Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Alabama

Driving along the highways of Alabama, it’s hard not to notice the sheer number of large trucks.

As essential as they are for transporting goods across the state, their presence increases the risks to all drivers on our roads.

Truck drivers face long hours, tight schedules, and a host of pressures that can lead to dangerous situations.

When a truck accident occurs, the consequences can be severe, often leading to serious injuries and sometimes fatalities. Causes of truck accidents vary widely, from fatigue and mechanical failures to distracted driving and adverse weather conditions. These factors contribute to the complexity and danger of sharing the road with these large vehicles.

At Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers, our experienced Mobile truck accident lawyers understand the impact of an Alabama truck accident and offer support and legal guidance to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Prevalence of Truck Accidents in Alabama

Alabama’s roadways are vital conduits for commerce and transportation, used by large trucks transporting goods across the country. This heavy truck traffic, however, comes with increased risks. As compared to other states, Alabama consistently ranks high in truck accidents, highlighting a significant public safety concern.

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) reported 10,452 accidents involving trucks in the state in 2022. These accidents often result in not only substantial property damage but also serious injuries, even fatalities. The impact is widespread, affecting those directly involved as well as the efficiency of traffic flow and emergency response services across the country.

Let’s explore the main causes of truck accidents in Alabama.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Alabama

• Driver Fatigue: The Silent Threat on the Roads

The demanding nature of truck driving, such as long hours and often monotonous routes, heightens the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to combat driver fatigue. These rules limit the hours a truck driver can be on the road and mandate rest breaks. However, the pressure to meet tight delivery schedules often leads drivers and trucking companies to push those limits.

Fatigue impairs a driver’s ability to react quickly to sudden traffic changes or road conditions. It dulls the senses, slows reaction times, and can even lead to microsleeps—brief moments where a driver falls asleep at the wheel without realizing it. Though often lasting merely a few seconds, these lapses can be long enough to cause catastrophic accidents on high-speed highways.

• Distracted Driving: Technology and Its Impact on Truckers

Distracted driving is not a new issue, but the integration of technology in daily trucking operations has sharply brought it into focus. Truck drivers, constantly under the pressure of tight schedules and long hours, often turn to mobile devices to stay connected with family, manage route changes, or simply break the monotony of constant driving.

Truck cabins today are equipped with various technological tools designed to assist drivers including:

• GPS for navigation
• Electronic logging devices to track hours of service
• Communication devices to stay in contact with dispatchers

While these devices are intended to improve efficiency and safety, they can also divert the driver’s attention and lead to slow reaction times. As a result, they might miss critical cues to slow down or change lanes, overlook the actions of other drivers, or fail to adapt to changing traffic conditions.

The sheer size and weight of trucks mean that the consequences of any lapse in attention can be devastating—not just for the trucker but for everyone else on the road.

• Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The dangers of speeding and aggressive driving are magnified with large trucks. Given their massive size and weight, trucks require a longer stopping distance and have more difficulty maneuvering quickly. When truck drivers speed or engage in aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, or making abrupt lane changes, they significantly raise the risk of a collision.

Speeding worsens a driver’s reaction time in emergencies and affects the truck’s mechanical ability to perform safely. High speeds increase the strain on brakes and tires, which are already under considerable stress in normal driving conditions. This can lead to mechanical failures that might cause serious accidents.

Aggressive driving, often fueled by schedules and long hours, can escalate quickly into road rage. Such behavior isn’t only dangerous but it can be deadly, especially when involving a vehicle weighing up to 80,000 pounds. These drivers compromise their safety, as well as everyone else’s on the road.

• Mechanical Failures and Accidents

Mechanical failures in trucks are inconvenient, but they can also be dangerous. Each truck component, from the brakes to the engine, plays a critical role in ensuring the safe transport of goods and the safety of all road users. Failure of the smallest part can lead to devastating consequences.

These failures often stem from what could seem like minor neglect—skipping routine maintenance checks or ignoring a necessary repair due to time or cost pressures. However, the reality is this: trucks endure a lot more wear and tear than your average car due to their size and the heavy loads they carry. This makes regular upkeep not only necessary but essential for safe operation.

• The Dangers of Exceeding Weight Limits

Overloading trucks is more than breaking a rule; it’s a dangerous practice that increases the risk of accidents. Trucks are designed to handle specific weight limits safely. When these limits are surpassed, several dangerous problems can arise.

An overloaded truck is much harder to control. The extra weight affects the truck’s handling and increases braking distances dramatically. If a sudden stop is necessary, an overweight truck simply cannot stop as quickly as it should.

The physics of maneuvering also changes; turns become riskier and the likelihood of tipping over increases, especially in curves or when making sharp maneuvers.

Furthermore, the extra weight stresses the truck’s mechanical systems. Brakes, tires, and suspension systems are all designed for specific weight limits. When those limits are exceeded, the risk of mechanical failure skyrockets. Tire blowouts, brake failures, and suspension malfunctions are all more likely, and any of these can lead to catastrophic accidents.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Truck Accident

Have you been involved in a truck accident? Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in this situation to keep yourself safe and protect your legal rights:

• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, getting a medical check-up immediately after an accident is wise. Injuries like whiplash or internal trauma might not be immediately apparent.

• Call Emergency Services: Contact 911 to report the accident. If there are injuries, ensure that the dispatcher knows so that medical help is sent immediately.

• Document the Scene: Take photos, gather witness information, and make notes about the accident.

• Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company and provide them with the necessary information.

• Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Truck accident claims can be complex due to the severe injuries and significant damages involved. Consulting with a lawyer specializing in truck accidents can help you understand how to proceed and protect your rights.

Contact Our Experienced Alabama Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you’ve been in a truck accident, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath can be.

You’re dealing with injuries, vehicle damage, and insurance companies—it’s a lot to handle. But you don’t have to go through it alone. Bring your case to use, and we’ll bring it to them.

Many people think they can’t sue the at-fault driver because Alabama follows a no-fault system.

This isn’t true. While your insurance and PIP benefits can cover some of your immediate medical expenses and lost wages, they don’t always account for the full extent of your damages. If another party is at fault in your Alabama truck accident, pursuing a lawsuit is an option.

At Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers, we love tackling these challenges and advocating for our clients’ rights. We’re here to dissect every detail of your case, clarify what compensation might be available from your insurance, and guide you through holding the responsible party accountable.

Contact our Mobile truck accident lawyers at 850-444-0000 for a free consultation.