Wisconsin is no stranger to truck accidents. It is also in the northern region of the U.S. that is a typical recipient of severe weather all year around, and especially in the winter. Inclement weather is a common cause of accidents during the winter when roadways can become iced over rather quickly. But, there are also some other reasons specific to the trucking industry that are regular components of truck crashes as well. Here are a few of those causes.
Driver Fatigue
Trucking companies are well known for wanting drivers to spend as much time on the road as the law allows, and many drivers are also focused on driving overtime. They are both in business to make a profit and sitting trucks generate no income. There are both daily and monthly driving limitations on driving hours, but truck drivers often drive beyond the limit and many times do not get adequate rest when stopped.
Truck Maintenance Failures
The Department of Transportation requires all trucks to be inspected at specific intervals, including stopping at weigh stations and performing physical truck inspections. Failure to do so can easily result in an accident when equipment malfunctioning has not been inspected recently before a wreck. All inspections must be logged in some form, but many times the log is filled out when no inspection is conducted.
Excessive Speeding and Moving Violations
Most trucks are on the open highway during much of their routes and traffic on multiple lane highways commonly runs beyond the speed limit, even in some congested traffic areas. Truck drivers often contribute to this problem because they are always in a rush when on the highway. Losing control of a big-rig can become a serious problem when a driver is tired of the truck is in a state of disrepair, and it is especially troublesome when the vehicle is traveling beyond the speed limit.
Distracted Drivers
Distracted driving has become a very serious issue on the highways, and truck drivers are included in the group of those who practice this dangerous action. Cell phones have largely replaced the citizens band radio that drivers once used, and talking or texting while trying to drive a big-rig makes it even more dangerous and can easily result in a wreck.
Anyone in Wisconsin who has been injured in an accident with a big-rig should call the legal professionals at Cannon & Dunphy for a full free evaluation of their claim potential. Our Milwaukee truck accident lawyers work with each client to pursue maximum compensation for the damages they have sustained. You can trust us to be the strong advocates you need during one of life’s most difficult moments.
Call us today and learn how we may be able to help.