6 Causes of Trucking Accidents in New York
Trucking accidents are one of the leading causes of fatalities on New York roads. With thousands of trucks operating daily in the state, it’s no wonder that these mammoth vehicles are involved in countless crashes every year.
Accidents involving large trucks and buses can result in serious injuries or death. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, a personal injury attorney can help you protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.
- Distracted Driving by the Truck Driver
Most trucking accidents are caused by human error, and distracted driving is one of the most common causes of these errors. Truck drivers are often required to drive long hours, and they may be tempted to use their cell phones or other devices while driving. This can lead to serious accidents, as truck drivers who are distracted are more likely to make mistakes that could cause a collision.
- Truck Driver Fatigue
Consecutive days of long hours on the road makes commercial truck drivers particularly susceptible to driver fatigue. Because of this, fatigued driving is a major problem for the trucking industry. When a truck driver is fatigued, they are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to an accident.
Fatigued driving can be negligent driving, so it’s essential for truck drivers to get the proper amount of rest before getting behind the wheel. There are federal regulations in place that require truck drivers to take breaks after driving for certain periods of time; however, these regulations are not always followed, and some truck drivers push themselves to the absolute limit.
- Aggressive Driving
When it comes to aggressive driving, New York truckers are some of the worst offenders. Speedings, tailgating, and cutting in and out of lanes are far too common on state highways. This dangerous behavior puts everyone on the road at risk, and it’s one of the leading causes of accidents involving trucks in New York.
- Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is another serious problem that plagues the trucking industry. Some truckers use stimulants to help them stay awake for long stretches of time, while others turn to alcohol or other drugs to cope with the boredom and isolation of life on the road.
- Hazardous Road Conditions
Truckers have to deal with all kinds of weather conditions, and sometimes they can be caught off guard by a sudden change in the weather. If a trucker is not prepared for the driving conditions, they are more likely to get into an accident. Some of the most common hazardous road conditions that lead to trucking accidents include wet roads, icy roads, and high winds.
- Weather Conditions
In New York, as in any other state, inclement weather is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Icy conditions, snowstorms, and high winds can make it difficult for even the most experienced driver to stay on the road. When visibility is reduced and roads are icy, trucks are more likely to jackknife or lose control. Weather is not an excuse for dangerous driving, however; failure to adjust speed to adapt to hazardous weather conditions may still be considered negligence if you were injured as a result.
Truck accidents can cause serious and life-threatening injuries. If you have been injured in a trucking accident, you should not be held financially responsible for the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company. Justice and compensation for your injuries is within reach with the help of an expert personal injury attorney.