Truck Accident Attorneys

How Truck Drivers Can Cause Michigan Truck Accidents

Every truck driver’s goal is to make it home safely. However, there are times when semi-truck drivers make poor decisions to save time or money that result in a truck accident. Here are some of the most common causes of accidents when a semi-truck driver is at fault.

Drowsy/Fatigued Driving
In order to make as much money as possible, some drivers are willing to drive for extended periods of time, even beyond their physical limits. Other truck drivers are pressured by trucking companies to go beyond federal laws that are designed to prevent tired truckers from driving for too long.

Regardless of the cause, a drowsy, fatigued driver’s focus and reflexes are compromised and can result in an accident.

Distracted Driving
More and more technological advancements are finding their way into the cabin of a truck. These may assist with communication, shipment tracking, and vehicle diagnostics.

However, none of this technology should be used by a truck driver while behind the wheel, since they cannot do so while also focusing on driving. Those that do compromise their ability to drive safely, which can lead to an accident.

Unstable Loads
Trucks haul just about everything, from consumer goods to modular houses to industrial supplies. And if any of these loads aren’t properly positioned or secured, they can come loose or even fall off, resulting in a collision with another vehicle.

Lack of Vehicle Maintenance
At times, truck drivers push the limits of their truck’s components in order to get a load delivered sooner rather than stopping to do maintenance on their vehicle or equipment. If regular maintenance items like brakes, tires, and suspension components are neglected, they will eventually give out and cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle or load, thus causing an accident.

Speeding
As is the case with drowsy or fatigued driving, truck drivers that speed are trying to push their limits to make more money or other incentives from a client or trucking company. When this takes place, a dangerous situation develops where any sudden change in road surface, direction, or surrounding vehicles can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle or load.

How Passenger Vehicle Drivers Cause Michigan Truck Accidents

Just because a truck was involved in an accident doesn’t mean it was the truck driver at fault. Sometimes it’s what the other driver did that led to an unavoidable accident for the truck driver. Here are some of the ways that passenger vehicle drivers can be responsible for a truck accident.

Careless/Reckless Driving
Some passenger vehicle drivers are in such a hurry to get to their destination that they’re willing to cut in front of or weave around other traffic, including a truck that needs extra space to turn or stop due to their size and weight.

Others are simply not paying attention to their surroundings, including a truck that may be turning or merging onto a highway or requires extra space for a necessary maneuver. While others tailgate and thus fail to stop in time after a truck has to suddenly apply its brakes.

Whatever the scenario, a Michigan truck accident may result due to a reckless or careless passenger vehicle driver failing to provide a truck adequate space.

Distracted Driving
Just as a truck driver may be distracted behind the wheel, so can a passenger vehicle driver who is texting, looking at the mirror, or eating as they drive down the road. This may result in a failure to notice a truck or a traffic sign that directs them away from danger and end in a collision.

Other Circumstances That Cause Michigan Truck Accidents

At times, neither truck drivers nor passenger vehicles drivers are found to be at fault for an accident. Here are common circumstances that lead to accidents like these where no one is primarily at fault.

Inclement Weather
Michigan can experience extreme weather during all four seasons. Harsh winds can blow a semi-truck trailer over, while rain or fog can reduce a driver’s ability to see what lies ahead on the road until it’s too late.

Winter especially can create dangerous road conditions, with snow or ice making it impossible for a truck driver to safely maintain traction as they attempt to turn or brake. 

Road Hazards
Whether an object fell off another truck trailer, a pickup truck, or the roof of a car, anything lying on the road can cause a driver to either collide with it and lose control of their vehicle or cause them to make a last-second effort to avoid the hazard and collide with another vehicle or object along the shoulder.

Defective Vehicle Components
At times, a component of a truck’s suspension, braking system, or trailer came with a design flaw from the manufacturer. This component may suddenly fail without warning, causing the truck to lose control and result in a truck accident.

Have More Questions About What Causes Michigan Truck Accidents?

If you’re in need of answers for anything relating to your truck accident–including what causes them–then let our truck accident lawyers help you. Fill out our contact form or call us today to get a free consultation that answers all of your questions.

No matter where the accident happened–whether it was a Detroit truck accident, a Dearborn truck accident, or an accident that took place anywhere else in Michigan–a driver who has been involved in a Michigan truck accident needs legal help that specializes in truck accidents, since they are often far more complicated and costly than passenger vehicle accidents.

Contact Kajy Law’s Accident Attorneys About Your Michigan Truck Accident

Thanks to our thorough understanding of Michigan truck accident law, Kajy Law’s truck accident attorneys enjoy a 98% success rate, giving you the confidence that we’ll work hard to maximize your truck accident settlement and compensation.

Let us start helping you today. Call 248-702-6641 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.