Did you know that the average loaded semi-truck weighs about 35,000 pounds? In contrast, your family vehicle likely only weighs an underwhelming 2,800 pounds.
For that reason, it’s important to take precautions when you’re driving around these massive trucks. To prevent an accident, you need to know a little about what causes them. Learn the top four causes of truck accidents below.
Driver Error
It might not feel like it anymore, but remember when driving seemed so overwhelming when you were first learning how? There’s a lot to pay attention to while you’re behind the wheel, and you’ve got to remain vigilant about other driver’s actions, too. The number one cause of truck accidents is driver error. Drivers make mistakes, but when a truck driver’s error leads to a crash, the devastation is often extreme.
Related blog: How Driver Impairment Can Cause Truck Accidents In Florida
Malfunctioning Truck Parts
Another common cause of truck accidents is malfunctioning truck parts. These types of accidents happen when the brakes fail, a tire blows out or some other mechanical failure leads to a loss of control or breakdown. Sometimes a malfunctioning truck part is a result of poor maintenance. At other times, the manufacturer made a defective and unsafe product. A truck part may also malfunction when a truck gets improperly loaded. If the truck’s carrying too much cargo, then parts (like the breaks) may fail.
Related blog: Lawmakers Push To Punish Auto Manufacturers For Faulty Products
Traffic
The massive weight of trucks makes them harder to control. This is especially true when the truck is packed down with cargo that impacts the driver’s ability to maneuver. Heavy traffic can lead to a truck accident. With more cars on the road, truckers might have more difficulty stopping as fast as smaller vehicles. More vehicles are also usually in a trucker’s blind spots when traffic gets heavy.
Poorly Maintained Roads
You already know what happens in your small vehicle when you’re traveling at a fast rate and you hit a pothole. Now, imagine hitting that same pothole in a heavy truck! Poorly maintained roads can cause a truck to lose control and lead to an accident. This is especially true when the truck is traveling at high speeds.
Contact a Ft. Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Florida
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a truck accident in Florida? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Lawlor, White & Murphey represent clients injured because of truck accidents in Broward, Dade, Palm Beach Counties, and throughout Florida. Call 954-525-2345 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2211 Davie Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 as well as offices in Pembroke Pines, Weston, Coconut Creek, Pompano Beach and Plantation.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.