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What Are The Most Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents In California

Interestingly, most trucking accidents do not involve personal injury. The majority of 18-wheeler and large trucking accidents result only in property damage. However, when collisions occur between big trucks and passenger vehicles, drivers of passenger vehicles are at fault the majority of the time. In 2012, of the 33,561 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways, (up 3.3 percent from 2011) 3,924 people were killed and 104,000 people were injured in large truck crashes. This is up 3.7 percent over the previous year, according to the NHTSA.

Passenger vehicle drivers are at fault in most trucking accidents

A US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) report that examined the causes of large truck accidents found that passenger car driver behavior was three times as likely to contribute to a fatal crash as was the truck driver’s behavior. The study also concluded that passenger car drivers’ behavior was responsible for 70 percent of fatal crashes with large trucks, compared to 16 percent fault of the truck drivers. Some of the following Unsafe Driving Acts (UDAs) of passenger car drivers include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Improper merging into traffic
  • Failure to stop at a stop sign
  • Failure to slow down in a construction zone
  • Speeding and following too closely

Other unsafe driving actions include alcohol-impaired driving, unsafe passing and operating without headlights. Commercial trucks are massive, unwieldy vehicles that cannot turn or stop on a dime in the same way that some passenger vehicles can. Drivers of passenger cars could take far more care in their driving behavior on the road when it comes to interacting with large trucks to avoid an accident.

Common causes of commercial trucking accidents

When large truck drivers are at fault in an accident with a passenger vehicle, some of the unsafe driving acts of commercial drivers include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Aggressive driving

Of course there are other causes for trucking accidents that are outside of the control of the driver, which include inclement weather conditions, unsafe or defective equipment, and defective roadways.

While unsafe driving habits cause the majority of trucking accidents, there are countless other factors that cause the thousands of trucking accidents each year. When you talk to an experienced California trucking accident attorney, they will help you understand your rights to compensation for your injuries and property losses. Patterson Lawis a small firm that offers personalized attention, and we have the experience to get the compensation you deserve. Bring us your questions and concerns, and we will give you the answers you need. Contact us online or call us today at 888-479-4589 for a free initial consultation.