Truck accidents are far more common than you might imagine. Even though these professionals teach how to drive safely and keep other drivers safe, accidents still occur. Knowing more about the causes of truck accidents might help you avoid them and stay safer on the road.
What are the Factors that Cause Truck Accidents?
Following are the factors that can cause commercial truck accidents
Improper Cargo Loading
Improper cargo loading is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. It means uneven loading, loading too close to the front or the back of the truck, not securing it properly, and so much more. Some safety protocols dictate how you should be loading cargo on a truck to avoid truck accidents. These loading and securing procedures ensure that the truck can operate effectively and will be able to stop when necessary.
Speeding and Overtaking
Speeding is a factor in all fatal truck accidents in most cases. When a truck is speeding, it is difficult for them to stop, move and navigate between traffic, and stay safe on the road. A truck can lose control and cause an accident while it’s fast.
Failing to Conduct a Pre-Check
It is a requirement for most companies that their truckers conduct a check of their truck before they take off. Failure to do so might result in truck driving accidents if problems are not identified before the journey begins. If you’re going to be driving a big truck, it’s always a good idea to pay attention and complete a pre-check to make sure there aren’t any problems.
Poor Truck Maintenance and Service Violations
Still another issue that leads to truck accidents is failing to keep your truck in great operating shape. You should be having the oil changed, wheels and tires checked and changed, you should be having belts and spark plugs changed, and so on. It is so essential that you take the time to ensure that a truck is in great shape and perfectly operating order before it goes on the road to help prevent issues. Truck maintenance may drastically reduce truck driving accidents.
Here are some common service violations-
- Cargo Securement Violations
- Brake Adjustment Violations
- Light Violations
- Tire Violations
- Brake System Violations
- Hazardous cargo
Tips to Avoid Truck Accidents
There are some ways that you can avoid getting into accidents if you are a truck driver.
- Pay attention while driving
- Take all necessary precautions
- Perform service checks
- Give other drivers plenty of space
- Drive Slowly
- Never drive while fatigued.
Contact a Reliable Truck Insurance Agency
If you are a truck driver or are in an accident with a truck, it is always best to take the time to make sure insurance is filled out and paid up. A comprehensive insurance policy can help pay you out if you are in an accident with a large truck and can help you resolve any issues that you might have.
An insurance policy is the best way to protect you as a truck driver and also protect other drivers on the road. It will provide a safety net so that if something does happen, there is a way to pay for those damages.
Truck Accidents FAQs
What to do after a truck accident?
- Call the police
- Seek medical advice.
- Determine who else is involved.
- Exchange information with all other parties involved.
- Request contact information from witnesses.
- File an insurance claim
Who is liable for my truck accident injuries?
The insurance company of the truck driver or the trucking company that they work for is going to be liable for your injuries and for ensuring that you have the money to pay those medical bills and to get the help that you need to fully recover.
How is fault proven in truck accidents?
If you live in a no-fault state, there is no need to prove fault. Witness accounts, police reports, and additional information from the truck, such as the dashcam, if one is available, will all help to determine fault in other states.
When is it too late to sue for compensation?
In most cases, you have one year from the date of the accident to make a compensation claim. It prevents people from filing a lawsuit years later when they should have done it sooner and filed on time.
What could happen if I don’t have truck insurance?
If you are a truck driver or operator without insurance, you may be responsible for the medical and repair bills of anyone that gets into an accident with you. You may be sued, your property may be seized, and you may lose thousands of dollars.
How can I compare auto insurance quotes?
Contacting an insurance agent is the best means of comparing rates and finding the insurance that works best for you. They can help you find the right policy, the right amount of coverage, and the right overall policy for what you are doing with your truck and for how you drive.
Truck insurance is one of the most important things that any truck owner or operator needs. So make sure you have the best possible policy for your company. If you need any help of a professional insurance agent in Houston TX, contact us. We’ll assist you in selecting comprehensive coverage for your trucking company.
