Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Montgomery, Alabama

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes result in roughly 5,000 fatalities and tens of thousands of injuries throughout the U.S. every year. On average, more than 100 fatalities from large truck accidents occur each year here in Alabama, one of the highest rates in the country based on the Cotton State’s population size.

If you were injured in a Montgomery truck accident, you may be entitled to seek compensation through a truck accident claim. To do so, you’ll need to demonstrate that another party was at fault for the wreck, so it’s a good idea to understand why trucking accidents occur.

To learn more about the common causes of truck accidents in Alabama, continue reading or contact the Serious Injury Law Group for a free initial case review. 

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are often subject to demanding schedules and high-pressure delivery quotas, which can make it difficult to get the restful sleep they need to remain alert and focused.

The FMCSA imposes strict hours-of-service (HOS) regulations on commercial drivers to promote adequate sleep and reduce the number of fatigued driving truck accidents. However, some employers encourage their drivers to ignore these regulations to make more money.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), just 18 hours of sleep deprivation has the same cognitive effects as a blood alcohol level exceeding the legal limit for truck drivers. Truck driver fatigue is associated with roughly 13 percent of all truck crashes. 

Speeding

A truck driver’s schedule or delivery demands may also compel them to exceed posted speed limits or drive too fast for conditions. Since large trucks take longer to slow down or stop than most vehicles, speeding is a particularly dangerous behavior for truck drivers.

Data published by the FMCSA reveals speeding was the most common driver-related factor in fatal truck accidents in a recent year. “Speeding of any kind” was a contributing factor in nearly 7 percent of fatal truck crashes that year. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most prevalent and dangerous behaviors on our roads today. Common forms of distracted driving include talking on the phone, texting, adjusting vehicle control knobs, eating or drinking, and personal grooming behind the wheel.

Distraction was the second-most common driver-related factor in fatal large truck crashes in a recent year. According to the End Distracted Driving campaign, text messaging increases the risk of a crash or near-crash event by 23 times for truck drivers.

Texting is a particularly common and hazardous distraction. Sending or reading the average text takes about five seconds, which is long enough to drive the length of a football field at just 55 miles per hour. 

Drug or Alcohol Impairment

Truck drivers frequently work long hours in relative isolation, which can lead to boredom, exhaustion, and depression. In response, many truckers turn to intoxicating substances like drugs and alcohol.

According to studies cited by American Addiction Centers, approximately half of all truck drivers who responded to a survey admitted to drinking on the job. Roughly one-third confessed to using amphetamines. Being under the influence of a mind-altering drug or substance can cause devastating truck wrecks.

Lack of Training

Truck drivers must complete extensive training and testing requirements before they are licensed to operate a commercial vehicle. Trucking companies are responsible for screening drivers carefully to ensure they are qualified before they get behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, there has been a substantial shortage of qualified truck drivers in the U.S. for at least the past 15 years. As a result, some unscrupulous trucking companies have resorted to hiring unqualified or inexperienced drivers to make ends meet. This puts the truck drivers and everyone on the road around them at risk of catastrophic semi truck crashes. 

Lack of Maintenance

Large trucks have thousands of moving parts that must be kept in good condition to continue operating safely. Commercial vehicles also undergo significantly more wear and tear than the average car, so routine maintenance is vital.

When truck drivers, trucking companies, or repair shops fail to exercise due diligence, critical components can be overlooked, and defects may worsen. If a truck’s tires, brakes, steering system, or other mechanical system fails in transit, the driver may experience loss of control and crash into others nearby. 

Improper Loading

Commercial trucks regularly haul thousands of pounds of cargo over long distances. It’s vital that they safely load and secure that cargo. If a cargo loading team loads too much weight into a trailer, it could affect the truck’s traction, speed, or braking ability.

Similarly, if the cargo in a truck’s trailer is not properly secured, it may move around in transit and cause shifts in the truck’s center of gravity. This can make the truck more susceptible to dangerous rollover or cargo spillage accidents. 

Vehicle Defects

If a truck component is manufactured with an unsafe design or defective materials, no amount of maintenance can prevent eventual failure. Data from the FMCSA suggests brake failure and tire failure are two of the most common contributing factors in semi truck crashes.

When a critical truck component fails due to negligent design or manufacturing, the manufacturer of the component may be held responsible in a product liability claim. These cases can be complicated, so if you were injured in a truck crash caused by a suspected vehicle defect, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable attorney for help. 

How Our Montgomery Lawyers Can Help You

At the Serious Injury Law Group, our local attorneys care deeply about our Montgomery community. If you were injured in an Alabama truck accident, we are available to meet with you wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. 

When you make the decision to work with us, you can rest assured that your claim is in good hands. Our team of tough and relentless negotiators will work hard to pursue the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Contact us today to discuss the details of your claim with a qualified attorney.