Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The Short Answer:

Truck accidents in Alabama often result from preventable issues like driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, and poor vehicle maintenance. These crashes are especially dangerous due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Understanding the common causes of truck accidents can help drivers stay safe on Alabama roads and support victims in pursuing compensation after a crash.

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Key Takeaways:

• Driver error, including fatigue, distraction, and impairment, is a leading factor in truck accidents.
• Other common causes of truck accidents include mechanical failures, improperly loaded cargo, and hazardous road conditions.
• Trucking companies, drivers, and other third parties may all be held legally liable depending on the circumstances.
• If you’re injured in a crash, an experienced Alabama truck accident lawyer can help investigate and build your case.

Driver-Related Causes of Truck Accidents

Driver error is one of the most significant contributors to truck accidents in Alabama. From long hours on the road to distractions and impaired driving, the human element often plays a central role in crash causation. Below are the most common driver-related factors that lead to collisions on highways like I-65, I-85, and other roadways throughout Montgomery and the state.

Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the most well-documented causes of truck accidents. Commercial drivers often face tight deadlines and long shifts, pushing them to stay behind the wheel even when they’re too tired to drive safely.

Federal regulations, like the FMCSA’s hours-of-service rules, are designed to prevent overwork, but violations still happen. In Alabama, where truckers often cover long rural stretches without breaks, drowsy driving can be especially dangerous. A fatigued driver may experience slower reaction times, reduced attention, and even “microsleeps” that can lead to deadly consequences.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers must manage a range of tasks while navigating heavy, high-speed vehicles. Using GPS, checking dispatch instructions, or even eating while driving can take a trucker’s attention off the road. Mobile phone use is a growing concern despite Alabama’s hands-free law, which applies to all drivers, including those operating commercial vehicles.

Even a few seconds of inattention can be catastrophic when a fully loaded truck is involved. On congested Alabama highways or narrow rural roads, those few seconds can make the difference between a near-miss and a serious accident.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Driving too fast for road conditions is a major risk factor for large truck crashes. Some truckers exceed posted speed limits to meet tight delivery windows, especially on Alabama’s long interstates. Others engage in aggressive behavior, including weaving through traffic or tailgating smaller vehicles.

These behaviors reduce the time a driver has to stop or maneuver and significantly increase the severity of any collision that occurs. High-risk zones include areas with high traffic volumes, sharp curves, or frequent merging.

Driving Under the Influence

Despite strict federal and state regulations, impaired driving remains a concern in the trucking industry. Commercial drivers are held to a lower legal blood alcohol content (BAC) threshold: 0.04% compared to 0.08% for non-commercial drivers. The use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or even certain prescription medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Driving under the influence is especially dangerous given the size and stopping distance of tractor-trailers. Alabama law imposes serious penalties for DUI violations involving commercial drivers, but enforcement often occurs after a crash has already happened.

Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers

Not all truck drivers on the road are adequately trained. In Alabama and across the country, driver shortages have led some companies to hire less experienced individuals or rush training programs. When a driver lacks the skills or knowledge to handle a heavy commercial vehicle, the risk of an accident rises dramatically.

Improperly trained drivers may not know how to respond in emergencies, how to adjust for weather conditions, or how to secure cargo properly, all of which can lead to dangerous outcomes on the road.

Non-Driver-Related Causes of Truck Accidents

Not all truck accidents are caused by driver behavior. External factors, ranging from poor maintenance to road conditions, can be just as dangerous. These types of truck accidents frequently arise from negligence on the part of employers, cargo companies, or even state infrastructure agencies.

Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Cargo

When cargo is improperly balanced or exceeds weight limits, it can cause serious problems on the road. A sudden shift in cargo during a turn or stop can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over. Overloading also increases wear on brakes and tires, making mechanical failure more likely.

In Alabama, cargo loading is typically handled by a third party. If that party fails to follow proper procedures, they may share liability for any resulting accident. Commercial drivers are required to inspect their loads, but the responsibility doesn’t rest with them alone.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Mechanical Failures

Commercial trucks travel thousands of miles across Alabama each month, and without regular inspections, parts wear out. Brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions are among the most common mechanical issues that cause crashes.

Trucking companies are legally required to maintain their fleets under federal and state law. Failing to keep detailed maintenance records or address known issues could result in legal consequences if a crash occurs.

Hazardous Road Conditions

Alabama’s road infrastructure varies widely from one region to another. In some rural areas, roads may be narrow, uneven, or poorly marked. In cities like Montgomery, ongoing construction and traffic congestion increase the risk of accidents.

Common hazards include:

• Potholes and pavement cracks
• Faded lane markings or missing signage
• Work zones with unclear detours or reduced lanes

Poorly maintained or confusing roadways can contribute to serious truck accidents, especially at night or in bad weather.

