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Trusting a Trucker to Tell the Truth after an Accident Can be a Grave Mistake

Many interests are at stake after a significant trucking accident: the driver, the company he works for, the owner of the cargo, and the insurance companies that cover all of them. And since every trucking wreck is a very expensive proposition, their side needs to have a fall guy. The first one in line is the driver. And when that happens, the driver will usually try and pass the blame off to you to keep his job. This is why it’s never a good idea to trust the truck driver to tell the truth if he or she causes an expensive accident. If truck drivers are found to be liable for an accident, not only will they be fired, it they might have a very difficult time landing a new job after costing their previous employer enormous amounts of money in liability claims. More about our Austin Truck Accident Lawyer here
Sometimes their employer, mainly if investigations determine they must share negligence liability, fires the driver outright and then tries to get out of any respondent’s superior liability by sloughing all of it on the now-dismissed driver’s behavior or character leading up to the accident. It’s a convenient dodge, and we’ve seen it work in some cases: but not all of them. If this isn’t the driver’s first wreck at the wheel of a big truck, he might lose either (or both of) his state trucking driver’s license or his DOT certification. So now this poor fellow has to find new line-of work. With the high unemployment in the U.S., the temptation for that driver to lie, cheat or behave dishonestly to save his or her job is too great if this driver wants to keep taking care of their family.

After suffering an injury in an 18-wheeler accident in which the truck driver claimed that our client was driving with his lights off at night, our investigators quickly examined the scene. They discovered a security camera outside a convenience store pointed directly beyond its parking lot and behind the highway accident scene. The video clearly showed our client’s headlights shining brightly. We proved that the truck driver boldly lied. Witnesses and defendants can lie or callously misrepresent critical facts in trucking accident cases. But they can’t lie to or hide from our investigations. Our Law Office knows how to uncover and replace the lies with the truth. Over the past 20 years, we have conducted thousands of commercial truck accident investigations and deposed tens of thousands of witnesses to get to the bottom of your accident case. We do it with the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident in Texas, our experienced accident lawyers can win the best compensation for you. Call us today (toll-free) for a free consultation. Get on the road to recovery so you and your family can get on with your lives.

More Great 18 Wheeler Accident Blogs Here
https://www.texastruckaccidentattorneys.com/truck-accident-attorneys-personal-injury-lawyers/
https://truckaccidentattorneysa.com/big-rigs-and-teenagers-in-traffic/
https://laredotruckaccidentlawyer.com/direct-negligence-of-an-18-wheeler-operator/
https://www.truck-accident-injury.com/trucking-insurers-fight-hard-to-deny-your-claim/
https://www.truck-accident-injury-lawyers.com/self-insured-companies-or-independent-truckers/
https://www.commercial-truck-accident-lawyer.com/tractor-trailer-truck-accident-victims/
https://www.commercial-truck-accident-lawyers.com/personal-injury-lawyers-truck-accidents/
https://www.truck-accident-injury-lawyer.com/damages-you-can-seek-after-a-serious-flatbed-trucking-accident/
https://www.truck-accident-injury-law.com/18-wheeler-accident-lawyers/
https://www.big-rig-truck-accident-lawyers.com/who-is-to-blame-for-your-damages-and-pain/
https://www.accident-lawyers-dallas.com/18-wheeler-accident-lawyers/
https://austin-auto-accident.com/trucking-companies-and-their-insurance/

This Blog was brought to you by the San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer, Carabin Shaw – Principal Office in San Antonio

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Imagine a scenario where a truck driver, exhausted from long hours on the road, fails to notice a sudden stop in traffic ahead, leading to a serious collision. This unfortunate incident highlights just one of the many factors contributing to truck accidents. While driver fatigue is a significant issue, it’s far from the only cause. Understanding the full range of common causes can reveal critical insights into preventing such accidents in the future, sparking a necessary conversation about safety on our highways. More info on this website
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, as tired drivers struggle to maintain focus and reaction times on the road. Your body and mind can easily wear down when you’re behind the wheel for long hours. You might think you can push through the fatigue, but that’s when the risks increase. Your judgment can become impaired, making it harder to react to sudden changes in traffic or road conditions.

