Given the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers and other commercial trucks, it’s no surprise that the unfortunate people involved in wrecks with these vehicles tend to suffer serious and lasting consequences. Crash statistics compiled by the federal government clearly show that larges trucks accidents are a continuing menace on the nation’s roads. But why do these accidents happen in the first place?
Long-term studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other agencies have grouped the causes in three broad categories: driver error, truck/equipment problems and environmental factors. Within those categories, the top 10 most common factors in truck crashes are:
- Brake failure
- Traffic flow interruption due to road congestion or other crashes
- Prescription drug use by truck drivers
- Driving too fast for the conditions
- Driver lacking familiarity with the roadway
- Roadway problems
- Driver failed to stop at a crosswalk, stop sign or traffic light
- Driver use of over-the-counter, non-prescription drugs
- Driver inattention
- Driver fatigue
Additional common causes of big rig wrecks include overloaded trucks, improperly secured cargo, distractions inside trucks, driver illnesses and the hiring of inexperienced and untrained drivers due to an ongoing personnel shortage that has been hurting the trucking industry for the last decade or more.
Truck crashes change lives forever. Drivers of other vehicles, passengers and pedestrians suffer catastrophic injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord damage, loss of limb, and other serious harm. Some wrecks are fatal, leaving families in shock.
If you are a family member have been harmed in a truck accident, you should seek the advice of an experienced truck accident attorney who will work to identify the cause of the accident and take swift action to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Morgan Law Firm we are known for our success in representing truck accident victims in Utah and Idaho. Our attorney, David L. Morgan, has nearly 20 years of litigation experience and is not afraid to take on powerful trucking companies and their lawyers. We offer a free initial consultation to all prospective clients. To schedule yours, please call 208-999-1717 or contact us online. We have offices in Boise, Meridian, and Middleton, Idaho and in Ogden and Lehi, Utah.
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5.0/5.0The team at Morgan Law Firm is absolutely amazing. Every person working there was professional, warm, helpful, patient and made me feel comfortable and important. Dave Morgan and Charles Gruber went above and beyond, not only being dynamite attorneys...
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I was unenthused, to say the least, about dealing with a personal injury attorney and figured my out-of-state accident was one of those bizarre things that I just had to accept and move on from. Wow!! Was I wrong!!! Mr. Morgan was recommended to me, ...
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I went to see Dave Morgan when I had an automobile accident. The insurance was slow to pay the bills. Dave quickly filed papers and the matter was handled efficiently and in short time. I highly recommend the Dave Morgan firm.
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I was scared when I was hit and nobody was there for me and I was still in pain. I didn't want to go with a lawyer on TV. So I looked around online and found the best lawyer! I was very lucky to find Attorney with great compassion and understandin...
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5.0/5.0
I have known Dave Morgan for several years. He was very knowledgeable and assisted me in my legal needs quickly and compassionately. He is a man of high integrity and a strong sense of right and wrong. I highly recommend him.
