The 5 Top Causes of Alabama Truck Accidents

Severe crashes involving tractor-trailers and other large trucks happen for a wide variety of reasons. Most of the leading causes of truck accidents involve some form of truck driver carelessness or negligence on the part of the trucking company that employs the trucker or owns the equipment.

Based on statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), here are the leading causes of trucking accidents in Alabama:

1. Speeding

When truck drivers exceed the speed limit, they put everyone on the road at risk – especially other motorists in passenger vehicles. Trucks are large and heavy, making it harder for drivers to steer and stop them quickly. Speeding reduces the truck driver’s reaction time and increases the likelihood and severity of collisions. High speeds also make it difficult for truck drivers to maneuver safely, especially in bad weather or on curvy roads. Speeding is a significant cause of severe truck accidents because it amplifies the potential for loss of control and catastrophic collisions. Passenger vehicle drivers are particularly susceptible to severe injuries in collisions with speeding semi-trucks. 

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving involves operating a vehicle while doing anything else that takes attention away from the road. That can include using a phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or even daydreaming. For truck drivers, distractions are hazardous due to the size and complexity of the vehicles. Even a momentary lapse in concentration can lead to serious accidents, as large commercial vehicles require more time and distance to stop than smaller vehicles. Distracted driving is a significant cause of semi-truck collisions because it impairs the truck driver’s ability to react to road conditions and traffic.

3. Poor Driver Decision-Making

Many truck accidents result from truck drivers making bad decisions on the road. This can include driving aggressively, following too closely, or making unsafe lane changes. It can also involve incorrectly judging the conditions of the road. For example, a truck driver might crash if they fail to allow enough room for turning or stopping. Driving decisions that don’t account for the current traffic, weather, or road layout are also frequent contributors to accidents.

4. Neglected Vehicle Maintenance

Routine maintenance is critical for trucks, especially given their size, complexity, and long travel distances. Neglecting maintenance can lead to equipment failures like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, sometimes triggering severe truck accidents. Adequately maintained trucks are less likely to experience mechanical issues that lead to loss of control. Accidents resulting from poor maintenance often point to liability by the trucking company or the vehicle’s owner or repair facility.

5. Improper Training and Hiring of Drivers

Trucking companies must properly train and hire qualified truck drivers. Inadequate training leaves truck drivers ill-prepared to handle large trucks in various road conditions. Failing to conduct proper background checks or ignoring a history of traffic violations and accidents can lead to employing unsafe drivers who are more likely to cause crashes. If a trucking company fails to screen or train its commercial drivers adequately, it can be liable for truck accidents involving unsafe operators.

Contact Our Alabama Truck Accident Attorneys Today

Were you injured in a truck accident in Alabama? If so, trust the experienced personal injury lawyers at the law firm of Stokes Stemle, LLC, to handle your truck accident injury claim. No matter the cause of the truck accident that harmed you, we’ll work relentlessly to demand accountability and fair compensation for you.

Contact us today to learn more in a free initial case evaluation with an experienced truck accident attorney.