Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Ohio

Drivers have an obligation to follow all applicable laws and regulations when operating a vehicle, no matter whether it is a passenger vehicle or a large commercial truck. In fact, the trucking industry is strictly regulated for that very reason. If a trucking company and/or its drivers do not follow traffic laws, it can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Unlike regular motor vehicles, large truck drivers have additional rules they must follow, such as being required to take a break after driving eight hours. Truck drivers are subject to restrictions regarding how many days and hours they can drive. The companies that own the trucks must perform regular inspections to make sure they are safe. In addition, the truck driver is responsible for conducting safety checks and inspections every 24 hours. 

If you or a loved one were injured by a negligent truck driver, it is important to contact an Ohio truck accident attorney. Your attorney will help you pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.

Accidents are quite common with large commercial trucks. Here is a look at some of the most common causes.

Operator Error

Like passenger vehicle drivers, the majority of large truck accidents occur due to driver error. If the driver fails to obey traffic laws, it can result in an accident. Speeding and distracted driving are two main causes of large truck accidents. Sometimes a driver is fatigued or has been driving over the allotted number of hours per day. Unfortunately, some accidents result from a truck driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Jackknife and rollover accidents are some of the most serious types of accidents that can occur due to operator error. A jackknife can happen when a driver slams on the brakes too quickly, which causes the trailer to come around and crash into the tractor. Rollovers can happen for a variety of reasons, including taking a turn too quickly, which causes the truck to tip over.

Equipment Malfunction

Equipment malfunctions can happen due to defective products, or they can be due to improper maintenance. When a tire blows out, it could be because the tire was actually defective or because it was bald or over/under-inflated. Improper loading can also cause a large truck to capsize because the weight of its cargo is not properly distributed. Brake inspections should be done before every trip. Brake failures, especially on steep roads, can lead to catastrophic results.

Contact an Ohio Truck Accident Attorney

If you or your loved one were injured in an accident involving a large truck, you may have legal rights to recover compensation for your injuries, physical damages, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. Contact Lafferty, Gallagher & Scott, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation.