A truck accident is almost always devastating because of the size of the vehicles involved. It can be heartbreaking when victims suffer serious injuries, or worse, they’re killed in the crash. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 10,892 truck accidents in Alabama in 2018, which includes 121 fatalities and 2,629 injuries. Many of those accidents were caused by truck driver error.
If you or a loved one were involved in a truck accident, you need an attorney who is not afraid to fight the big insurance companies in the trucking industry. Our experienced attorneys have decades of experience to pull from. We will prove that the truck driver caused your wreck and you deserve compensation for your losses. Call Belt, Bruner & Barnett, PC today at (205) 933-1500 or use our online contact form.
1. Driver Fatigue
Truckers are often pushed to go hard and drive as long as possible in one stretch. This can lead to fatigue that can result in a serious accident. Truck drivers are supposed to log their hours and comply with state and federal regulations. However, sometimes they skate the rules to work more and get tired.
A trucker is allowed to work for a maximum of 14 hours and drive for up to 11 hours. Then, they must be off for at least 10 hours before they start their next shift. Additionally, they may not drive after working 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days.
However, truck drivers and their employers often violate rules and take risks that should be avoided. By driving while tired, a trucker risks falling asleep at the wheel and causing a crash.
2. Driving Under the Influence
Truck drivers may not drink alcohol or take intoxicating drugs while they drive. When they do, they put everyone at risk. Even certain prescription drugs, such as pain killers, can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles and swerve, causing an accident.
In Alabama, a commercial driver with any measurable amount of alcohol in their blood stream can be put out of service for 24 hours. If a driver has a BAC of .04% or higher, they can be arrested and their license may be suspended.
Drunk drivers are a danger to everyone on the road. Even a drug DUI can cause a wreck. That’s why truckers who drive under the influence often lose their CDLs.
3. Distracted Driving
Like many people in smaller vehicles, truckers often drive while distracted. They might be preoccupied with their phones, radios, or GPS systems. Whatever they are doing that takes their eyes and attention off the road can result in a serious crash.
4. Blind Spots
Large commercial trucks have blind spots directly behind and to the sides of them. They know they should check these areas before they merge into other lanes and turn. However, sometimes drivers fail to take appropriate precautionary actions and they hit other drivers. This truck driver error can easily be avoided with wider mirrors and cameras around the truck.
5. Equipment Malfunctions
Truck drivers are supposed to perform a pre-trip checklist that includes making sure all equipment is in good working order. If a trucker fails to complete the entire checklist or overlooks a small problem, then it could cause a wreck on the highway.
Call Belt, Bruner & Barnett, PC for Help After a Truck Accident
One of the first things we will look at when you call us is who was at fault. With truck accidents, we know it is most often the truck driver that has been in error. We will work to determine what happened and prove to the insurance company that they should pay you money for your losses.
Call Belt, Bruner & Barnett, PC today at (205) 933-1500 or use our online contact form.
