Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Pooler

Crashes involving large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, often occur for the same reasons as other wrecks on the roadways and frequently involve driver negligence. There are also additional risks for semi-trucks. To avoid truck crashes, truckers must operate their vehicle safely and follow the safety rules.

While roadway traffic accidents are less common for commercial trucks, they can be the most catastrophic. Call our experienced lawyer to learn more about the common causes of truck accidents in Pooler.

Causation and Risks

Georgia state and federal agencies conduct regular studies and gather crash data to identify potential risks and determine the most effective prevention methods. A federal agency report on trucking industry safety titled The Large Truck Crash Causation Study, published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), assesses the causes based on data including the time of year and day, contributing factors, and influencing elements.

The FMCSA reports that common truck operator-related causes, called critical reasons, include:

  • Non-performance issues, such as falling asleep, medical emergencies, including seizures, distractions, and failure to identify hazards
  • Decision-related issues, which include poor judgment
  • Inadequate performance, such as oversteering or poor reaction times

Most Typical Associated Factors

The report also identifies the most typical associated factors found in crashes involving tractor-trailers. These include:

  • Trucker fatigue
  • Traveling too fast for the conditions or above the speed limit
  • Sudden traffic flow interruptions, such as crashes and tire blowouts
  • Use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs before driving
  • Failure to check mirrors or other surveillance issues
  • Mechanical issues, such as brake failure

Driver carelessness is almost always a cause of truck collisions in Pooler, and wrecks involving 18-wheelers can leave you with severe and life-altering injuries and financial losses.

What Are the Most Common Types of Crashes?

The most frequent types of tractor-trailer truck crashes are jackknife, rear-end, rollover, and sideswipe collisions.

Rear-End Truck Collisions

Rear-end vehicle collisions, including those involving commercial trucks and passenger cars, are typical crashes. These are caused when distraction, or sometimes brake failure, means that a truck driver cannot come to a complete stop before striking the car in front of them.

Jackknife Crashes

Jackknife crashes are often serious and can have catastrophic outcomes for everyone involved. These crashes occur when the trucker attempts to stop too quickly and the trailer swivels toward the vehicle’s cab, forming the shape of an L or V.

Rollovers

Although less common, rollovers are among the deadliest collisions on roads and highways. Turning too quickly, braking abruptly, or driving with improper loading can cause the driver to lose control and the vehicle to roll over. When this happens, nearby smaller cars may get crushed beneath the truck.

Sideswipe Accidents

Sideswipe accidents happen when an 18-wheeler swipes the side of another vehicle after deviating from its lane or maneuvering without checking for cars in blind spots.

Our knowledgeable lawyers can discuss the typical causes of truck crashes in Pooler and the process for obtaining monetary damages during an initial consultation.

What To Do After an Accident

After a crash with an 18-wheeler in Pooler, whatever the cause, prioritizing safety is of the utmost importance. If possible, you should move to safety, away from the traffic flow. Call to report the accident and, if needed, request emergency services immediately.

If your injuries are not severe, you can begin gathering evidence, such as photographs to document the scene, and speak to witnesses to get statements along with their contact information. Contact our experienced Chattahoochee Injury Law attorney as soon as possible for assistance with auto insurance communication and legal advice.

Speak to a Qualified Attorney About the Common Causes of Pooler Truck Accidents

Knowing the causes and appropriate steps to take after a crash with a tractor-trailer is vital for protecting your rights and obtaining the maximum potential settlement.

Professional truckers receive extensive training and must adhere to protocols and follow regulations while traveling. When they are negligent, you have the right to hold them responsible. Call us today and schedule a consultation to learn more about the common causes of truck accidents in Pooler.