When a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck collide, the results are often catastrophic. Small passenger vehicles are no match for large, heavy trucks. Unfortunately, spinal injuries, paralysis, and death are far too common in truck accidents. If you suffer injuries or a loved one dies in a truck accident, contact an experienced and reputable personal injury attorney.
COMMERCIAL TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
Federal and state regulators realize the risk that large commercial vehicles pose. Accordingly, strict laws are in place to try to minimize accidents. Despite efforts to make the roadways safer, 3,852 people died in accidents involving large trucks in 2015, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
COMMON CAUSES OF TRUCKING ACCIDENTS
It is important to understand the common causes of accidents involving commercial trucks and to be alert while on the roads.
- Oil spills and tanker truck accidents – Fuel spills occur in places such as the Dalton Highway, a remote 400-mile haul road that is the last stretch before many of the state’s oil fields. Warming winters, roads that need maintenance, and human error contributes to these accidents.
- Driver fatigue – Drivers are typically paid by the load and receive incentives to get places faster. As a result, many truckers and trucking companies violate federal regulations involving service hours, causing tired drivers to be on the roads.
- Distracted driving – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration bans commercial drivers from texting while driving. Commercial drivers must often find ways to entertain themselves during long hauls and sometimes need to communicate load arrival times with receiving locations. Both scenarios can result in phone distractions.
- Improper weight distribution – Improperly loaded trucks may tip over and cause an accident on the road.
- Equipment malfunction – Commercial trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles in safe repair. However, a malfunction can result in a deadly accident.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN RELY ON
Merdes Law Office, P.C. has helped injured Alaskans and tourists involved in motor vehicle crashes for over 25 years. We are here to help you. For further information or to schedule a free consultation please contact Merdes Law Office, P.C. at 866.452.3741 or visit www.Merdes.com. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do.
Photo by Anita Ritenour [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
