Collisions involving commercial-sized trucks are among the most catastrophic on Maryland roads and highways. This is because they are very large, heavy and may be transporting hazardous cargo. In the event of an accident, each of these elements has the potential to cause enormous amounts of damage.
However, if you have recently been injured in a truck accident or lost someone in a fatal crash, knowing that a truck's size and speed made the accident worse is not necessarily going to help you. In these situations, it can be crucial to examine the actual cause of the crash.
There are countless causes of truck accidents, as even the smallest mistake or bad decision can end in disaster. However, below are seven of the more common causes of truck accidents.
- A distracted or impaired trucker
- Improperly secured cargo
- Inadequate truck maintenance
- Untrained, unqualified truck drivers
- A fatigued or sleeping trucker in violation of Hours of Service regulations
- Failure to comply with traffic laws and signals
- Failure to comply with height and weight restrictions
Each of these situations or decisions essentially makes a truck unsafe and ultimately capable of causing a serious crash, as they can lead to a devastating crash that could have otherwise been prevented.
If you or your loved one has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, you already know the extent of damage that can be suffered. However, investigating the crash thoroughly can help you identify the actual cause of the crash so that someone can be held accountable for the resulting damages. Consulting an attorney can be a crucial step toward getting the help you need and deserve after a serious accident.