Common Truck Accident Causes and Ways to Recover

The dangers of driving an automobile are manyfold and can present themselves in the most unlikely of situations. Not only must drivers always pay full attention to oncoming traffic while operating the vehicle, but when confronted with commandeering a heavy-duty automobile such as a truck, the risk of being exposed to mortal danger is significantly increased.

What is it, however, that causes most truck accidents? While it can be easy to understand how unwieldy and hard to maneuver a truck can get, gaining a baseline idea of what causes accidents and how to best pursue compensation after such a traumatic event is invariably one of the wisest decisions you could make.

Keep reading for a quick explanation of the root causes of truck accidents as well as the basics of heavy-duty car crash legalities.

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What Usually Causes Truck Accidents?

More often than not, truck accidents stem from driver error, whether they lost vigilance or performed a bad maneuver while trying to overtake a car.

One factor worth taking into account is that truck drivers are known to abuse alcohol and drugs in order to deal with long working hours and stressful work environments. Several studies show that approximately 30% of all heavy-load vehicle drivers frequently take amphetamines to improve their performance.

While the following causes can be directly correlated with substance abuse, this does not mean that they stem from drugs or alcohol. They should be considered as standalone causes, even though abusing substances makes it significantly more likely for them to occur.

Distracted Driving

This is one of the most common causes of car accidents across the world, regardless of vehicle type. Truck drivers have to work extended shifts and must suffer through long hauls when plying their duty, which naturally attracts a certain level of complacency and boredom.

Consider a straight road that extends for several dozen miles, in which the only thing you have to do is make sure you are paying enough attention to avoid a surprise obstacle or diversion. When you couple the situation with being tired, hungry, and bored as well, it can be very tempting to reach for your cellphone or your radio to quickly alleviate your monotony.

That is the only mistake you need to make in order to put yourself in a life-or-death scenario. Never allow yourself to lose vigilance while on the road!

Driving Under the Influence

As previously mentioned, substance abuse is rampant among truck drivers. Since many of them must work very long hours and are perfectly aware of the importance of sharp awareness, their way of coping is with drugs and alcohol, which helps them in the short-term, but comes with a variety of deadly side-effects.

You should never take a mind-altering substance when at the wheel. The risk of it badly affecting your driving skills is overwhelming, and no amount of temporary comfort or increase in productivity is worth losing your life over.

How Do I Recover After a Truck Accident?

The first action you should undertake after a truck accident is to check for any lasting damage. While your reaction might be to get to moving as soon as possible, that is not recommended, as you could worsen any injuries you might have suffered.

Call emergency services as soon as possible. If you have the possibility, then make sure to take as many pictures of the scene as you can, such as the areas of car damage as well as the license plates of the vehicles involved.

Gather the insurance information of the other driver(s) and then contact your attorney. We strongly advocate against talking to the insurance company until you have received the proper legal advice from your attorney.

Pushing for a truck accident claim in order to receive damages for the crash is going to be significantly more difficult if you don’t work closely together with your attorney, or, at the very least, a person with extensive legal experience.

Don’t Be Shy, Ask For Help

Suffering from a truck accident can be one of the most traumatizing experiences of your life. With that being said, you have many options at your disposal when it comes to getting back on your feet. Our professional suggestion would be to contact a skilled attorney that can help guide you through the process.