Commercial trucks and other large trucks often weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds and can pull multiple trailers, adding even more weight and size. Additionally, trucks travel more mile than passenger vehicles, and many miles traveled are on the interstates at high speeds. Due to the weight and size of these commercial trucks, and the significant amount of time spent on the roads, many trucks are involved in accidents resulting in serious injury or death. According to the IIHS, large truck accidents resulted in over 4,100 deaths in 2018, and approximately 67 percent of these deaths were passenger vehicle occupants.
Drivers and trucking companies must adhere to federal trucking regulations
Because of the significant accident risk, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration have implemented certain standards to prevent truck accidents and ensure safety for all travelers.
Trucking regulations specify:
- Licensing and training requirements for drivers
- Drug and alcohol testing for drivers
- Rules for securing cargo
- Hours of service and logging hours electronically
- Vehicle weight limits
- Regular truck inspections and maintenance
Louisiana truck accidents are often caused by a trucking company or driver’s failure to follow one or more federal regulations. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Unsecured cargo or uneven weight distribution
- Defective equipment/mechanical failure/faulty brakes
- Driver fatigue due to failure to limit hours behind the wheel
- Distracted driving or driving under the influence
- Failure to conduct inspections
- Negligent hiring, training, or supervision of drivers
If you have been injured in a truck accident, a personal injury attorney can help you file a negligence claim against the truck company and driver responsible for your accident.
