Many people go see a truck accident attorney Washington DC trusts after they have been injured in a truck accident caused by driver error. Commercial trucks take a lot of skill to operate, so it’s important for truck drivers to be properly trained before they get behind the wheel. As a Washington DC truck accident attorney can attest, truck accidents can cause a great deal of damage, especially for those in other passenger vehicles. Here are some of the more common causes of commercial truck accidents:
Driver Fatigue
Although federal regulations prohibit truck drivers from driving too many hours in a day, not all drivers follow this rule. Some truck drivers spend long amounts of time on the road and become extremely tired. Many truck accidents have been caused by truck drivers falling asleep behind the wheel.
Speeding
A truck accident attorney in Washington DC has likely also seen many truck accidents result from speeding. Truck drivers are often on strict deadlines and might drive above the speed limit to get to their destinations on time. Speeding can can lower a driver’s reaction time and increase the likelihood of a collision. Because commercial trucks are often much heavier than the average passenger car, it also takes more time for these large trucks to come to a full stop when driving at a high speed.
Distracted Driving
It is also common for many truck drivers to get distracted by sending text messages, eating, and other things. They could be on the road for long hours and easily get distracted. Not paying attention to the road for even a minute can have dangerous consequences.
Improper Truck Maintenance
Like all other vehicles, commercial trucks have to be properly maintained. If trucks aren’t maintained well, a part could malfunction on the road and cause an accident. For example, a tire could blow out in the middle of the road. A truck accident attorney Washington DC relies on may have represented clients who were hurt in a truck accident that resulted from poor maintenance.
Poor Training
It’s possible for truck accidents to be caused by truck drivers who received inadequate training. Driving a commercial truck is a lot different than driving a regular vehicle, and drivers must receive proper training before getting behind the wheel. If a driver has received poor training, he or she might not be ready to handle a commercial truck and this could increase the likelihood of getting into an accident.
Improper Loading
Commercial trucks may be large, but that doesn’t mean they are equipped to handle an unlimited amount of weight. Improper loading could result in several types of accidents, including jackknife accidents, rear-end accidents, and rollover accidents. To minimize the risk of accidents, it’s vital for truck drivers to follow the rules when securing cargo to their trucks. If you’ve been injured in an accident that involved improper cargo loading, a truck accident attorney Washington DC depends on might file a lawsuit against the shipping or loading company that was responsible.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney Washington DC Respects
If you were hurt in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. If you are looking for a truck accident attorney Washington DC offers, call 202-759-7415.
