The Top Causes of Negligent Truck Accidents in Corpus Christi, Texas

 

Truck accidents are considered some of the most catastrophic on the road. They can cause serious and often devastating injuries to the parties involved.

Suppose you have been involved in a Corpus Christi truck accident and trying to deal with the financial burden of lost wages and expensive medical bills while you try to recover. In that case, it's smart to find and hire an experienced Corpus Christi injury attorney.

While talking to an attorney is essential after an accident, getting to know some of the most common causes of these catastrophic accidents may help you protect yourself and others on the road.

Hours of Service Violations

There are strict rules regarding how long a truck driver can drive before taking a break. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration established these rules. Safety laws have the sole purpose of preventing driver fatigue cases, which can result in accidents because the driver doesn't react quickly enough due to exhaustion or because they fall asleep while behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving

Because of the extensive use of mobile devices, distracted driving is a very serious problem today. Unfortunately, truck drivers are also engaging in this behavior almost as often as drivers of passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, the consequences of truck drivers engaging in these behaviors are more serious because of the vehicles' large size.

Any action or activity that takes a driver's attention off the road is a distraction. Today, some of the most common causes of distracted driving include:

·         Grooming

·         Texting and driving

·         Using a CB radio for communication with other drivers

·         Browsing the internet on your mobile device

·         Eating and drinking

·         Using GPS for directions

If truck drivers engage in these actions, and they are found to be a contributing factor in an accident, they may be considered at fault for the injuries and damages you experience.

There is clear evidence that shows the truck driver was distracted when the accident occurred in some situations. The attorney that you hire will look at a driver's phone records to see if they were on their device right before the accident occurred.

Speeding Trucks

The truck's size means that it requires more time to brake and stop. Because of this, truck drivers must have larger braking distances to help them come to a complete stop. If a trucker is speeding, which occurs if they are trying to make up for a lost time, make a run faster, or if the haul pays them. This all increases the possibility of a driver losing control or being unable to stop before an accident occurs. Another problem is truck drivers who go too quickly around curves or who do not adjust for gradients properly. All this can cause the truck to crash, flip, jackknife, or slide.

Negligent Maintenance

Truckers and trucking companies are required to inspect fleets for possible safety hazards. This includes things like brake issues, ineffective trailer hitches, and bald tires. It is required that drivers inspect their truck while they are on the road to ensure the load is secured and that the truck is safe to continue driving.

Alcohol and Drug Use

Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is never smart. However, this is particularly dangerous if you are behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound (or more) vehicle. While this is true, the use of alcohol and drugs is extremely common in the trucking industry. It also has a huge impact on drivers' ability to operate these large vehicles safely.

Amphetamines, and other stimulant drugs, are very commonly used and abused by truck drivers. They are often used to help prevent driver fatigue. Unfortunately, the burst of energy they provide will likely be offset by the driver's impairment.

Truck drivers are considered responsible for the substances they consume while working. However, in some cases, the trucking company could also be negligent if they don't require drug tests on drivers regularly. The company may also be considered negligent if they keep a driver on the payroll who has received a citation for driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Hire an Attorney After a Corpus Christi Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident, it is a good idea to hire a Corpus Christi personal injury lawyer right away. They will work to protect your rights and help ensure you get the compensation deserved for the damages and injuries you experience. The right attorney is an invaluable asset to your accident situation.