Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents nearly always tend to be more serious than car accidents simply because of the very large size and weight of trucks. An 18-wheeler truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds while the average car weighs only about 4,000 pounds. For this reason, trucks are harder to maneuver than cars and are unable to stop as quickly. They are also affected more by issues like the uneven loading of cargo or by the unpredictable behavior of drivers of smaller vehicles that are near them on the road.

Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies want to transport their loads of goods as quickly as possible over as much distance as possible to make the greatest amount of profit. Truck drivers, as well as trucking companies, must keep up with the maintenance of these huge vehicles to keep them moving safely along the highways. Trucks are driven for long distances across the country, sometimes for thousands of miles, and tires, as well as other parts, eventually wear out.  Ignoring routine maintenance can lead to serious consequences. Trucks must be checked often to make sure they are in working order.

Poor Weather

Weather conditions in which snow, ice, or rain make the road slippery can be lethal to a truck driver who is not adequately trained to handle them. If a truck driver is trying to meet an overly demanding deadline and it begins to rain or snow, driving too fast or not keeping enough distance from other drivers can lead to fatal accidents. Road conditions can sometimes change in a hurry, slowing down traffic and causing erratic behavior in the drivers of smaller vehicles nearby. Such conditions are often responsible for truck accidents as they can jackknife or slide along icy surfaces.

Call to Schedule a Free Consultation with a Truck Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured in a truck accident, call to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney today. The legal professionals at the Dawson Law Group of Portland, Oregon, are here to help.  Call us at 503-919-1315 and let us discuss your case.

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