Due to the size and weight of the vehicle, a commercial truck accident can have devastating consequences. These crashes often involve extensive injuries, lifelong disability, disfigurement, and in severe cases, fatality. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, understanding what causes these types of accidents — and who can be held liable for your damages — is crucial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Arkansas
Truck accidents typically occur due to driver error, mechanical failure, or regulatory violations. Critically, these accidents are often preventable and arise when safety standards are disregarded or ignored. Even a minor lapse in judgment or oversight in maintenance can result in devastating and life-altering injuries.
Some common causes of truck accidents can include:
- Fatigued driving: Although there are specific federal regulations in place that govern how long a truck driver may travel without a break, a driver may disregard these guidelines, leading to fatigue and drowsy driving that can increase the likelihood of an accident.
- Distracted driving: The use of cellphones, GPS devices, or other distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Even just a few seconds of distracted driving can result in serious consequences.
- Driving under the influence: While driving under the influence is prohibited, some truck accidents may still involve a driver who was impaired by alcohol, drugs, or prescription medications.
- Improperly loaded cargo: In the event that cargo is not properly loaded or exceeds the weight limit, it can shift during transit and cause the driver to lose control of the truck.
- Speeding or aggressive driving: Tight delivery schedules may make a driver feel pressured to speed or drive aggressively on the highways. Higher speeds can increase stopping distances, reduce a driver’s ability to remain in control of the vehicle, and lead to an accident.
- Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers: Operating a commercial truck requires specific training. Inadequate instruction can cause a driver to make dangerous mistakes on the road that result in collisions.
- Improper maintenance: Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleet of vehicles. Failure to do so can lead to brake failures, worn tires, and other mechanical issues that cause an accident.
In many instances, more than one factor can contribute to a truck accident. It’s necessary to conduct a thorough investigation to determine what parties should be held accountable.
How is Liability for a Truck Accident Determined?
Determining liability for a truck accident is typically much more complex than establishing negligence in a standard car accident. There may be multiple parties involved, and each may share responsibility for causing or contributing to the crash. Evidence such as “black box” data, dashcam footage, driver logs, cargo documentation, maintenance records, and accident reconstruction reports must be carefully evaluated to determine fault.
Depending on the facts and circumstances of the accident, the following parties may be held liable for a victim’s injuries in a truck accident:
- The truck driver: If the truck driver’s actions were negligent, such as by speeding, driving while fatigued, or violating traffic laws, they may be held personally liable for the damages a victim suffered.
- The trucking company: An employer can be held responsible for the actions of an employee if the accident arose within the scope of the driver’s employment. In addition, a trucking company may be held accountable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or failing to enforce safety regulations.
- Vehicle or parts manufacturer: If a vehicle or parts defect caused the accident, the manufacturer may incur liability.
- Cargo loaders or shipping companies: A third party, such as a cargo loader or shipping company, may be liable if the collision was caused by improperly loaded or secured cargo.
- Maintenance providers: A maintenance provider can be held responsible for a truck accident victim’s injuries if their failure to properly inspect the vehicle caused the accident.
In some cases, another driver on the road who operated their vehicle recklessly, or a municipality that failed to maintain the road, may share part of the blame.
Contact an Experienced Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, it’s vital to hold the negligent party accountable. Providing trusted representation and aggressive advocacy for the injured and wronged, the Arkansas truck accident attorneys at Caddell Reynolds Law Firm are committed to helping victims secure the maximum monetary recovery they deserve. If you or a loved one were harmed in a truck accident, contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help you and your family rebuild your lives.