Recognizing the signs of fatigue is essential for your safety and others. If you yawn frequently, have difficulty concentrating, or experience heavy eyelids, it’s time to pull over. Taking regular breaks helps combat fatigue and keeps your mind sharp. More info on this website

Schedule your driving hours wisely, ensuring adequate rest before hitting the road. Additionally, stay hydrated and eat healthy snacks to maintain your energy levels. Remember, it’s better to arrive late than not at all.

Improper Vehicle Maintenance

Improper vehicle maintenance can lead to serious truck accidents, as neglected inspections and repairs increase the risk of mechanical failures on the road. When you skip routine checks, you’re putting yourself and others in danger. For instance, worn-out brakes can fail unexpectedly, making it hard to stop in time. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW

Tires are another critical component; if they’re underinflated or have insufficient tread, you risk losing control, especially in bad weather. Regular oil changes and fluid checks are essential too. Dirty oil can cause engine problems that not only impair performance but can also lead to breakdowns.

Moreover, malfunctioning lights and signals can hinder visibility and communication with other drivers, increasing the chances of collision.

Keeping up with all maintenance schedules isn’t just a good practice; it’s your responsibility as a truck driver.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents, as even a momentary lapse in focus can have catastrophic consequences on the road. When you’re behind the wheel of a massive truck, any distraction can turn deadly. You might think checking your phone or adjusting the radio is harmless, but these actions divert your attention from the road.

It’s essential to recognize the different forms of distraction. Visual distractions, like looking at a GPS or reading a text, take your eyes off the road. Manual distractions, such as eating or reaching for something in the cab, remove your hands from the steering wheel. Cognitive distractions, like day dreaming or thinking about personal issues, can cloud your judgment and reaction time.

To prevent accidents, you need to stay focused. Make it a habit to minimize distractions before you start driving. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over to a safe location first.

Always remember that your priority is to keep yourself, your cargo, and other road users safe. Stay alert, stay focused, and you’ll considerably reduce the risk of an accident.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions can substantially increase the risk of truck accidents, making it essential for operators to adjust their driving strategies accordingly.

When you encounter rain, snow, fog, or ice, you must recognize that visibility and traction are compromised. Reducing your speed is critical; it gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.

In heavy rain, the roads can become slick, increasing stopping distances. You should maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front of you; this helps prevent rear-end collisions.

During snowy or icy conditions, it’s imperative to avoid sudden movements. Abrupt steering or braking can cause your truck to lose control.

Fog presents another challenge. When visibility drops, using your low beams can help improve your sight. Always look for brake lights ahead, as they can signal slower traffic or stop vehicles.

Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo

Truck accidents often occur when cargo is overloaded or not properly secured, leading to instability and increased risk on the road. When you load a truck, following weight limits and distribution guidelines is essential. Overloading can cause the vehicle to become difficult to control, especially during turns or sudden stops.

Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transit, affecting the truck’s center of gravity. This shift can lead to particularly dangerous rollovers. Always verify that your cargo is evenly distributed and securely fastened to prevent these accidents. Use straps, tarps, or nets to keep everything in place.

You should also regularly check your load to confirm nothing has shifted during your journey. If you notice any changes, pull over safely and adjust the cargo. Remember, it’s not just your safety on the line. Overloaded trucks can endanger other drivers and pedestrians.

In summary, staying vigilant about truck safety is essential.

Driver fatigue, improper maintenance, distracted driving, adverse weather, and overloaded cargo can turn a routine trip into a disaster faster than a blink of an eye.

By prioritizing rest, regular vehicle checks, and proper loading, you can help prevent accidents and keep the roads safer for everyone.

Remember, a little extra care today can save lives tomorrow, and that’s a weighty responsibility we all share.