Bucks County Truck Accident Lawyer

Many factors contribute to the high incidence of commercial truck accidents in the United States, including:

1. Blind Spots. Areas that a driver can’t see using their mirrors are called blind spots. The length and size of a commercial vehicle increase the area that a driver can’t see while behind the wheel. Smaller cars can become trapped in a truck’s blind spot with deadly results. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that thousands of commercial truck accidents occur yearly because of blind spot errors.
2. Improperly Loaded or Overweight Trucks. Overloaded or overweight commercial vehicles put other drivers on the road at significant risk. Unbalanced or poorly loaded freight can cause a truck to tip as the cargo shifts during transport. Additionally, trucks that carry hazardous materials such as gasoline or chemicals risk spilling their contents onto roadways, creating a dangerous driving situation for other motorists.
3. Rollover Accidents. Trucks have a higher center of gravity than other vehicles, making them more vulnerable to rollover accidents, especially when moving or maneuvering at high rates of speed. Operating a truck in strong wind gusts can also increase the possibility of a rollover accident with grave outcomes.
4. Distracted Drivers. Driver distractions, including eating, drinking, smoking, or operating a cell phone, are the second leading cause of large truck accidents. Because truck drivers work long hours, often in isolation, they may suffer from fatigue, boredom, and loneliness. While cell phones and the use of other electronic devices have been prohibited by the FMCSA, drivers may not comply. Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is also a deadly contributor to truck accidents.
5. Operation in Poor Weather Conditions. The greater the vehicle size, the more difficult it is to maintain control in poor weather conditions. Reduced visibility due to fog, heavy rain, and snow can increase the risk that a driver will be involved in an accident. The weight of a semi-truck or tractor-trailer also prevents these vehicles from stopping quickly on wet or slick pavement, especially on bridges and overpasses in towns like Newtown, which tend to freeze more rapidly due to cold air circulating below.
6. Equipment Failure. Dangerous tire blowouts that cause a truck driver to lose control or scatter debris across the roadway, worn brakes, and other mechanical failures may also contribute to truck accidents. Individual drivers and trucking companies in areas like Levittown are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good working order and maintaining or replacing inoperable defrosters, windshield wipers, and missing or broken lights to ensure the public’s safety.