Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Columbus

If you were in a collision with a commercial truck, you may be facing a challenging healing process, forced time off work, and mounting medical bills. Pursuing the compensation you need to cover your expenses can be difficult, especially if you do not know what caused the accident or who is legally responsible.

Our seasoned truck accident attorney at Bence Law Firm, LLC understands the common causes of truck accidents in Columbus. David Bence could conduct a thorough investigation of the evidence to determine the exact cause and identify all potentially liable parties.

What Are Some Driver-Related Causes of Trucking Wrecks?

Many trucking crashes occur because of driver error. Because truck drivers operate such large vehicles, they have a duty to drive safely and protect everyone sharing the roads with them. However, the nature of the trucking industry can make drivers more prone to committing certain driving errors.

Speeding

Truck drivers may feel pressure to complete their delivery routes on time, which can cause them to drive too fast. 18-wheelers can be harder to handle than smaller vehicles, especially when a driver exceeds posted speed limits. A speeding truck takes longer to stop, and the driver has less time to respond to an emergency. In addition, traveling at high speeds amplifies the impact of a collision with another vehicle.

Distracted Driving

Drivers operating a commercial trucking route may become distracted by texting or changing their music selection. Truckers may also drive unfamiliar routes that require them to take their eyes off the road and check directions on GPS devices.

Fatigued Driving

Many commercial truck drivers operate on shifted schedules, meaning they may drive all night and try unsuccessfully to rest during the day. Fatigued drivers pose a risk to other motorists because they may have slower reaction times and impaired judgment.

Our Columbus legal firm could skillfully investigate your trucking crash to determine if any of these common causes played a role. Based on our findings, we could help you pursue a claim to hold the negligent truck driver liable for their actions. Other responsible parties may include the trucking company, especially if they employed negligent hiring or training practices or encouraged drivers to violate federal time limitations by setting unreasonable delivery deadlines.

Causes of Trucking Wrecks Besides Driver Error

Even when drivers operate their vehicles responsibly, Columbus truck accidents can occur for other common reasons.

Loading Mistakes

Companies that load cargo onto trucks must ensure that the freight is properly balanced and secured to maintain stability. Overloaded or imbalanced cargo may cause a truck to jackknife or roll over. Additionally, cargo may spill or fall from the truck, creating a road hazard.

Lack of Maintenance

Trucks should receive regular inspections and maintenance to prevent safety hazards. If your accident occurred because the truck did not receive a necessary repair, our legal team could help you pursue a claim against the truck’s owner or maintenance contractor.

Inherent Defect

Truck crashes can also occur due to a manufacturing defect. In these cases, the manufacturer may be held liable for your losses. Bence Law Firm, LLC could review the evidence to determine what factors caused the collision.

Consult a Columbus Lawyer About the Common Causes of Trucking Wrecks

Coping with the aftermath of a serious trucking wreck can be overwhelming. David Bence understands the common causes of truck accidents in Columbus and could help build a strong case while you focus on healing. Speak with Bence Law Firm, LLC today to schedule a consultation.