Many truck accidents are preventable. Commercial trucking companies and drivers must comply with extensive federal safety requirements enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Common causes include:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are subject to federal hours-of-service regulations designed to prevent exhausted driving. Federal hours-of-service regulations are intended to reduce fatigue-related crashes involving commercial truck drivers. See the FMCSA Hours-of-Service Regulations. Unfortunately, some companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, resulting in fatigued driving and catastrophic crashes.

Distracted Driving

GPS systems, dispatch communications, mobile phones, and onboard technology can create dangerous distractions for commercial drivers.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Large commercial trucks require substantially longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. Excessive speed dramatically increases crash severity.

Improper Maintenance

Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering failures, and mechanical defects can cause catastrophic collisions when trucks are not properly maintained.

Improper Cargo Loading

Unsecured or overloaded cargo can shift during transport, causing rollovers, jackknife accidents, and loss of vehicle control.

Driving Under the Influence

Commercial drivers are held to strict standards regarding alcohol and drug use. Even small levels of impairment can create enormous risks when operating commercial vehicles.

Because truck accidents often involve permanent injuries or long-term disability, victims should be cautious about resolving claims too early. Here are several reasons why early settlement offers are designed to close files, not reflect full value.