Spokane Washington Truck Accident Attorney
Semi-trucks or tractor-trailers that carry goods to consumers are a common sight on our nation’s roadways. Many people may not realize that truck accidents happen just as frequently as passenger vehicle accidents.
Size Matters
Being involved in an accident with a vehicle that weighs several tons is as frightening as it is dangerous. The tremendous size and weight of 18-wheelers creates a great amount of energy as these vehicles travel down the road at high rates of speed.
There are many factors that can cause a semi-truck to be involved in a serious accident, including:
- Driver fatigue – truck drivers are often on a very strict schedule and can’t always pull over and take a nap. Their sleep depravation is just one of the many factors that can increase the chances that they will be in or cause an accident.
- Under the influence – When fatigue sets in, some truckers turn to drugs like amphetamines to stay awake. These fairly inexpensive, long-lasting stimulants do keep drivers awake, but they have serious side effects, including impaired judgment and paranoia. Surprisingly, alcohol is involved in only about 1-3% of trucking accidents.
- Unrealistic schedules – the trucking industry is a highly competitive business. Trucking companies often demand unrealistic delivery times because they know the drivers need to work. Some truck drivers will even lose their jobs if they refuse to deliver a load. Turning down a load also means losing money. Often truck drivers will accept unrealistic delivery times and will push themselves to make that schedule. This pressure and the other demands of driving a truck often lead to catastrophic results.
- Overloading – trucks that are too heavy can cause truck accidents. For example, too much weight in the back of the truck can cause the tires to burst. Overloaded trucks have a much longer stopping distance than those loaded properly. Also, going downhill, an overloaded truck can travel too fast and is at risk for losing its breaks or for rolling over.
Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
- Over or underinflated tires
- Defective roadways
- Roadway hazards, like oil, gravel or debris
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident in or around Spokane, Washington, please call the experienced attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates today to schedule your confidential, no-cost consultation. Put “One Call, That’s All to work for you.
1-800-404-9000
