While trucks are required to have safety features like backup cameras and audible alarms for blind spots, these features do little to prevent accidents from happening when there are other contributing factors involved.
By learning about some of the most common causes behind semi-truck accidents, you can help keep yourself safe on the road and potentially save money on your auto insurance premiums if you think your claim falls into this category.
In this article, we take a look at some of the common causes of semi-truck fifth-wheel accidents. Stay with us to learn about these causes and avoid claims related to the same.
Series of Tight Curves on the Road
A series of tight curves can be challenging for drivers to navigate. When approaching a series of tight curves, truck drivers need to slow down and take the time needed to safely navigate the turns. It’s easy for drivers who are tired or distracted by other tasks to become impatient at this point in their journey and simply floor it through the curve instead of slowing down as required. However, if a driver is not paying attention or has poor visibility due to foggy conditions, this can also be extremely dangerous.
Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation is a major cause of semi-truck accidents. If you have been driving for several hours and feel the need to take a break, it is best to do so. You should not drive with blinders on and think it is okay to keep going when you need sleep just because you are going slower. This is not true!
Truck drivers are human and can make mistakes. While it is easy to assume that truckers are immune to fatigue and distraction, they’re not. In fact, they work very long hours every day of the week and may be more prone to errors than other drivers.
The National Sleep Foundation says that truck drivers should not drive for more than eight hours per day before taking a break. It also states that drivers should get at least five hours of sleep if they want their alertness levels to be high during their shifts.
In order to prevent fatigue-related accidents, truck drivers are required to take a break every 8 hours. They also have a maximum time they can drive in a day and week. If you or someone you love was injured in an accident caused by a semi-truck driver who was fatigued or otherwise compromised, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Other Causes of Fifth Wheel Accidents
Some of the other causes include:
- Poorly maintained or malfunctioning equipment: A fifth wheel that is not properly maintained or is malfunctioning can cause the trailer to detach from the tractor, leading to an accident.
- Improperly loaded cargo: An overloaded or improperly loaded trailer can cause the fifth wheel to fail, leading to an accident.
- Driver error: A driver who is not properly trained or is fatigued can make mistakes that lead to an accident, such as failing to secure the trailer to the tractor properly.
- Inclement weather: Poor road conditions caused by inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make it difficult for a driver to control the truck and can lead to an accident.
- Speeding or reckless driving: A driver who is speeding or driving recklessly can lose control of the truck, leading to an accident.
- Defective or faulty fifth wheel: A defective or faulty fifth wheel can cause the trailer to detach from the tractor, leading to an accident.
It’s important to note that many semi-truck accidents are caused by a combination of factors, and the specific cause of an accident may not always be clear. However, the involvement of any of the above factors can have severe consequences and lead to a fifth wheel accident.
We hope this article has provided some insight into what causes semi-truck accidents. The best way to avoid an accident is to take every precautionary measure you can.
Contact the Nevada wrongful death attorneys at Bourassa Law Group, who are skilled and experienced in dealing with wrongful death cases.
Call us at (800)870-8910 for a free consultation!
1-800-870-8910