Crashes involving 18 wheelers can occur for a variety of reasons, including driver fatigue, poor training or demanding scheduling. Although federal statutes have been established to help prevent 18 wheeler accidents from occurring due to any of these reasons, it is not always possible to keep accidents from happening and affecting your life and the lives of your loved ones. The Duke Firm, PC in Houston, Texas explains some of the most common causes of 18 wheeler accidents and how they can affect you.
Driver Fatigue
In order to make as much of a profit as possible, the men and women who driver 18 wheelers are often forced to work long hours and spend a great deal of time on the road without much rest. Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of 18 wheeler accidents, as it slows a driver's reaction time, making it difficult for them to avoid accidents and dangerous situations on the road. Federal law requires that 18 wheeler drivers take designated rest periods depending on the hours they work, and failure to abide by these regulations may make them liable for any accidents that occur as a result.
Poor Training
Operating an 18 wheeler is much different and far more difficult than operating a regular car, making proper training essential for the men and women that drive them. The size and weight of an 18 wheeler presents unique challenges such as larger blind spots, and requires the driver to take wider turns and leave more space for stopping. Poor training may leave a driver unprepared for the challenges an 18 wheeler presents and cause accidents that can have devastating consequences.
Demanding Schedules
The need to make a profit in the trucking industry often means that drivers must drive long distances and long hours in order to stay on schedule. This can lead to not only driver fatigue, but cause drivers to take risks such as speeding or reckless driving. These actions put every driver on the road at risk, and can result in serious accidents.
When you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, you need a law firm that will give you the exceptional and dedicated representation you need to help you put your life back in order. At the Duke Firm in Houston, Texas, we fight hard through every step of the legal process to help you get the compensation you need for the injuries and damages you have sustained.
