What Causes Truck Accidents
Truck accidents rarely happen without a cause the law recognizes. Explore the most common causes below to understand how each one affects liability and compensation.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a leading cause of serious truck crashes. Federal hours-of-service rules limit drivers to 11…
Hours of Service Violations
Hours-of-service (HOS) rules are federal regulations limiting how long commercial drivers can be on the road. …
Distracted Driving
Federal law bans commercial drivers from texting or using hand-held phones while driving, with fines up to $2,…
Speeding & Aggressive Driving
A loaded semi-truck traveling 65 mph needs about 525 feet to stop — and every extra 5 mph adds destructive for…
Brake Failure
Brake violations are the most common vehicle defect found in FMCSA roadside inspections. When brake failure ca…
Tire Blowout
A truck tire blowout at highway speed can throw a tractor-trailer across lanes or send a 100-pound tread secti…
Maintenance Failures
Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 396) require motor carriers to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain e…
Overloaded & Improperly Loaded Cargo
Federal law generally caps combination trucks at 80,000 pounds gross weight. Overloading lengthens stopping di…
Impaired Driving (Alcohol & Drugs)
Commercial drivers are held to a 0.04% blood-alcohol limit — half the standard for other drivers — and are sub…
Negligent Hiring & Training
Federal rules require motor carriers to maintain a driver qualification file for every driver — including empl…
Weather-Related Crashes
Federal regulation 49 CFR §392.14 requires commercial drivers to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions a…
Blind Spot (No-Zone) Errors
Large trucks have blind spots — 'no-zones' — extending up to 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, one lane on the…
Get a Free, Confidential Case Review
Answer a few quick questions and find out if you may qualify for compensation. No fee unless you win.