Commercial trucks travel across Virginia every day. And, while on the road, these trucks pose a serious safety hazard to other vehicles, especially smaller cars. These big rigs are so huge that even the slightest error can cause a major truck accident. In many situations, these wrecks could have been avoided if better precautions had been taking. Negligent driving is often behind many of the common causes of truck accidents.
For example, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic violations are often to blame for truck accidents. These violations include speeding, which the NHTSA says is the most common traffic violation responsible for truck accidents. Another common violation is following another car too closely. This is particularly dangerous with a large truck since they need a greater distance to come to a safe stop.
Improper operation of the truck is another common cause of these far too often tragic crashes. This includes improperly changing lanes and making improper turns. Each of these maneuvers can result in serious accidents if other motor vehicles are not able to get out of the commercial driver’s path.
Impaired driving can also lead to trucking accidents. Drunk truck drivers are a danger to themselves and to others on the road. Truck drivers are held to a higher standard and are considered impaired with a blood alcohol content level of only .04 percent.
When a truck driver engages in reckless behavior and causes a truck accident, that driver may be held legally responsible for the wreck. In many cases, victims of truck accidents can receive compensation for the losses they have suffered in an accident. An attorney can help people determine if truck driver negligence was a factor in a particular accident and may be able to help them seek the compensation they deserve.