash, you may have a claim.
    
3. Speeding and Reckless Driving. To meet tight schedules, some truck drivers may exceed speed limits or engage in reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, improper lane changes, or aggressive driving. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these behaviors are particularly dangerous and can lead to catastrophic accidents for which drivers and their employers may be liable.
    
4. Improper Cargo Loading. Incorrectly loaded or overloaded cargo can cause a truck to become unbalanced, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents. Cargo that shifts during transit can also make it difficult for the driver to maintain control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. In some cases, improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks and create roadway obstructions and hazards that cause collisions. When cargo issues are to blame, meticulous investigations are necessary to determine who can be held at fault.
    
5. Poor Vehicle Maintenance. Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate. However, some trucking companies or drivers may neglect necessary inspections and repairs, leading to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering issues. These failures can easily result in accidents and give rise to claims against trucking companies and/or third party maintenance contractors.
    
6. Driving Under the Influence. Although commercial truck drivers are held to strict standards regarding alcohol and drug use, incidents of impaired driving still occur with alarming regularity. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even certain prescription medications can severely impair a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely and provide a basis for liability when accidents and injuries occur.
    
7. Inexperienced or Untrained Drivers. Driving a commercial truck requires specialized training, licensing, and experience. Unfortunately, not all drivers receive the necessary training or may be inexperienced in handling the vehicle under different driving conditions. This lack of experience can lead to poor decision-making and accidents.
    
8. Negligence of Other Motorists. Truck accidents are not always the sole fault of the truck driver or trucking company. Sometimes, the negligence of other motorists contributes significantly to these devastating accidents. Common negligent behaviors include cutting off trucks, sudden lane changes without signaling, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way. Because trucks require more time and distance to stop or maneuver, these reckless actions by other drivers can lead to serious collisions involving commercial vehicles.

Pursuing Justice and Compensation After a Truck Accident

When a truck accident is caused by negligence—whether it is the truck driver’s, the trucking company’s, or another party’s—injured victims and families who have lost loved ones may have the right to pursue legal claims for compensation. This includes personal injury and wrongful death claims that position victims to recover medical expenses lost wages and financial support, pain and suffering, and other damages.

At Cunningham Bounds, we have recovered over $26 billion in compensation for victims and families nationwide, including clients who have suffered losses in preventable trucking wrecks. If you have a question about your rights and whether you might have a claim, we are available to help.

Cunningham Bounds proudly serves clients across Alabama, Georgia, and beyond from offices in Mobile and Atlanta. To discuss a potential case, call (844) 417-0930 or contact us online.