Tucson Truck Accident Lawyers

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can occur for various reasons, each carrying unique implications for determining liability.

Possible causes of big rig collisions include the following: 

• Driver fatigue: One common cause is fatigue, often exacerbated by hours-of-service violations. Truck drivers sometimes exceed the federally mandated limits on driving hours to meet strict delivery deadlines, leading to decreased alertness and increased risk of accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Mechanical failures are another notable cause. These can stem from a lack of maintenance or faulty parts, turning otherwise capable trucks into substantial hazards on the road. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent such failures. When these standards are not upheld, the maintenance company or truck manufacturer can be held responsible for accidents.
• Employer negligence: Employer negligence, such as lack of proper supervision or poor hiring practices, can also contribute to truck accidents. If a trucking company puts inadequately trained drivers on the road or does not enforce safe driving practices, it may be liable for damages.
• Imbalanced cargo load: Imbalanced or improperly secured cargo loads present another risk. An uneven cargo load can make a truck challenging to control, particularly at high speeds or in adverse weather conditions. Such issues often point to negligence on the part of the cargo loading team.

Understanding the specific cause of a truck accident is paramount, as it is crucial in determining who can be held responsible. Whether it's the driver for not adhering to service hours, the company for poor hiring practices, the maintenance team for not performing their duties adequately, or the cargo loaders for improperly balancing the load, pinpointing the cause aids in the quest for justice.