Trucking accidents can pose a particular threat to others on the road in Missouri. Because of the massive size and volume of big rigs, collisions involving these vehicles can be especially dangerous. While an average car weighs 4,000 pounds, a large truck weighs over 20 times that amount. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to these serious crashes, several common causes dominate.
One of the most frequent causes of trucking collisions is driver error. While truck drivers are professionals who have a strong responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and effectively, they can also make mistakes. Truck drivers often work lengthy schedules of many hours on the road, and fatigue can seriously hinder judgment and driving skills. Many truckers are also prone to distracted driving. Still, most crashes linked to driver error are caused by the passenger vehicles’ drivers rather than the truckers.
Another significant cause of truck crashes is poor maintenance of the trucks involved. Because commercial vehicles drive so frequently, they require regular maintenance. Brake or tire problems can easily lead to a serious crash and catastrophic injuries. Equipment failure without a maintenance problem can also pose a threat; some truck parts may be poorly manufactured or installed, causing them to give way at a dangerous time. In addition, trucks carry large, heavy loads of cargo. If that cargo is improperly loaded and secured, it could fall off or otherwise separate, causing multiple crashes on the road.
When people are hurt in trucking accidents, they can experience catastrophic injuries. An individual who has been injured in a truck crash through no fault of their own can consult with a personal injury lawyer about their option to pursue compensation for their medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
