Queens Truck Accident Attorney

What Are the Most Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents?

Just like other motor vehicle accidents, large truck and commercial vehicle accidents often occur as a result of negligence. In some cases, it is the truck driver who negligently causes a collision; in others, the negligent practices of the trucking company, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or another party is to blame.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

• Truck Driver Error and Negligence: Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, which can lead to fatigue, distraction, and other dangerous behaviors. They may make critical mistakes or violate traffic laws, which can lead to serious accidents. Common examples of truck driver error and negligence include falling asleep at the wheel, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
• Hours-of-Service Violations: The number of hours truckers can drive, as well as when they must take breaks and for how long, is regulated by state and federal law. Known as hours-of-service regulations, these rules are designed to prevent fatigued driving, which can lead to fatal accidents. When truck drivers violate hours-of-service regulations, whether due to pressure from trucking companies or other reasons, the consequences can be devastating.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Heavy materials, goods, and supplies must be properly loaded onto trucks to avoid shifting cargo and other issues that could lead to accidents. Furthermore, trucks may not exceed certain weight limits set by state and municipal laws. Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can—and do—lead to loss of control and collisions.
• Poor Truck Maintenance: Large commercial trucks must be properly maintained to ensure they are running properly and do not pose a risk to others on the road. Whether the truck driver failed to report an issue after conducting a routine maintenance inspection, or a separate entity failed to conduct truck maintenance altogether, the responsible party could be held liable if improper truck maintenance causes an accident.
• Negligent Trucking Company Practices: Some trucking companies pressure drivers to meet strict quotas and deadlines; others fail to conduct background checks, provide adequate training or supervision, or properly discipline drivers who violate company policies. When trucking companies are negligent, they can be liable for resulting accidents, injuries, and deaths related to their improper practices.
• Roadway and Truck Defects: Sometimes, large truck accidents are caused or exacerbated by defective or dangerous roadway design, poor road maintenance, or unsafe construction. In other instances, truck defects—such as faulty braking systems or tires—can contribute to or cause an accident. When this is the case, the liable construction company, engineer, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or distributor may be responsible for damages.

At the Harris Firm, LLC, we carefully evaluate and investigate truck accident claims to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault. Our Queens truck accident attorneys work alongside accident reconstructionists and other industry experts to obtain powerful evidence and develop persuasive cases for our clients.