Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents

“Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents” by Texas 18-Wheeler Attorney Daniel Willis

One out of every eight traffic-related deaths involves large commercial trucks — also known as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks and big rigs. In a recent 10-year period, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes rose by 10 percent.

Trucks are larger and heavier than other cars on the road, which explains why 77% of those injured and 86% of those killed in large truck collisions are the drivers or passengers of smaller vehicles, including cars, SUVs and motorcycles.  Many times the driver of the 18-wheeler walks away with only minor injuries.

When the 18-wheeler driver is at fault, the cause is often one of the following:

Alcohol/Drugs

Unfortunately, an inordinately high number of 18-wheeler drivers involved in accidents test positive for drugs and/or alcohol. 

Brake failure

Semi-trucks are notorious for brake system failures. Recent statistics on the high number of brake problems have caused companies to improve their brake systems for semi-trucks.

Fatigue

Perhaps the most common cause of 18-wheeler accidents is driver fatigue.  Many semi-truck drivers are pressured to meet deadlines, and they compromise their sleep to meet those deadlines.

Speeding

In addition to compromising their sleep, many truck drivers resort to speeding in order to meet deadlines and quotas. Even 10 mp/h over the speed limit can be very dangerous when driving a large 18-wheeler.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, please contact us today.  It is important to contact an attorney quickly to ensure that evidence is preserved, photos are taken, and witnesses are contacted.