Hartford Truck Accident Attorneys

Why do Hartford truck accidents happen?

A tractor-trailer accident can happen for a variety of reasons. And, because of the sheer size of a truck, occupants of passenger vehicles tend to sustain much more severe harm, like paralysis or traumatic brain injuries. When we work on your case, we investigate all aspects of your accident to discover the cause. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Defective truck parts. Sometimes a truck accident isn’t the fault of the trucker at all. Mechanical issues like faulty brakes or defective tires that blow out can cause unexpected loss of control, resulting in accidents.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving puts everyone on the road at risk. However, the sheer size of a tractor-trailer can make distracted driving instantly fatal. Long-distance trucking tends to be monotonous, and sometimes a trucker can zone out or become reliant on their smartphone. Driving distracted is dangerous and illegal for everyone.
• Drowsy driving. Driver fatigue is a common and dangerous issue with truckers. The IIHS reports that drivers behind the wheel for more than eight hours are twice as likely to crash. Although federal law requires drivers to spend at least 30 minutes off-duty for every eight hours of driving, many drivers and trucking companies may skirt around those regulations.
• Drunk or drugged driving. Driving while impaired, especially while behind the wheel of a truck, can cause disastrous consequences. A drunk or drugged truck driver’s judgment and reflexes are compromised, which can cause them to lose control of their 40-ton vehicle and cause an accident.
• Faulty or improper maintenance. Both federal and Connecticut law requires that commercial trucks are regularly inspected and maintained. If any safety issues are discovered during routine maintenance, a truck should not go back into service until it’s properly repaired. Often, the cause of an accident can be traced back to the lack of a necessary repair.
• Improperly loaded cargo. When a truck is overloaded or loaded improperly, the trailer can become unbalanced. Overloaded trucks may more easily roll over or spill its cargo, causing highway chaos and car crashes.
• Inadequate driver training. Truckers undergo special training and require a professional driver’s license in order to haul cargo. Part of this training is learning basic truck maintenance, emergency procedures, how to maneuver and park safely, and how to load and unload their trailers. When a company hires unqualified or inexperienced drivers, they can be putting everyone at risk.
• Reckless or careless driving. Everyone, including truckers, must follow all Connecticut traffic laws. Disregarding those laws by speeding, running red lights or tailgating can lead to tragic accidents. Truckers should always be aware of their surroundings and only stick to commercial truck-approved roads.