Anytime a person gets behind the wheel; they can encounter various dangers. However, commercial trucks pose a particularly hazardous risk to others on the roads. Their large sizes and heavier weights are known for causing serious injuries as well as fatalities, especially when they collide with small vehicles. Those who have been involved in Trucking Accidents in Bowie may be able to recover damages. However, this will require determining why the crash took place and proving the other party was at fault. Here are some of the most common reasons that truck accidents occur.
Driver Fatigue
There are federal regulations that limit the number of hours that a truck driver can work in a day. However, many drivers ignore those rules to meet their deadlines. This results in numerous hours behind the wheel without sleep, which leads to fatigue and impaired driving.
Substance Abuse
One of the top contributors to truck accidents is the use of substances. There are prescription drugs and stimulants that keep a driver awake that significantly affect reaction time, perception, and the ability to make decisions while driving. This creates a hazardous situation for every motorist on the highway.
Aggressive Driving
Unfortunately, there are some truck drivers who neglect to operate their equipment safely despite knowing the danger involved. Aggressive driving often results in a crash when it involves speeding, unsafe lane changes, following other vehicles too closely, and failing to check their blind spot.
Equipment Failure
When equipment fails it usually due to improper maintenance or faulty parts. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping trucks maintained, so they’re safe to drive. Neglecting to take care of the truck can cause a driver to lose control and crash. A defect in the design or manufacturing of parts can also lead to an accident. In this situation, the manufacturer or designer would be liable.
The first step after Trucking Accidents in Bowie is to discover the cause. Once this is done, an attorney will help their client through the process of filing a personal injury claim to receive compensation. The attorneys at Jaklitsch Law Group have more than 50 years of combined experience. To read more or to schedule a consultation, visit the website.
