Top Ten Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents

Vehicle accident injuries remain the leading cause of personal injuries. Due to their massive size and heavy weight, tractor-trailers are known to cause severe damages and frequently death. Approximately half a million trucking accidents occur every year in the United States. In fact, one out of every eight traffic fatalities involves a trucking collision. There are many causes of tractor trailer accidents and oftentimes they can be an effect of the actions of the driver.

According to the Department of Transportation the top causes of tractor-trailer accidents are:

1. Drug use from prescription or illicit drugs.
2. Speeding.
3. Unfamiliar areas of travel.
4. Misuse of over-the-counter medications.
5. Failure to check/re-check blind spots.
6. Driver fatigue.
7. Illegal maneuvers, like failing to use a turn signal.
8. Distracted driving.
9. Attempting to evade a car crash.
10. Road rage.

These trucks are enormous pieces of machinery that require skill and respect for the road. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers treat this responsibility with respect and put passenger vehicles at risk.

However, If you have been involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer, at least one of the above items likely caused the collision.
An experienced lawyer can secure the compensation you deserve. Most importantly, the driver, their employer, or both could be found liable for wrongdoing. The driver may have been acting carelessly, and recklessly. Meanwhile, the company may have forced suboptimal working conditions on their drivers.

What to do Immediately After a Truck Accident

Firstly and most important, call the police and emergency medical services. If possible, collect the other driver’s information, including contact information, vehicle identification, company name, license plate number, and insurance information. If you have a camera on hand, take pictures of the accident. Also, if there are any witnesses on the scene, politely ask for their contact information. Never admit fault. Do not discuss the accident with anyone except your doctor or your attorney. In addition, an experienced auto accident attorney will help create an accident case against the semi-truck driver or the insurance companies. 

In the event of personal injury or wrongful death, accident attorneys can help get compensation for medical bills and for pain and suffering. A car wreck involving a large truck can be a life-altering experience. However, the car accident attorneys at The Cochran Firm do their best to get you the compensation to make up for the loss of quality of life.

Contact Us Today

In conclusion, if you or a loved one was injured in a large truck accident, contact one of our experienced attorneys at The Cochran Firm of The Mid-South as soon as possible. At the Cochran Firm of the Mid-South, we have the experience and resources necessary to hold truck drivers, trucking companies, and other relevant parties responsible for the injuries and damage caused in serious truck and auto accidents. Most importantly, we offer free no-obligation consultations, so please do not hesitate to call our office today at 901-523-1222.