If you are like many licensed drivers, you may have experienced an encounter with a big truck pulling alongside them. You will usually feel relieved when the truck passes you safely and you can continue to drive. However, for some unfortunate drivers, an accident that involves a truck is catastrophic. If you have been a victim of this kind of accident, you must contact houston truck accident attorney as soon as possible. This kind of vehicle accident is complicated as you will have to defend yourself against big companies. Understanding the causes of truck accidents can help you prevent them from taking place. These include the following:
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Drivers are forced to make deliveries in a shorter time. As a result, they push themselves too far, staying behind the wheel even if they start to nod off. Long haul drivers may be in a cab for days or weeks at a time. This can result in them losing focusing on the road and ignoring safe driving techniques, causing accidents.
Driver Error
Truck accidents can happen if the driver fails to check a blind spot before switching lanes, drive the truck beyond the speed limit, and other errors.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not legal in all states. Truck drivers can only have very little alcohol in their system. The reason is that a semi-truck’s size, weight, and force make them an inherent danger to other road users.
Mechanical Failures
In some instances, truck accidents in Houston occur because of faulty equipment or improper vehicle maintenance. Sometimes, the tires of the trucks are in a state of disrepair. If the tires will blow out, the truck will veer on the road and into other drivers or other lanes. Also, if the truck loses the treading on one of the tires, the tread could fling out from under the tire and hit a nearby vehicle.
Unsecured Loads
Semi-trucks are usually hauling trailers full of products. The product must be properly packed and secured to ensure weight distribution across the truck. If the weight is not properly distributed, a truck accident can occur, especially when turning or trying to stop. The products can fly off the trailer and into the path of another vehicle, causing it to crash.
Distracted Driving
Usually, truck drivers in Houston are on a delivery schedule. They are notorious for multitasking while driving. Sometimes, they eat, text, talk on cellphones, or use the CB radio while driving. These driving habits are not safe and can cause accidents.
