What happens when 80,000 pounds of steel, rubber, and cargo meets one moment of distraction? The outcome can be life-altering for everyone involved. Truck accidents are not just collisions – they are high-impact events that often leave devastating consequences in their wake.
While trucks are essential to our supply chain, their size and weight make even minor mistakes dangerous. In Alabama and across the country, thousands of drivers face the aftermath of crashes that could have been prevented. So what causes these wrecks? And more importantly, how can you protect yourself and your family on the road?
At Tobias & Comer Law, we help people who have been hurt in truck accidents take the next step toward recovery. By understanding the most common truck accident causes, you can take proactive steps to stay safer behind the wheel and know what to do if you’re ever involved in one.
Common Causes Of Alabama Trucking Accidents
Driver Fatigue: A Quiet but Deadly Risk
Truck drivers are often pushed to cover hundreds of miles each day, sometimes with little sleep. Even with federal regulations limiting hours behind the wheel, tight delivery windows and unrealistic schedules can lead to dangerous fatigue.
Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs decision-making, and can even cause drivers to fall asleep while driving. It’s estimated that drowsy driving plays a role in up to 13% of large truck crashes.
To try to minimize this risk, avoid driving for long stretches without rest, especially at night. If you’re sharing the road with a swerving or drifting truck, give them space – they may be too tired to realize they’re a danger.
Distracted Driving: One Second Can Change Everything
Cell phones, navigation systems, radios, food, and even paperwork can take a driver’s attention off the road. When a truck driver gets distracted, it only takes a moment to miss a stopped car or veer into another lane.
While distraction affects all drivers, truck drivers operate vehicles with massive blind spots and longer stopping distances, making focus non-negotiable.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Large trucks require consistent maintenance to remain safe on the road. Worn brakes, tire blowouts, and steering failures are all preventable issues that continue to cause crashes.
Unfortunately, not all trucking companies take maintenance seriously. Some ignore safety checks to save time and money, putting everyone else at risk.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Trucks are not built for sudden maneuvers or rapid stops, yet speeding remains a leading cause of truck crashes. Whether it’s going too fast for road conditions or tailgating in heavy traffic, aggressive driving significantly increases the chance of a serious wreck.
If you’re driving near a truck that seems to be moving too fast or making dangerous lane changes, back off and don’t engage. Let them pass, and keep your distance.
Unsafe Lane Changes and Blind Spots
Truck drivers rely on large mirrors and must constantly scan their surroundings to compensate for blind spots on all four sides of the truck. But even experienced drivers can miss a vehicle hidden alongside their trailer.
Avoid lingering in a truck’s blind spots, especially near the passenger side and directly behind the trailer. If you can’t see the driver in their mirror, they probably can’t see you.
Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo
An unbalanced or overloaded truck is harder to control and more likely to roll over. Shifting cargo can also break free, creating deadly road debris.
Federal guidelines exist for a reason, but not every company follows them. If cargo isn’t secured properly, the risk isn’t just to the truck driver – it’s to everyone else on the road.
How Tobias & Comer Law Can Help After a Truck Accident
If you or someone you love has been hurt in a truck accident, the road to recovery may feel overwhelming. Medical bills, insurance adjusters, and lost income can pile up quickly, and getting help shouldn’t feel like just another burden.
That’s where we come in. At Tobias & Comer Law, we’re real people helping real people across Alabama. We understand how serious these accidents can be, and we’re here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.