For those who have tragically been impacted by truck accidents, the aftermath can be devastating and overwhelming. Understanding the common factors that contribute to these collisions is a crucial step toward both prevention and seeking justice. While the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks inherently make accidents more dangerous, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities for occupants of smaller vehicles, many of these incidents stem from identifiable and preventable causes.
It's important to remember that if you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, you are not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.
Driver-Related Factors: A Significant Concern
A significant portion of fatal truck accidents can be attributed to the actions, or inactions, of the truck driver. These include:
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face immense pressure to meet tight deadlines, which can lead to extended hours on the road without adequate rest. Despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations designed to prevent fatigued driving, violations still occur. Drowsy driving can impair a driver's judgment and reaction time as severely as driving under the influence.
Distracted Driving: Just like any other motorist, truck drivers can be distracted by cell phones, in-cab technology, eating, or other activities that take their attention away from the road. Given the enormous size and momentum of a semi-truck, a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving: The temptation to speed, especially when running behind schedule, is a dangerous one for truck drivers. Speeding reduces a truck's already long stopping distance and amplifies the force of an impact. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating or unsafe lane changes, are also highly perilous.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI): While statistics show truck drivers have a lower rate of DUI involvement compared to other vehicle types, any instance of impaired driving by a commercial truck driver is extremely dangerous. This includes not only illegal drugs and alcohol but also prescription and over-the-counter medications that can affect driving ability.
Lack of Familiarity with Roads/Blind Spots: Truck drivers, especially those on long-haul routes, may be unfamiliar with specific road conditions, turns, or hazards in Iowa. Furthermore, large trucks have significant blind spots, often referred to as "no-zones," on all four sides. Failure to properly check these areas before changing lanes or turning can lead to devastating side-impact or underride collisions.
Vehicle and Roadway Factors: Beyond Driver Control
While driver behavior is paramount, other factors also contribute to fatal truck accidents:
Mechanical Failure: Brake failure, tire blowouts, steering issues, or other mechanical defects can lead to a truck driver losing control. These failures can sometimes be attributed to inadequate maintenance or faulty parts, for which the trucking company or manufacturer may be held responsible. Iowa law requires vehicles to be in safe mechanical condition, but corners can sometimes be cut.
Improperly Secured Cargo: If cargo is not loaded or secured correctly, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable, or even fall off the truck entirely, creating sudden and severe hazards for other vehicles.
Adverse Weather Conditions: Iowa's winters, with snow and ice, present particular challenges for large trucks. Icy roads significantly increase stopping distances and the risk of jackknifing or rollovers, even for experienced drivers. Reduced visibility due to fog or heavy rain also plays a role.
Road Design and Infrastructure: Certain stretches of highway, rural intersections, or congested urban areas can be inherently more dangerous for large trucks due to tight turns, limited visibility, or insufficient merging lanes. Rear-end collisions, for instance, are more common at stoplights or rural intersections in Iowa.
Underride Accidents: The height difference between a truck's trailer and a passenger vehicle can lead to devastating underride accidents, where a car slides underneath the truck. While rear underride guards are often required, side guards are not always mandated by law, leaving vehicles vulnerable in side-impact collisions.
Fatal trucking accidents leave a profound and lasting impact on victims and their families. If you or a loved one has been affected by a trucking accident in Iowa, understanding the complexities of these cases and your legal rights is essential. We encourage you to seek professional guidance.
For a compassionate and experienced legal team dedicated to advocating for truck accident victims, LaMarca Law Group, P.C. is here. We are prepared to help you understand your options and pursue the justice you deserve.
Contact us today at (515) 705-0233 for a consultation.