Motor vehicle accidents in Illinois that involve large commercial trucks can be devastating. Although just 2.4% of crashes involve commercial trucks, truck accidents can be a lot more deadly than regular car accidents due to the size of the trucks involved.
Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents that lead to personal injury and wrongful death claims:
#1: Weather
Trucks can be particularly dangerous during inclement weather. Trucks already have a longer stopping distance than regular cars, and icy conditions make things worse. When visibility is low due to heavy rain and snow, truck drivers may be under pressure to stay on the road in order to make deadlines.
#2: Speeding
Speeding comes right after distracted driving in the list of top accident causes. When a truck driver is speeding, it will be even more difficult for them to stop suddenly if the need arises. If a truck crashes into another vehicle while speeding, the truck will exert even more force than normal, which could lead to more severe injuries.
#3: Fatigue
Truck driver fatigue is an unfortunate reality of the industry. Truckers work long hours on the road with few breaks, and they often have a hard time sleeping due to unusual schedules and unfamiliar environments. A fatigued truck drive is more likely to cause an accident because a certain level fatigue is similar to being drunk.
#4: Blind spots
Large trucks have more blind spots than smaller passenger cars, and issues around blind spots often lead to accidents. That’s why it’s important for all drivers to know where trucks’ blind spots are and learn to avoid them while driving.
Liability for truck accidents
If you were involved in an accident with a large commercial truck, the truck driver and their employer may be liable for your injuries. In many cases, truck drivers are found negligent for staying on the road too long and failing to take mandated breaks.
