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Causes of New York City Truck Accidents

Truck drivers have to undergo special training before they are permitted to operate massive, multi-ton trucks on our nation’s roadways. Unfortunately, just because someone has a commercial driver’s license does not mean that they are immune from error. Preventable truck accidents happen all the time – all it takes is one moment of negligence to cause a serious accident that injures or kills someone.

Common Truck Accident Causes

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Fatigued driving. Truck drivers often drive in long stretches day in and day out. Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service Regulations limiting the amount of time a driver may drive in one shift and how frequently they are required to take breaks, some drivers ignore these rules in an effort to deliver product faster and make more money.
  • Speeding. The heavier a vehicle is, the more distance is needed in order to bring it to a complete stop. Trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, so the faster the truck drives, the more difficult it will be to stop it quickly enough to avoid a collision. Speeding is an even greater problem in adverse weather, such as when rain makes the roads slippery.
  • Drunk or drugged driving. It is unfortunately not uncommon for truck drivers to use illegal stimulants to keep themselves awake while driving long distances. Drowsy truck drivers who drive while under the influence of illegal drugs, or who have been drinking, pose a serious accident risk to other drivers.
  • Distracted driving. Smartphones are a major source of distraction for all types of drivers, including truck drivers. Truck drivers who don’t pay attention to the road ahead of them effectively turn their vehicles into weapons.
  • Maintenance failures. Because trucks cover many thousands of miles on a regular basis, frequent maintenance is essential. Failing to maintain the engine, tires, brakes, or other critical systems and components could cause a malfunction that leads to an accident.
  • Improper loading of cargo. Trailers have a weight limit and must be loaded evenly and securely. Any imbalance or loose items in the trailer could increase the chances of a jackknife accident or rollover accident.
  • Negligent hiring. Trucking companies may be held liable for a truck accident if they hired someone who wasn’t qualified. Examples of unqualified drivers include drivers without valid CDLs or who have had a number of past citations or accidents.

Truck accident injuries are often severe or catastrophic and result in substantial damages. If you have been injured or have suffered the loss of a loved one in a serious truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for costs related to the accident, including medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, lost earning capacity, and more. You may also be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. Let our firm represent you during this difficult time.

Contact a Brooklyn Truck Accident Lawyer Today

The Brooklyn truck accident attorneys at Koenigsberg & Associates Law Offices are prepared to launch a thorough investigation of your case in order to help you understand your legal options after a crash with a commercial truck. Caring and professional, our firm provides personalized representation as it pursues maximum results. We are passionate about ensuring that the injured obtain justice by holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for their careless actions.

Contact us today to begin your case: (718) 690-3132.

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