What is the Most Frequent Type of Vehicle Accident in the Trucking Industry?

When it comes to vehicle accidents in the trucking industry, a variety of factors contribute to these incidents—and in many cases, these factors determine what type of truck accident you’re involved in. Understanding the most frequent type of truck accident can help shed light on how they occur and what steps can be taken to prevent them.

No matter which type of truck accident you’re in you may be:

  • Left with serious injuries,
  • A totaled vehicle, or
  • An extended period of time away from work.

We can help you fight for damages after a crash. Call Bailey Javins & Carter at 800-497-0234 to set up a consultation with our team of Charleston truck accident lawyers.

The Basics of a Truck Accident

Truck accidents stand apart from other vehicle accidents because of the sheer size and weight of trucks. When a truck gets into an accident, the outcomes can be much more severe than with smaller vehicles. These incidents often involve large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and delivery vehicles. Several factors can lead to a truck accident, including speeding, driver fatigue, being distracted while driving, and challenging weather conditions. Each of these elements increases the risk of an accident significantly. Recognizing the unique dangers trucks pose on the road is the first step toward improving safety for everyone.

The Most Common Type of Truck Accidents

The most common type of truck accident that happens in the trucking industry is called a rear-end collision. This kind of accident happens when a truck hits the vehicle in front of it from behind. There are several reasons why rear-end collisions occur:

  1. The truck following another vehicle too closely,
  2. The front vehicle stopping suddenly,
  3. The truck driver being distracted,
  4. The driver being too distracted or fatigued to react in time.

These collisions are serious and can cause a lot of damage to both vehicles. They can also lead to injuries for the people involved and, in the worst cases, even death. A growing number of tractor-trailers have dashcams that make it easier to figure out if the truck driver failed to stop in time. The dashcams will also show if the other driver cut them off with so little room to spare that the crash could not have been prevented by the truck driver.

The Role of Human Error in a Truck Accident

Human error is a major factor in many truck accidents, especially in rear-end collisions. For instance, when a driver is too tired, their reaction time slows down, making it harder for them to stop quickly if the car in front of them brakes suddenly. 

Distractions are another big issue. Something as simple as checking a text message or adjusting the radio can take a driver’s attention away from the road for crucial seconds, leading to disastrous consequences. Speeding is yet another problem. Trucks need a longer distance to come to a full stop compared to smaller vehicles, so driving fast reduces the driver’s ability to react in time to avoid an accident.

Preventative Measures to Reduce Truck Accidents

Taking steps to minimize the occurrence of truck accidents is essential for maintaining safety on the roads. Key strategies include rigorous training programs for truck drivers, which focus on safe driving practices and the importance of staying alert and aware while on the road. Trucking companies play a crucial role in this by enforcing safety protocols that their drivers must follow. Ensuring vehicles are in top condition through regular maintenance checks, and keeping a close eye on drivers’ habits to promote responsible driving.

Drivers can make a significant impact by adopting defensive driving techniques. Focusing on being prepared for any unexpected situations that may arise and understanding how to react safely. Avoiding distractions is another critical aspect, as this ensures the driver’s full attention is on the road. Furthermore, obeying speed limits and traffic laws not only keeps the driver safe but also everyone else sharing the road.

Injured in a Crash? We Can Help

When you’re ready to take the next step in your truck accident claim, the team at Bailey Javins & Carter is here for you. Set up your free consultation now by calling us at 800-497-0234 or connecting with us online.