Commercial trucks are busier than ever moving freight to and from New York. Unfortunately, because there are so many more of these large vehicles on the road, truck accidents are becoming more common.
An accident with a truck can leave you with catastrophic injuries that will forever alter your life. Knowing what causes them can help you stay more alert when you’re driving beside these behemoths on the road.
The Common Causes for New York Truck Accidents
While truck accidents can occur due to a number of factors, there are a few common causes behind the majority of them.
Driver Error
One of the leading causes for truck accidents in this state is due to driver error. Since there is an even greater demand on the trucking industry, many trucking companies will do whatever it takes to get more truckers on the road. This means that there are truck drivers who haven’t been properly trained in how to handle these vehicles.
When inexperienced truck drivers hit the road, it can end in disaster. However, it should be noted that even seasoned drivers will ignore essential protocols in an attempt to make shipment deadlines.
Driver Fatigue
Truckers notoriously spend long hours behind the wheel and can become fatigued. While they are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to 11 hours maximum driving time within a 14-hour workday and mandated to take a 10-hour break, they may push forward to log more miles.
Pressure from the trucking company may also come into play. Many truck drivers worry if they don’t follow what their trucking company orders them to do, they will be without a job. They will then push themselves to keep driving even while exhausted, putting everyone at risk.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving seems to be a problem for all drivers on the road today. It’s especially terrifying to think of a truck driver being distracted behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road ahead even for just a few seconds can have drastic consequences. Truck drivers get distracted with texts, calls, videos, eating, drinking, and playing with the radio, just like any passenger car driver. The difference is that a truck driver is barreling down the roadways with a much heavier load, which can have a deadly outcome in a crash.
Improper Maintenance
Trucking companies and truck operators need to maintain their fleet of vehicles. Lack of proper maintenance can cause brakes to fail, mechanical malfunctions, or tire blowouts. Neglecting to keep these vehicles roadworthy is the reason behind many truck accidents in New York.
Financial Impacts of Being in a Truck Accident
If you are in a truck accident, you will likely have serious financial concerns ahead. Your vehicle will likely be completely destroyed. You will also be more likely to have extensive serious injuries that will result in major medical expenses.
These medical costs will likely include an ambulance ride, hospital stay, surgeries, physical therapy, and medications. Many truck accident injury victims often have life-altering injuries that keep them from going back to work, losing out on their wages and destroying their careers. These injuries additionally prevent them from enjoying things they once loved too.
On top of the physical injuries you may sustain in a truck crash, you may feel the mental impacts for years to come. It may terrify you to drive once you heal from your injuries. In some cases, you may lose someone you love because a truck driver or their trucking company was negligent.
The most important thing to do after getting medical treatment for your truck accident injuries is to contact a truck accident lawyer. Their legal expertise can help you to get the compensation you deserve.
