Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Raleigh, NC (2024)

Truck accidents are, unfortunately, a frequent occurrence in any bustling city, and Raleigh, NC, is no exception. Truck-related collisions can cause severe injuries and significant property damage due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents in Raleigh, NC, can help you stay safe while on the road.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers often spend long hours behind the wheel, which can lead to boredom, fatigue, or the temptation to multitask.

Distracted driving can take many forms, including texting or using a smartphone. Despite regulations prohibiting phone use, some truck drivers still engage in texting or making calls while driving.

Eating or drinking is another common distraction, as consuming meals on the road can divert a driver’s attention. In-cab distractions can also cause a truck driver to lose focus, such as adjusting the GPS, changing the radio, or interacting with passengers.

When a truck driver takes their eyes off the road for even a few seconds, the consequences can be catastrophic. Given the size and speed of these vehicles, any delay in reaction time may lead to devastating accidents.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is another major factor contributing to truck accidents. Even though commercial truck drivers must follow strict federal regulations that include mandatory drug and alcohol testing, violations still occur.

Impairment significantly impacts a driver’s judgment, making poor decision-making more likely. This can lead to risky behaviors, such as speeding or aggressive driving. It also affects reaction time on the road. Coordination is another area impacted, with physical impairments making it difficult to steer or brake effectively.

Substance use doesn’t only include alcohol; some drivers may use prescription or illegal drugs to stay awake during long hauls. These substances further compromise their abilities behind the wheel, putting everyone on the road at greater risk.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers often face tight delivery schedules, which can lead to speeding and reckless driving. In Raleigh, busy highways such as I-40 and I-440 frequently experience accidents involving speeding trucks. Speeding increases the risk of accidents by reducing the driver’s control over the vehicle.

Larger vehicles are harder to maneuver at high speeds, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather. Trucks require significantly more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to passenger vehicles, which further increases the likelihood of a crash. Collisions involving speeding trucks tend to cause greater damage and more serious injuries.

Reckless driving behaviors, such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals, also contribute to the problem. These actions, driven by impatience or the pressure of tight schedules, put other drivers at extreme risk. The combination of speeding and reckless behavior on the road can have catastrophic consequences, particularly when large trucks are involved.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers are often required to drive for long hours to meet delivery deadlines, and while the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes hours-of-service regulations to combat fatigue, violations are still common.

Fatigued driving can result in decreased alertness, which makes it harder for drivers to notice changes in traffic conditions, and slower reaction times, which can delay responses to sudden hazards.

In some cases, fatigue can lead to microsleep incidents, where drivers briefly fall asleep behind the wheel, often resulting in catastrophic accidents. These fatigue-related accidents are particularly common during nighttime hours or after long stretches of uninterrupted driving.

Failure To Maintain the Truck and Weather Conditions

Poor vehicle maintenance is a significant factor in truck accidents, as large trucks require regular upkeep to ensure safe operation. Neglecting essential maintenance, such as brake checks, tire inflation, and engine repairs, can lead to critical failures like brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or sudden breakdowns in traffic.

When maintenance is ignored, it increases the risk of mechanical failure, endangering everyone on the road and potentially leading to liability for the truck driver or the trucking company. Additionally, adverse weather conditions in Raleigh, such as rain, fog, and ice, can make driving hazardous. Drivers and trucking companies must adapt to these conditions to avoid accidents, as failure to do so may be considered negligence.

FAQs

Q: What Is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents?

A: A common cause of truck accidents is driver error, including speeding, distracted driving, and fatigue. Other factors like improper vehicle maintenance, overloaded cargo, and adverse weather conditions also contribute. Determining the cause of a truck accident often requires thorough investigation and careful analysis, which an attorney can assist with to support a legal claim.

Q: What Is the Most Accident-Prone Truck?

A: Accident statistics vary, but larger commercial trucks, such as 18-wheelers and semi-trucks, are often involved in severe accidents due to their size and weight. Pickup trucks can also be involved in accidents, especially when used for high-speed travel or improper towing. The accident risk largely depends on the driver’s behavior and vehicle maintenance.

Q: Are Trucks More Prone to Accidents Than Passenger Vehicles?

A: Trucks are generally more prone to accidents due to their size, weight, and need for longer stopping distances. Factors like blind spots, heavy loads, and road conditions increase the likelihood of accidents compared to passenger vehicles. Proper driver training, adherence to safety regulations, and regular maintenance can help reduce these risks.

Q: Do Pickup Trucks Flip Over Easily?

A: Pickup trucks can flip over more easily than smaller vehicles, especially during sharp turns, high-speed maneuvers, or when carrying heavy loads. Their higher center of gravity increases rollover risk, particularly in single-vehicle accidents or collisions. Safe driving practices and proper weight distribution are essential to prevent rollovers and avoid serious accidents.

Q: What Should I Do After a Truck Accident?

A: After a truck accident, prioritize seeking medical attention and documenting the scene with photos and witness statements. Report the accident to law enforcement and your insurance provider. Consulting an experienced attorney can help you navigate the claims process, investigate the incident, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and damages.

Schedule Your Truck Accident Consultation Today

The injuries that follow a truck accident can be catastrophic and life-altering. When medical bills and lost wages create financial strains, you need a personal injury attorney who gets results. From negotiating with insurance companies to standing up to the lawyers who represent trucking groups, our legal team can fight until you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

Take the first step by calling our office to set up a consultation. Our attorney can explain how our team can take steps to hold the truck driver accountable. If needed, we can take the case to court to demand that you receive the compensation that you are owed. Contact Tatum Law Firm, PLLC, today.