What Causes Tractor Trailer Accidents?

Aug 26, 2015

Tractor trailers are a constant presence on Nebraska's roads. At all hours of the day, these huge vehicles can be seen lumbering across the Great Plains. While important to our state's commerce, they also pose a danger to other drivers.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that collisions involving tractor-trailers are responsible for one in every nine highway fatalities nationwide. The NHTSA also states that a large percentage of trucking accidents are caused by the following:

Speeding
Driver fatigue
Tailgating
Driving while impaired
Improper lane changes
Reckless driving

Due to the size and weight difference between semi-trucks and standard passenger vehicles, accidents between the two can lead to worse damage and more significant injuries.

NHTSA statistics show that there were 77,000 injury accidents involving commercial trucks in 2012. An even scarier statistic is that 3,802 large truck accidents resulted in fatalities that same year. While most truck drivers are highly trained and responsible, certain job conditions can lead to unsafe driving practices. Tight delivery deadlines can lead to speeding or driving too fast for conditions. Working long hours can lead to sleepiness and tired driving.

Like it or not, we must share the roads with big rigs. It's important to be alert and give tractor-trailers space on the road. If you're injured in an accident with a semi-truck, it is important to consult an attorney experienced in such cases. At Cullan & Cullan, LLC our vehicle accident attorneys have been representing clients involved in Omaha truck accidents for many years and have won large settlements. Accidents involving commercial trucks can be more complicated than regular accidents because of trucking and insurance companies involved. Let our expert attorneys help you. Call our offices today at (402) 882-7080 for a free consultation.

Categories: