Mississippi highways carry a tremendous amount of commercial traffic.
When an 18-wheeler crashes, the consequences can be severe because of the vehicle’s size, weight, and stopping distance.
Understanding common causes of truck accidents can help explain why these crashes happen and who may ultimately be responsible.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers may spend long periods on the road.
Fatigue can affect reaction time, judgment, attention, and decision-making.
A tired driver may fail to notice slowing traffic or drift into another lane.
Distracted Driving
A commercial driver’s attention is just as important as a passenger vehicle driver’s attention.
Cell phones, navigation systems, dispatch communications, eating, and other distractions can take a driver’s eyes or mind away from the road.
Speed
Large trucks require significant distance to slow down.
Speeding can make an already dangerous situation worse.
A truck traveling too fast for traffic or weather conditions may be unable to stop before striking another vehicle.
Improper Cargo Loading
Cargo must be properly secured.
An improperly loaded trailer can affect the truck’s balance and handling. Shifting cargo can contribute to a loss of control or rollover.
Poor Maintenance
Brakes, tires, lights, steering components, and other equipment need proper inspection and maintenance.
A mechanical failure can turn a routine trip into a catastrophic crash.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Large trucks have significant blind spots.
A truck driver who changes lanes without properly checking surrounding traffic can strike a vehicle traveling alongside the trailer.
Who Is Responsible?
Liability depends on the circumstances.
The driver may be responsible. The trucking company may also face liability depending on the facts. Maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or other parties may be involved.
That is why a truck accident investigation needs to go beyond the immediate collision.
If you were seriously injured in a truck accident in Jackson or elsewhere in Mississippi, Timbs Injury Law can investigate the crash and work to identify the parties responsible.