Common Causes of Trucking Accidents Leading to Personal Injury Claims

Chicago’s roads and highways are more congested than ever, with heavy traffic and ongoing construction creating hazardous driving conditions. From Interstate 55 to I-90 and the Elgin O’Hare Expressway (Illinois Route 390), these busy routes are hot spots for dangerous accidents. The most common incidents involve car crashes and truck accidents, which pose serious risks to drivers, passengers, and pedestrians navigating the Chicagoland area.

Trucking accidents often lead to serious injuries, and many of these incidents stem from a lack of attention, carelessness, or negligence on the part of truck drivers. While truckers are highly trained professionals, several factors—ranging from inappropriate training, to failing to adhere to federal regulations—are common causes of trucking accidents leading to personal injury claims. The consequences of a truck accident can be just as severe as those of an auto accident, with the added complexity of large vehicles and heavy cargo. 

Here are some common causes of trucking accidents that lead to personal injury claims and the critical issues contributing to those crashes: 

Driver Fatigue and Lack of Attention 

One of the most common causes of trucking accidents leading to personal injury claims is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are often pushed to meet tight deadlines, causing them to drive longer hours than the law allows. Unfortunately, this leads to exhaustion, reducing the driver’s reaction time and ability to pay attention to the road. Fatigued drivers may drift into other lanes, fail to stop at intersections, or overlook traffic signals. 

Trucker fatigue is exacerbated by the fact that many drivers push themselves past the legally-mandated hours of service (HOS), which regulate the number of hours they can be on the road before they must rest. Ignoring these regulations not only endangers the driver but also everyone else on the road. A personal injury attorney can investigate to find out if the driver was driver longer hours than allowed, and seek compensation for clients. 

Inadequate Training

Proper training is critical for truck drivers to safely operate large, heavy vehicles. Unfortunately, not all trucking companies provide the comprehensive training their drivers need. Inadequate training can lead to poor decision-making on the road. For example, drivers may struggle with vehicle handling, fail to properly assess their surroundings, or make dangerous driving decisions in critical moments. 

Truck drivers who are poorly trained are more likely to make mistakes that lead to accidents, such as misjudging distances, improper braking, or failing to maintain control of their vehicle in adverse conditions.

Improper Loading and Unsecured Cargo

An often overlooked issue in trucking accidents is the improper loading of cargo. When truck drivers load their own trailers, they are responsible for ensuring that the cargo is properly secured and balanced. If a truck is overloaded or the cargo is not adequately fastened, it can shift or even fall off the truck while driving, causing a serious hazard on the road. 

This is a significant problem because even a small amount of movement or imbalance can cause the truck to lose control or lead to dangerous debris on the highway. Additionally, some loading docks or workers may fail to properly secure the cargo before the driver takes it on the road. 

If an accident occurs because of improperly loaded cargo, the responsibility can fall on the truck driver, the company that owns the truck, the loading dock, or anyone involved in the loading process. Investigating how the cargo was secured is a key factor in determining who is liable for any personal injuries resulting from the crash. 

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is another frequent cause of trucking accidents. Truck drivers often feel the pressure to meet deadlines, which can tempt them to drive faster than the speed limit. This is especially dangerous when driving in adverse conditions, such as heavy rain or fog. Large trucks take longer to slow down and stop, and speeding reduces a driver’s ability to respond in a timely manner to sudden changes in traffic. 

In addition to speeding, reckless driving behaviors—such as tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or making unsafe lane changes—are serious safety concerns. These actions increase the risk of crashes and injuries. 

When speeding or reckless driving is found to be the cause of a trucking accident, the truck driver is typically held responsible for any resulting injuries. The trucking company may also be liable if it was aware of or encouraged unsafe driving practices. 

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

Truck drivers are expected to follow all traffic laws, just like any other motorist. However, they sometimes fail to stop at red lights, neglect to yield when necessary, or ignore other road signs. These traffic violations can lead to accidents, especially when the truck is unable to stop in time due to its size or weight. 

When a truck driver fails to obey traffic laws, they can be found negligent and held liable for personal injuries caused by the crash. Injured individuals may pursue legal action against the driver and their employer. 

Mechanical Failures

Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained. Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or engine problems, can be catastrophic when a truck is on the road. Lack of proper vehicle maintenance is a common cause of trucking accidents and can happen when trucks are not regularly inspected or repaired. 

Trucking accidents that lead to personal injuries are often caused by a combination of factors, such as driver negligence, inadequate training, and failure to follow proper regulations. Truck drivers are responsible for paying attention to their surroundings, adhering to federal driving laws, properly loading their cargo, and maintaining their vehicles. When any of these responsibilities are neglected, it can lead to serious accidents that harm others on the road. 

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, it’s important to seek legal advice from a personal injury attorney who can help you navigate the complexities of your case. Whether the fault lies with the driver, the trucking company, or another party, pursuing a personal injury claim can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, and other damages. 

Contact us today at 630-655-9545 for a free consultation and case review.