Common Causes of Truck Accidents and Determining Liability

Understanding why truck accidents happen is key to establishing fault. US Truck Accident Lawyer explores frequent truck accident causes and liability issues, and how a truck accident lawyer approaches these complex situations. This article aims for 2000-2500+ words.

Uncovering the 'Why': The Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer in Investigating Truck Accident Causes and Liability

Commercial truck accidents are rarely simple. They often stem from a combination of factors, and identifying these causes is a critical first step in any legal claim. This US Truck Accident Lawyer guide delves into the common reasons behind these devastating incidents and explains how liability is determined, often with the expertise of a skilled truck accident lawyer specializing in truck accident causes and liability.

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Cause 1: Driver Error and Negligence in Truck Accidents

Truck driver error is a leading factor in truck accident causes and liability. A truck accident lawyer will investigate issues such as:

Driver Fatigue: Violations of Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules leading to drowsy driving, a major concern in truck accident causes and liability.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: Trying to meet unrealistic deadlines, tailgating, improper lane changes, contributing to truck accident causes and liability.
Distracted Driving: Use of cell phones, GPS, dispatching devices, eating, etc., often cited in truck accident causes and liability reports.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI/DWI): Impairment from alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription/over-the-counter medications.
Lack of Training or Experience: Especially with oversized loads, hazardous materials, or adverse weather/road conditions.
Poor Decision-Making: Misjudging distances, failure to yield right-of-way, etc.

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Cause 2: Trucking Company Negligence as a Factor in Liability

Trucking companies (motor carriers) can also be liable, a key aspect of truck accident causes and liability. A truck accident lawyer will look into systemic issues such as:

Negligent Hiring and Retention: Employing drivers with poor safety records, insufficient qualifications, or known substance abuse problems.
Inadequate Training or Supervision: Failure to provide proper training on safety procedures, equipment, specific routes, or FMCSA compliance.
Pressuring Drivers: Encouraging or forcing drivers to violate HOS rules, speed, or operate unsafe vehicles to meet delivery schedules, contributing to truck accident causes and liability.
Failure to Maintain Vehicles: Neglecting regular inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance on their fleet according to FMCSA standards.
Lack of Safety Policies & Enforcement: Not implementing or enforcing adequate safety protocols, or having a poor safety culture within the company.

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Cause 3: Vehicle Equipment Failure and Maintenance Issues in Truck Accident Liability

Mechanical failures are a significant factor in truck accident causes and liability. Your truck accident lawyer will examine maintenance records for issues like:

Brake Failure: Worn, improperly adjusted, or defective brakes (air brakes, hydraulic brakes), including issues with slack adjusters or air lines.
Tire Blowouts or Tread Separation: Due to excessive wear, underinflation, defects, retread failures, or mismatched tires.
Steering or Suspension Failure: Leading to loss of control, such as worn tie rods or kingpins.
Defective Lights, Reflectors, or Conspicuity Tape: Making the truck less visible, especially at night or in poor weather, leading to underride or rear-end collisions.
Coupling Failures: Problems with the fifth wheel or other connections leading to trailer detachment (runaway trailer).
Engine or Transmission Problems: Causing sudden stops or loss of power in dangerous situations.

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Cause 4: Improper Cargo Loading and Its Role in Truck Accident Liability

If cargo is overloaded, unbalanced, improperly secured, or of a hazardous nature that is not correctly handled, it can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control, the truck to roll over, or cargo to fall onto the roadway. The party responsible for loading and securing the cargo may be liable, a point your truck accident lawyer will investigate when determining truck accident causes and liability.

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Cause 5: Poor Road Conditions or Weather Affecting Truck Accident Liability

While not always the primary cause, hazardous road conditions (potholes, uneven pavement, poor road design, inadequate signage, construction zones) or severe weather (fog, ice, snow, heavy rain, high winds) can contribute to truck accident causes and liability. Truck drivers have a responsibility under FMCSA regulations to adjust their driving for these conditions. Failure to do so can be negligence, which a truck accident lawyer would assess.

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Determining Liability: A Complex Task for a Truck Accident Lawyer Investigating Causes

Liability in truck accident cases can rest with multiple parties. A thorough investigation by an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential to identify all potentially at-fault parties based on the truck accident causes and liability factors. These parties may include:

The Truck Driver (for operational errors)
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier - for negligent hiring, training, maintenance, HOS pressure)
The Owner of the Truck or Trailer (if different from the carrier, for maintenance issues)
The Company that Loaded or Secured the Cargo (shipper or third-party loader)
Maintenance and Repair Shops (if negligent repairs contributed)
Manufacturers of Defective Truck Parts (truck, trailer, or component manufacturers)
Government Entities (for road design or maintenance defects, though rare and complex)
Brokers or Freight Forwarders (in some circumstances, for negligent selection of carriers)

A truck accident lawyer specializing in truck accident causes and liability will meticulously investigate to hold all responsible parties accountable.

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FAQ on Truck Accident Causes & Liability

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Internal Links: Ultimate Guide | After a Truck Accident | Calculate Truck Accident Damages | Average Settlement Amounts & Lawyer Fees

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