Semi-truck collisions with smaller vehicles can cause devastating injuries and catastrophic property damage. Both transportation companies and federal safety professionals try to establish policies and practices that reduce the likelihood of major collisions.
Assessing what causes crashes is an important component of preventing future collisions. According to an analysis of crash data performed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), issues with semi-trucks are one of the top causes of collisions.
FMCSA data shows that as many as one in 10 crashes where a semi-truck is the vehicle at fault occurred due to issues with the vehicle itself, rather than road conditions or the choices the driver makes.
What kinds of things cause collisions?
Defective components, delayed maintenance and load issues are all possible causes of semi-truck collisions caused by vehicle issues. In some cases, improper design or defects that impact entire production batches of important vehicle components are responsible for a commercial vehicle failing in traffic.
Other times, delayed maintenance, possibly caused by a company putting short-term cost reduction ahead of safety, can be to blame. Improper loading of a trailer is also a possible cause of semi-truck collisions. Imbalanced loads, items that can shift during transit and even undisclosed fluid contents can increase the likelihood of a major crash occurring because a driver loses control of a commercial truck.
Those involved in semi-truck collisions may need help proving what caused the crash and seeking compensation for their collision expenses. Discussing crash details with a personal injury attorney can make it easier for people to file insurance claims or lawsuits in pursuit of collision compensation.