What Causes Tragic Truck Accidents?

Big rigs are huge, powerful vehicles. When they collide with smaller vehicles, the damage caused to other drivers, passengers and vehicles is usually catastrophic. What causes these accidents?

According to a recent news report from WSAZ.com, a terrible accident occurred just this past Friday in the north part of West Virginia. A truck swerved across the median and struck a mini-van headed south, killing two high school students and a mother of three on the way to the Festival of Life Christian outreach event in Clarksville. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families.

What Are the Causes of These Types of Accidents?

According to the police, this particular tragedy resulted from some type of mechanical malfunction in the truck. In cases of mechanical malfunctions in vehicles, the designers or manufacturers can be held liable to cover the cost of losses and damages for victims’ families.

Mechanical failure is just one example. There are many causes of serious trucking accidents:

• Driver fatigue: Many drivers are behind the wheel for extended times, which causes significant fatigue and slower reaction time.
• Drug and alcohol use: Unfortunately, there are truck drivers who will operate their vehicles while under the influence.
• Improperly secured loads: It is critical for trucks to have their cargo properly secured. This is especially true for logging trucks that are so prevalent in West Virginia. Unsecured loads cause shifting in the vehicle, the dropping of cargo and an increased chance of serious accidents.
• Excessive speed for conditions: Especially in rainy, windy conditions, drivers need to slow down and be more careful, but all too often the demands of the job cause drivers to push the limits of safety in order to make their deadlines.

As much as possible, we need to do everything we can to avoid these accidents. As in the case of the church group involved in the accident last Friday, there is no way to properly express the sadness of the tragedy they have endured. If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious trucking accident, talk with an experienced lawyer about your rights and options.