A Tuscaloosa Truck Accident Lawyer Discusses Common Causes of Alabama Truck Accidents

Feb 28, 2022 - Truck Accidents by Cross & Smith

Accidents involving large trucks such as semis and tractor-trailers occur far too often on Alabama roadways. While some of these accidents are caused by errors common in all accidents, such as distracted driving and driving under the influence, there are causes that are unique to large trucks. A Tuscaloosa truck accident lawyer from our firm explains.

Problems Involving Drivers of Large Trucks

Many of the accidents involving large trucks in Alabama are the fault of the drivers of the trucks. Reasons include:

• Inadequate Training: Driving a large truck takes much more skill and practice than driving a smaller motor vehicle. When a driver has not been trained adequately and has not spent enough time perfecting their craft, they are unable to properly drive these large vehicles. 
• Unrealistic Schedules: Most large truck drivers are expected to make their deliveries within a certain time frame and can be penalized if they fail to do so. These time frames are often not realistic, and drivers are pressured to speed and drive while fatigued to keep their mandated schedule. A Tuscaloosa truck accident lawyer will investigate to find out whether or not unrealistic schedule demands were a cause of your accident. 

Problems Involving Passenger Vehicle Drivers

Some accidents involving large trucks are caused by the drivers of the passenger vehicles involved in the collision with the large truck. This includes:

• Driving In Blind Spots: There are certain zones around large trucks where they have little to no visibility. When a passenger vehicle is in one of these areas, the truck driver may unknowingly swerve into them. Many large trucks actually have stickers warning you when you are in one of these spots to prevent an accident. 
• Underestimating Time & Space Necessary to Stop: Large trucks travel at fast speeds, and due to their size, they require a significant amount of time to slow down and come to a full stop. The amount of time they need is actually underestimated by drivers of passenger vehicles, and they cause a collision when turning in front of these large trucks. 

Problems Involving Equipment

Accidents involving large trucks often involve issues with the truck itself, such as:

• Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance: Large trucks require extensive maintenance to keep them safe and road-worthy. They spend a large amount of time on the road, and the owners of these trucks are required to ensure they are sound. However, time spent performing maintenance is time not spent making deliveries, and because of this and the costs involved, too many maintenance issues are not addressed. 
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Large trucks often transport loads of cargo. When the cargo is improperly loaded, or when too much cargo is loaded, it can throw the truck off balance, causing it to tip over, blow out tires, and actually lose some of the cargo.

Speak With a Tuscaloosa Truck Accident Lawyer at Cross & Smith, LLC

If you have been injured in an accident with a large truck, you need counsel that understands the unique causes of large truck accidents. Contact Cross & Smith, LLC, to speak with a Tuscaloosa truck accident lawyer that you can depend on to provide you with the representation you need. Our attorneys may be reached by calling 877-791-0618 or via our contact page.