Common Truck Accidents Caused by Trucker Negligence

Trucking accidents are often caused by negligence and driver error.  Some of the most common behaviors that lead to trucking accidents include, without limitation, the following:

• Distracted Driving – driver distraction is a significant cause of trucking accidents, and may involve the individual engaging in texting, emailing, taking photographs, fiddling with a radio, eating, or drinking.
• Driver fatigue – operating a vehicle for a long period of time, especially in the nighttime hours, can cause a trucking accident due to driver fatigue.
• Lack of experience – a lack of experience in operating a vehicle such as a truck can lead to serious and sometimes fatal accidents.
• Improper cargo loading – cargo on a truck can easily become dislodged and fall onto the roadway, striking other vehicles and becoming a road hazard.

Truck accidents caused by trucker negligence can lead to severe consequences. Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents attributed to trucker negligence:

• Rear-end collisions, which are often preventable, occur when the truck collides with the vehicle in front due to the inability to stop in time. They are usually caused by following too closely, distracted driving, or speeding.
• Jackknife Accidents occur when the truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an angle with the cab and sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. This dramatic event is caused by sudden braking, improper braking techniques, or slippery road conditions.
• Rollover Accidents happen when the truck tips over onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo and causing extensive road blockages. Rollover accidents occur when the truck driver takes turns too quickly, improperly loading cargo, or traveling at high speeds.
• Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents occur when a truck collides with a vehicle in the driver’s blind spot. They are usually caused by the driver failing to check blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
• Wide-turn accidents occur when a truck swings wide to the left before making a right turn, potentially colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes. The driver may misjudge the space needed to make a turn or fail to signal.
• Head-on Collisions: the truck crosses into oncoming traffic, resulting in a head-on impact. This is often caused by drivers who are drowsy, distracted, or impaired while driving.
• Underride Accidents A smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities. Underride accidents are caused by sudden stops, improper braking, or failure to use underride guards.
• T-Bone (Side Impact) occurs when the truck strikes the side of another vehicle, often at intersections. This is caused by the driver running red lights or stop signs, or failing to yield.

Who is liable in a trucking accident?

Trucking accident cases are unique in that they typically involve several parties.  Although each cases is different, the following parties may be deemed at fault:

• Truck driver:  They may cause an accident if engaging in negligent behaviors, such as distracted driving, driving while impaired, speeding, or operating a truck while fatigued.
• Truck owner: If a truck driver did not own his or her truck at the time of the accident, the owner of the vehicle can be held responsible for an accident due to, e.g., a failure to maintain it.
• Trucking company: In general, an employer is legally responsible for their employee’s actions when an accident arises within the scope of their work. Moreover, a trucking company may be held liable for failing to repair and maintain their fleet.
• Cargo Company: If cargo is improperly loaded by a third party, this can result in objects falling off the back the truck and/or may also cause the truck to jackknife.

In the event of a truck accident, talk to our 18-wheeler accident lawyer about your rights and legal options.

Free Consultation to Learn About Your Legal Rights

If you or a loved one is seeking legal justice and monetary compensation for injuries or the loss of a loved one, call Giddens Law Firm, P.A. at (601) 355-2022 or Toll Free at (888) 335-2022. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. A truck accident lawsuit must be filed before its expiration date, also known as the statute of limitations. Please call right away to losing your right to possible financial compensation.

Giddens Law Firm offers clients a one-on-one, client-to-lawyer experience. Mr. Giddens gives your case the attention you need and deserve.  He has handled countless personal injury cases throughout Mississippi.

Mr. Giddens focuses on serving those who have been victims of crashes involving 18-wheeler trucks and is able to represent the victims as well as the families of those who have passed in such wrecks.  Not only does Mr. Giddens represent the interests of those hurt in these wrecks, but he also studies the trucking industry and follows new developments in it so that he can remain at the forefront of trucking litigation.  Mr. Giddens has served as an ambassador for the implementation of side underride guard protections, which can substantially prevent death or serious injury in nearly 75% of trucking crashes when installed.

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call Giddens Law Firm, P.A. at (601) 355-2022 or Toll-Free at (888) 335-2022. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds.