Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FMSCA, there has been a 20 percent increase in trucking accidents in the past 20 years. The multi-billion dollar trucking industry causes serious safety and health risks in the U.S. If you are involved in a crash with a big-rig, it usually causes much more damage and injuries than the typically passenger vehicle accident. After all, these vehicles are 20 times the weight and size of other vehicles that are on the road.
While the legal team at The Law Offices of Brian Timothy Meyers understands that each case is unique, the majority of trucking accidents in Kansas City can be categorized into one of the following areas.
Driver Error
Of all the causes of a trucking accident, driver error is ten times more likely to be the reason according to information from the FMSCA. Certain factors, such as substance abuse, distractions, inattention, and driver fatigue are the most common causes of trucking accidents in Kansas City. These issues result in unnecessary risks and the inability for a driver to react in a timely manner, resulting in an accident.
An accident of driver error is in the recent case handled by our law offices involving a minivan and school bus. The bus driver failed to yield, and crashed into the side of the van, injuring the driver and passenger. The case was settled out of court with the help of The Law Offices of Brian Timothy Meyers giving the victims a $1.5 million settlement.
Equipment Failure
Another common cause of serious trucking accidents in Kansas City is related to some type of equipment failure. An equipment failure can include manufacturing and design errors, such as tires that are defective, or no working reverse-detection device. An equipment failure may also include mechanical issues, such as tires or breaks that have not been maintained properly.
It is required by the FMSCA that every trucking company and truck driver preforms a pre-trip inspection and ensure regular maintenance and inspections are done on trucks throughout the year. The fact is; however, that many drivers and trucking companies ignore these rules, leading to a number of accidents that cause serious injuries.
Adverse Weather Conditions
The weather conditions present have a huge impact on the safety of large trucks. Because of the extreme weight of the truck, as well as their loads, the braking distance is typically increased during bad weather. The bottom line is that large trucks are unable to stop as quickly, or be steered as easily as regular passenger vehicles can. In many cases, truck drivers fail to account for these limitations during bad weather. This failure to accommodate local weather conditions can lead to a number of accidents each year.
If you are ever involved in an accident that involves a big truck, or other large, commercial vehicle in Kansas City, contact The Law Offices of Brian Timothy Meyers today. His legal team is standing by to help you receive the compensation you deserve after an accident occurs.
