It may come as no surprise that being involved in a collision can be a stressful and scary experience. While there are a variety of scenarios in which an accident could place your safety at risk, with the inherent increases in size and weight, few may be as dangerous as those involving a commercial vehicle.
While you may frequently encounter such vehicles as you travel along Texas roads, you might be wondering if there is anything you can do to reduce the chances such a collision will take place. While practicing safe driving procedures can be helpful, in some cases, what happens next might be out of your control.
Causes of commercial vehicle crashes
Truck accidents are unfortunately far too common, and there are a multitude of circumstances in which the negligent actions of another driver could place you in harm’s way. Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents may include:
- Driver fatigue: With demanding schedules that lead to long hours on the road, fatigue is a major concern for many truck drivers, and a drowsy driver is inherently less capable of safely operating a vehicle.
- Distraction or impairment: Drunk and distracted driving are dangerous behaviors under any circumstances, and when you mix such negligence with a commercial vehicle, the results could be disastrous.
- Lack of training: Commercial vehicles are inherently larger and more difficult to maneuver, and drivers who fail to receive the necessary training to operate such a vehicle may lack the ability to handle a variety of driving scenarios.
- Lack of maintenance: Tractor-trailers often require frequent maintenance, and failure to ensure all parts remain in proper working condition could increase the risks that an unfortunate scenario will take place.
Should another driver’s negligent behavior cause such a crash to occur, you could be the one left suffering the consequences and wondering about the next steps to take to seek accountability.
Seeking accountability
Collisions involving commercial vehicles can have cataclysmic results, and there is a chance such an incident could leave you with life-altering injuries. If the other driver is at fault, you could choose to consult with someone with experience in such intricate matters for guidance on your available legal avenues. By seeking guidance early on, you could find yourself in a better position to pursue the full amount of compensation you deserve and begin channeling your focus toward entering the recovery period with financial peace of mind.