Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Winchester
Commercial truck accidents are some of the most devastating collisions that occur on Winchester’s roads. They have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries and change victims’ lives in an instant. Being familiar with the most common causes of truck accidents in Winchester may help you avoid being involved in one of these collisions and suffering from severe injuries.
However, if you suffered injuries in a collision with a commercial truck, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer in Winchester to prepare your truck accident claims and fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact Kendall Law Firm 24/7 to arrange a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.
How Kendall Law Firm Fights for Truck Accident Victims in Winchester
Kendall Law Firm has advocated on behalf of victims of truck driver accidents in Winchester and the surrounding communities since 2009. We have over 30 years of experience and are 100 percent focused on personal injury cases – we don’t represent insurers or large corporations, focusing instead on helping individuals like you who have been harmed by powerful parties’ actions. When you trust us with your case, our Winchester personal injury attorneys do the following:
- Thoroughly investigate the truck accident and identify all potentially liable parties
- Prepare a persuasive truck accident case on your behalf
- Negotiate with the insurance company and its legal team to secure a fair settlement
- File a truck accident lawsuit and argue your case in court if the at-fault parties don’t offer full compensation
- Provide the comprehensive legal support you deserve
Our Virginia personal injury law firm has recovered millions over the years for our clients and has an extensive track record of achieving successful outcomes. As one satisfied client wrote:
“Mr. Kendall and Ms. Kuhn have gone above and beyond to help me out in a timely manner. They resolved my case quickly, updating me throughout the process but not overwhelming with details. I can highly recommend them!” – Samual B.
Common Causes of Truck Crashes in Winchester
Most crashes involving large trucks are caused by driver error. However, truck drivers are not always the only ones to blame when accidents happen. Trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance contractors, and even the government entities responsible for road maintenance and signage can also play roles in causing or contributing to many truck accidents. Any combination of parties may ultimately be liable for a victim’s injuries and losses. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents in Winchester:
Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road under tight delivery schedules. Often, they may travel overnight or on routes that take them across several states. Federal trucking regulations try to limit the hours that commercial truck drivers can work to prevent large truck crashes caused by truck driver fatigue. Despite federal limits on driving hours, some drivers push beyond legal limits to meet deadlines, possibly due to pressure from their employers. The resulting fatigue can dull their reaction times, reduce their awareness, and increase their risk of drifting out of their lane or failing to brake in time to avoid a crash.
When drivers or trucking companies falsify driver logs or ignore hours-of-service limits, they put other drivers in danger. Employers who encourage unrealistic schedules or fail to monitor compliance can be held responsible for accidents caused by exhaustion. In these cases, Kendall Law Firm can review electronic logging data and company records to prove rest violations and establish liability in these complex truck accident claims.
Distracted or Reckless Driving
Distracted driving is even more serious when involving passenger vehicles. Even a brief lapse in attention can be disastrous when an 80,000-pound vehicle is involved. Distractions such as texting, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or talking on the phone pull a driver’s focus from the road. Some truck drivers also engage in reckless behaviors in an effort to save time, like speeding, following too closely, or making unsafe lane changes.
These truck accident causes often point to poor individual judgment, but sometimes they reflect inadequate company training or supervision. Trucking companies that fail to enforce safety policies or discipline unsafe drivers can share responsibility for collisions and serious injuries that result from their drivers’ behavior. Evidence such as cell phone records, onboard camera footage, or eyewitness statements can help determine whether distraction or recklessness played a role in a crash.
Improper Loading and Cargo Shifts
Commercial trucks carry heavy or uneven cargo that must be carefully balanced and secured. When freight is improperly distributed or even overloaded beyond the truck’s capacity, it can shift during transport, which can cause the trailer to fishtail or overturn. Poorly secured cargo may also spill onto the highway, potentially leading to multi-vehicle crashes.
The responsibility for cargo-related load accidents often falls on cargo crews, freight handlers, or third-party logistics companies that fail to follow weight and balance standards. Trucking companies and drivers can also be liable if they fail to inspect or supervise improperly loaded cargo loading before departure. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer from our law firm can look at freight documentation and inspection reports to determine where and when the error occurred.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment Failure
Tractor-trailers require constant maintenance to stay safe for long-distance travel. Issues with brakes, tires, steering systems, and lights are common problems that can turn a routine trip into a deadly event. Federal regulations require regular inspections, yet some trucking companies cut corners to save time and money. In cases involving inadequate maintenance, liability may extend beyond the driver to include maintenance contractors or vehicle and parts manufacturers. A lawyer can review maintenance records to determine whether the truck was roadworthy and whether failures in upkeep contributed to the crash.
Hazardous Weather and Unsafe Road Conditions
Rain, fog, ice, and high winds can make driving a large truck especially dangerous. The reduced visibility and traction that result from inclement weather require truck drivers to adjust their speed and increase the distance between themselves and other vehicles. Failing to drive cautiously in bad weather can cause a driver to lose control and become liable for resulting collisions.
However, other factors may also play a role. If poorly designed intersections, missing signage, inadequate road maintenance, and construction-related hazards created unsafe conditions, any local or state agencies responsible for maintaining the roads could bear partial liability.
Contact Kendall Law Firm After a Truck Accident in Winchester
If you got hurt in a truck driver wreck, don’t wait to reach out to an experienced Virginia truck accident lawyer who can get to work on your case while you focus on healing. Virginia law gives you just two years to file your personal injury claim, and waiting too long to investigate can jeopardize your case. Contact Kendall Law Firm today to get started with your free initial consultation.