3 Common causes of 18-wheeler Accidents
From computers to furniture and heavy construction equipment, almost every aspect of the American economy relies on big rigs to haul cargo over long distances. For this reason, truck drivers are constantly under pressure to deliver goods hundreds or thousands of miles within a short time.
With the constant pressure to deliver goods, 18-wheeler drivers make mistakes frequently. Unfortunately, these mistakes often result in fatal injuries mainly because these trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than the average car.
Here are some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents
Distracted driving
Many 18-wheeler accidents are caused by driver error. Because of their long working hours and tight schedules, truck drivers are more prone to distractions while driving. Like many other drivers, truckers can easily be distracted by flipping radio channels, texting, eating, and even using the navigation system.
Driver fatigue
Many truckers have tight delivery deadlines and must work long hours since they’re paid according to the miles covered. This means that they have to drive for long distances to earn a decent income. This strategy is implemented by most trucking companies but clashes with federal law whereby drivers have to adhere to some driving hour limits and periodic breaks. In addition, driving for long hours without rest can cause even the most experienced truck drivers to become fatigued and cause a crash.
Inadequate driver training
Trucking companies always look for new drivers and pay them to take training courses. Immediately after completion, the drivers are put on the road. While new drivers make less for covering shorter distances, they don’t always have the necessary experience to operate 18-wheelers safely.
18-wheeler accidents often cause serious injuries, disability, property damage, and death. Therefore, if you or a loved one has been hurt in such an accident due to a trucker or trucking company’s negligence, it’s essential that you seek legal guidance to help you know your rights and make the right decisions going forward.