Everybody who has ever taken a roadtrip knows that 18 wheelers and tractor trailers dominate the roadways around the country. The size differential between these vehicles and typical passenger vehicles is so great that when 18-wheeler accidents happen, the resulting injuries are typically more severe than what would be experienced by a car accident.
Most Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The following are common causes of 18-wheeler accidents:
- Distracted driving: Like any other motorists, drivers of commercial vehicles get distracted by paying attention to their radio or cell phones and can cause accidents. For example, many truck accidents occur because drivers fail to check their blind spots when changing lanes and collide with unsuspecting motorists.
- Fatigue: Truck drivers are often on the road for days at a time.Even though there are rules regulating hours, they aren’t always followed. Regardless, while drivers are required to take breaks to keep from being on the road for too long, the demands of the job can, and often do, lead to intense fatigue.
- Weather: Rain and snow cause havoc on roadways but this is magnified tremendously with 18 wheelers. Because of the size of 18-wheelers, they require a greater braking distance to come to a complete stop. When the roadways are wet, 18-wheelers can slip when attempting to get to a complete stop and can cause rear-end collisions.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Drivers are typically paid by the mile or the trip. This creates an incentive for drivers to get to their destinations as quickly as possible. Speeding, especially when combined with reckless driving, can lead to accidents with devastating injuries.
Call a Louisiana Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact Louisiana truck accident attorney Mike Mahone is here to help you with your claim. Call (504) 564-7342 to discuss your case with a New Orleans personal injury lawyer today. There is no charge for a confidential case evaluation.
