Truck Accidents and Driver Error
While adverse weather, road conditions, and defective parts do play a role in why many truck accidents occur, the majority of collisions are caused by a fault in the truck driver’s conduct. Other instances of driver error besides outright negligent behaviors like speeding, failure to check no-zones, or dangerously switching lanes, can account for many truck rollovers and off-road collisions. For example, many truck drivers use medications to keep them awake during long trips that can interfere with safe judgment. Additionally, some truckers violate federal hours of service regulations so they can arrive at their destination faster. These regulations require drivers to stop driving after a maximum of 11 hours per day, although many exceed this limit to cut down on the duration of their journey. Those that violate federal regulations can expose themselves and other drivers to substantial danger from driver fatigue.
Another example of driver misconduct is depowering the front brakes on a heavy haul fleet. Those that own and operate a truck may depower the front brakes and, instead, rely on the trailer brakes and downshifting to stop the vehicle. This reduces operation costs by minimizing wear and tear on brakes and tires, but not without increasing the risk of an accident. This behavior can lead to preventable accidents, which always have the potential to cause serious injury. If you suspect driver error was the reason behind your accident with a truck, it would be wise to seek knowledgeable counsel from a truck accident attorney. At Pohl & Berk, LLP, our adept legal team can help you prove a truck driver’s negligent behavior by investigating your case and advocating on behalf of your injuries.
Types of Driver Error
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates almost half of truck accidents occur because of driver error. These mistakes in conduct may include:
- Taking unauthorized medication
- Violating federal hours of service regulations
- Inexperience/ operating vehicle recklessly
- Depowering front brakes
- Improperly distributing weight of cargo
- Improper trailer attachment
An accident victim can reach out to the trucking company for data relevant to the truck accident when they’re trying to prove a federal hours of service violation or similar driver error. Many companies use electronic event data recorders that document the truck’s activity while it is in use. This can reveal information about how fast a truck was going, patterns of speed, when a truck braked, and how long a truck had been on the road.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney in Tennessee
Knowing how to obtain the right information that will prove a truck driver’s negligence can be difficult, especially in the stress of the aftermath of an accident. If you or someone you love was the victim of a truck driver’s error, the qualified truck accident lawyers at Pohl & Berk, LLP may be able to obtain restitution for your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Don’t hesitate to contact our Tennessee offices at 615-277-2765 for more information.