Truck Accident Attorneys

Why Do Truck Crashes Happen?

Truck accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Adverse weather, heavy traffic and road conditions may all be factors. However, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the following are among the most common causes of these crashes:

• Driver error – Driving a large commercial truck involves the use of a complex set of skills. Without proper training and experience, truck drivers are more likely to make dangerous errors. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers may engage in reckless driving such as speeding, disregarding traffic signs and signals and driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications. Driving while overly fatigued also plays a role in many trucking accidents in Abilene and throughout Texas.
• Improper trucking company practices – When trucking companies do not allow breaks or require their drivers to work excessive shifts in order to meet impossible schedules, it increases the risk of accidents. Drivers are more likely to speed, and they may suffer from lack of sleep, resulting in drowsy driving accidents.
• Improper loading practices – The amount of cargo that a trucker carries, and the way it is secured and distributed can all be factors in truck crashes. Overloaded trucks are harder to control, and shifts in weight can cause rollovers when trucks go around curves.
• Mechanical defects – 18-wheelers and other big rigs require regular maintenance to ensure they are in proper working order. The failure to properly inflate tires or to check brakes and fluid levels can make accidents more likely to occur.

The Abilene truck accident attorneys of KRW have the resources to launch an immediate investigation of your truck accident. We can determine how the wreck occurred and who should be held accountable for it. The sooner an investigation occurs, the better it will be for our investigators as they track down important evidence.