Top 4 Causes of 18-Wheeler Wrecks and How to Avoid Them

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, large trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than passenger cars, and most fatalities that occur in truck collisions are occupants of passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, even if fatalities do not occur, debilitating injuries often do.

You can reduce your risk of getting in an 18-wheeler wreck by learning the most common causes of these accidents and how to avoid them. The following four factors are behind some of the most devastating semi-truck crashes:

1. Drowsiness;
2. Speeding;
3. Substance abuse; and
4. Failing to survey traffic.

Sadly, even the safest motorists can fall victim to negligent truck drivers. If you were injured or lost a family member in a semi-truck collision, contact the Cooper Law Firm.

You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, medical bills, and non-economic damages. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation with an accident attorney in Tyler.

Let’s take a closer look at four common causes of truck wrecks:

1. Drowsiness

Truck drivers often spend up to 11 hours per day behind the wheel, and even the most experienced truckers are not immune to fatigue. Drivers should be able to spot the signs of fatigue when they approach an 18-wheeler. The symptoms are similar to those of intoxication:

• Drifting onto the shoulder;
• Straddling two lanes;
• Swerving;
• Abnormal braking patterns; and
• Driving much slower than the speed limit.

2. Speeding

Speeding is a primary cause of collisions for all vehicle types. Driving too fast for the conditions is particularly dangerous for truckers because they require a significant stopping distance. If you are being tailgated by an 18-wheeler, then change lanes and let it pass.

3. Substance Abuse

Alcohol contributes to nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Drunk driving is particularly dangerous for truckers because they require precise handling.

Keep your distance from an 18-wheeler if you notice any of the following signs of intoxication:

• Almost hitting the curb or an object in the road;
• Driving with the headlights turned off at night;
• Using the wrong turn signal or no turn signal;
• Abnormal braking or accelerating patterns;
• Driving much slower or faster than the speed limit;
• Swerving or drifting; or
• Straddling two lanes.

4. Failing to Survey Traffic

18-wheelers have large blind spots, and side-swipe collisions often happen when truckers fail to survey traffic before changing lanes. You can reduce your risk by avoiding the four blind spots of large trucks. One is located directly in front of the truck, one is directly behind, and there are two blind spots adjacent to the truck’s side mirrors.

If you were injured by a negligent truck driver in Texas, contact the Cooper Law Firm to discuss your case. Attorney N. Eric Cooper will investigate your crash, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and help you fight for the maximum payout. Call 903-297-0037 to schedule a consultation with a truck accident lawyer in Tyler.