Compared to car and bike crashes, truck accidents can be way more fatal and destructive. In fact, according to some stats, about 500,000 trucking accidents take place annually in the United States of America alone. Bigger trucks and trailers can be highly risky for smaller vehicles. Several reasons cause trucking accidents, but this article will highlight some of the most common ones. Moreover, what should be done after a truck accident? We will walk you through the points you should bear in mind when hiring a truck accident lawyer to help you get maximum compensation.

Common Reasons for Truck Accidents

The common reasons for a truck accident are as follows

Fatigue and Long-Hours

One of the major causes of truck accidents is long-hour commutes and fatigue caused by them. Usually, truck drivers have caffeine with them to stay wide awake; however, sleeplessness can cause restlessness and lack of attention.

Driving a 16-wheeler or an 18-wheeler requires your eyes to be always on the road. But when a driver is not able to keep their eyes on the road, as a result of drowsiness and discomposure, they end up getting in a wreck.  

Shoddy Roads

The condition of a road plays a crucial role in the number of truck driving accidents. Poor road conditions usually lead to more truck accidents, given the size and weight of a truck. 

Often, the potholes in the roads are not visible in the nighttime. Moreover, substandard roads cause traffic jams leading the frustrated drivers to cut and shift in another lane. During this process, the heavy trucks are stuck and eventually get into horrible accidents while the drivers try to maneuver their way. 

Unfamiliarity with the Routes

New locations and unfamiliar roads are a leading cause of truck accidents. In such a case, the truck drivers are supposed to drive carefully and slowly; however, this is not followed by every truck driver. Moreover, unfamiliar locations also make some drivers anxious which may cause unintentional reckless driving and therefore, truck accidents.

Defective Vehicle Parts

Many a time, roads are neither unfamiliar to the drivers and nor in bad condition yet massive truck accidents take place. This is mainly because of defective vehicle parts such as failed brakes, non-working windshield wipers, rear underride guards, fuel tank, etc.

Overloading

Although particular rules restrict the carrying of goods after a specific limit, the rules are sometimes ignored by the traders and truck drivers. Truck overloading can strain the operating performance of a truck, flatten the tires, and the truck balance. Sometimes, the overloading also results in the bursting of a tire.

Lack of Proper Training and Experience

This is again, quite a common reason—proper training and experience in driving a truck matter a lot. An inexperienced truck driver won’t know how to move on broken roads or how to drive at nighttime. So, inexperienced and improperly trained truck drivers have higher chances of being involved in accidents. 

Truck Accident Lawyers

If you have been involved in an accident with a truck and are from the Richmond, Virginia area, you need to contact a truck accident lawyer after your accident as soon as possible. 

Most of the time, people don’t know where to turn, and most people don’t have personal lawyers, so the most important thing that one must do after meeting a truck accident is to hire a truck accident lawyer. A truck accident lawyer will help you with legal procedures, namely getting monetary compensation for all your damages and suffering.