Too often, we hear horrific stories of truck accidents occurring due to negligent driving or maintenance practices related to the truck itself or its cargo. The Georgia and Tennessee experienced personal injury attorneys at The Roth Firm, LLC discuss how negligence can lead to these accidents and share ways to protect yourself.
#1 Distracted Driving
Drivers operating commercial trucks can be easily sidetracked if their attention is not centered on driving. Cellphones, radios, and conversations with other drivers are all potential sources of distraction and can lead to devastating accidents.
#2 Fatigue
Long hours on the road and short rest periods can cause a driver to become overtired, leading to an elevated risk of impaired driving. When truck drivers become too fatigued, they often drift between lanes and risk sideswiping other vehicles, making fatigue just as dangerous as common forms of negligence like distracted or drunk driving.
#3 Overloaded Trucks
Truck accidents due to overloaded trucks are a common cause of crashes. When loaded past its capacity, these vehicles can be less reactive to steering and braking, affecting the truck's ability to change lanes or stop quickly.
#4 Poorly Maintained Trucks
Malfunctioning brake systems, faulty tires, and damaged steering inputs can all lead to disastrous results if not taken care of by the necessary professionals. If not caught promptly, issues can progress until they cause an accident due to the added strain on the vehicle's components.
#5 Speeding
Speeding significantly contributes to truck accident fatalities; heavy vehicles require up to 40% more space to come to a complete stop than lighter vehicles. When a truck driver is speeding, they are not allowing enough room for their vehicle to safely slow down or stop, thus increasing the likelihood of an accident and resulting in additional casualties.
#6 Improper Loading of Cargo
Improper loading of cargo can be hazardous and lead to catastrophic accidents. Drivers may not be aware that a load has been improperly or carelessly secured, leaving them at risk of a rollover or jackknife accident due to unbalanced weight shifts. Not only is this type of reckless loading illegal, but it also puts truck drivers' lives in danger.
Were You Injured by a Negligent Truck Driver?
Negligence can take many forms when it comes to causing truck accidents, making them difficult to prevent. If you are injured in a truck accident due to a driver's negligence, it is essential to protect your rights by seeking legal counsel from the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Roth Firm, LLC. Our team specializes in helping individuals affected by such circumstances to get the financial compensation they deserve. Don't wait — contact our office today for more information about how we can help. (404) 777-4899
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