Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

When a large truck is in an accident with a smaller passenger vehicle – the passenger vehicle almost always loses. Large trucks, like 18-wheelers or other large commercial vehicles, can outweigh passenger vehicles by tens of thousands of pounds. Due to the size and weight difference, the injuries sustained in a large truck accident can be more severe and even fatal. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s latest reports, there were 415,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2020. Of those crashes, 101,000 caused injuries, and 4,444 were fatal accidents.

The FMCSA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted the landmark Large Truck Crash Causation Study to examine what leads to serious crashes involving large trucks. Researchers found that there were many factors contributing to large truck accidents, but diver error and vehicle malfunction were significant contributors.

Here’s a look at some of the other common causes of large truck accidents in Georgia:

• Driving too fast for road or weather conditions
• Unexpected road hazards or changes in traffic patterns
• Making illegal maneuvers or reckless driving
• Unfamiliarity with roadway
• Distracted driving
• Rubbernecking
• Drowsy driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

Not all large truck accidents are the fault of the truck driver. An accident may be due to poor training, poor cargo loading, or unrealistic time constraints on the driver.

If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a large truck, please reach out to the Law Offices of Jenny Huynh at 678-694-1250‬. We can answer any questions you have about large truck accidents and pursuing a claim for compensation.