Common Semi Truck Accident CausesCommercial truck accidents frequently cause severe injuries and extensive vehicle damage. Identifying what caused the truck accident is the most important step for a personal injury claim, as there could be multiple reasons for the crash. Also, partnering with an experienced Kansas City truck accident lawyer can make the entire process easier and take the burden off you to prove negligence.

Common Truck Accident Causes

Tankers, 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, big rigs—commercial trucks are the backbone of America’s shipping system. Regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the trucking industry has a lot of moving parts that require strict adherence to policies and procedures. However, accidents do happen, and when they do, the claims are substantial. FMCSA has identified four main human errors primarily responsible for large truck collisions. 

Decision

These errors happen when a truck driver makes risky decisions when driving. This could mean a variety of things, such as:

  • Speeding on a wet road
  • Tailgating
  • Turning too soon in front of traffic
  • Cutting off other drivers

Many of these examples automatically place the driver at fault since they involve breaking traffic laws.

Performance

If truck drivers panic and overcompensate, such as hitting the brakes or turning too quickly, this is often the reason for rollovers and other potentially catastrophic collisions.  

Non-Performance

Truck operators are required to follow a particular set of physical health standards to ensure their safety and everyone else on the road. But there are still problems that compromise ability, such as sleep disorders, chronic health conditions, and others. Depending on the driver’s overall status and trucking company records, certain medical emergencies can exempt drivers from liability in the aftermath of a traffic accident.

Recognition

This error relates to when an operator fails to pay attention to important changes on the road. This is common with texting and other forms of distracted driving, but not limited to that behavior. Other recognition errors happen when truck drivers don’t notice a potential road hazard or what’s happening in the traffic around them. 

Steps to Take After a Large Truck Accident

There are several essential steps to follow to increase your chances of proper compensation after a truck accident. 

  • First, call 911. Not doing so may lead to liability issues. Even if the injuries seem minor, never refuse medical attention from emergency personnel. Also, a police report might be used as evidence in your case. 
  • Then, get all contact information. Avoid leaving the accident scene before obtaining contact information from the truck driver, including driver’s license, insurance carrier, and employer name. If you’re able, also get contact details from any eyewitnesses, and ask the attending officer for their statements. 
  • Take photos if you can. This isn’t always possible, but if you or someone else can document your injuries, vehicle damage, the accident scene, and so on, these details may be used not only as evidence but also when a car accident attorney assigns value to your claim.
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