Severe or Sudden Weather Changes

Alabama weather can be unpredictable. Sudden downpours, dense fog, or high winds can appear with little warning, especially during hurricane season or in transitional months. These conditions reduce visibility, impair traction, and make it harder for large trucks to brake or maneuver safely.

Because trucks require significantly more distance to stop, a slick road can be all it takes to trigger a multi-vehicle accident, especially when traveling at highway speeds.

Unrealistic Deadlines and Employer Pressure

Some of the common causes of truck accidents stem from pressure behind the scenes. Trucking companies often impose strict delivery timelines that leave little room for rest or caution. When drivers are pushed to meet unrealistic deadlines, they may skip breaks, speed, or take risks they otherwise wouldn’t.

This culture of urgency can increase the likelihood of crashes due to fatigue, distraction, or other unsafe behaviors. In many Alabama cases, employer practices are scrutinized just as closely as the driver’s actions.

Liability in Alabama Truck Accidents

Unlike a typical car accident, multiple individuals or companies may have played a role in causing a trucking crash. To pursue compensation from all liable parties, start with a free case review with Those Thumbs Up Guys® from Floyd Hunter Injury Law.  

Who May Be Held Liable?

Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck Drivers: If a driver was speeding, fatigued, distracted, or otherwise acting carelessly, they may be held responsible.
• Trucking Companies: Employers may be liable for hiring unqualified drivers, failing to train them properly, or encouraging unsafe practices like driving too many hours.
• Contractors and Third Parties: In some cases, cargo loaders, vehicle manufacturers, or companies responsible for route planning may contribute to unsafe conditions.
• Maintenance Crews: If a mechanical failure caused by neglected maintenance played a role in the crash, the party responsible for servicing the truck may be at fault.

Identifying everyone who may share responsibility is a key part of what we do when building a strong injury claim.

Understanding Alabama’s Liability Rules

Alabama follows a pure contributory negligence rule. Under this strict standard, if you are found to be even 1% at fault for the accident, you may not be eligible to recover compensation.

This rule makes it especially important to have strong evidence proving that another party was entirely at fault. Insurance companies may try to shift some blame onto you to avoid paying. Working with a knowledgeable trucking accident attorney can help protect your rights under Alabama law.

How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help

Truck accident cases often involve large trucking companies, multiple insurance carriers, and complex state and federal regulations. An attorney from our office can handle the legal details so you can focus on recovering.

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Common Types of Truck Accidents in Alabama

Truck accidents in Alabama can take many forms, each with its own dangers and potential for serious injury. The type of crash often reveals important clues about what caused the accident and whether it was driver error, poor maintenance, or unsafe road conditions. 

Here are some of the most common types of truck accidents:

• Jackknife Accidents: A jackknife accident happens when the trailer of a truck swings out to the side, forming a sharp angle with the cab, similar to a folding pocketknife. This typically occurs when a truck loses traction or brakes too suddenly, causing the trailer to skid.
• Rollover Accidents: Rollover crashes occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often due to sharp turns, uneven loads, or overcorrection. High speeds, steep curves, and windy conditions can all contribute to a rollover, particularly on rural roads or exit ramps.
• Rear-End Collisions: Due to their long stopping distances, trucks are more prone to rear-ending other vehicles. Rear-end collisions involving trucks are often severe because of the force generated by these heavy vehicles. Even a low-speed crash can cause significant injuries or fatalities to occupants of a smaller car.
• Underride Accidents: In an underride accident, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer, often shearing off the top of the car. These crashes are usually fatal for passenger vehicle occupants and can occur when a truck stops abruptly or turns without warning.
• Wide Turn Accidents: Because of their size, trucks need extra room to make right turns. A wide turn accident happens when a truck swings too far into another lane or misjudges the space, trapping or striking other vehicles in its path.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Alabama

A collision with a commercial truck can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Taking the right steps early can make a big difference for your safety, your recovery, and your potential injury claim. Here’s what you should do after a truck accident in Alabama:

1. Get Medical Attention Right Away: Some injuries can take hours or days to appear. Medical records also help connect your injuries to the crash.
2. Document the Scene. If it’s safe, take photos of the vehicles, the road, any visible injuries, and anything else that could help show what happened. Get the truck driver’s name, employer, and insurance info, along with contact information for any witnesses.
3. Be Careful When Speaking to Insurance Companies. Avoid giving a recorded statement or accepting a fast settlement. Insurance companies often look for ways to reduce or deny claims. Speak with a lawyer before discussing the crash in detail.
4. Call the Police and File a Report. A police report creates an official record of the accident. Give the officer honest facts, but don’t guess or admit any fault.
5. Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer. Truck accident cases can be complex and involve several parties. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and work to protect your rights from the start.

Taking these steps may help protect your health and strengthen any claim you choose to pursue. If you’re unsure about your next move, contacting a local truck accident lawyer can help you take action with confidence.

Preventing Truck Accidents: Tips for Drivers and Truckers

While not every crash can be avoided, safer behavior behind the wheel and better infrastructure planning can help reduce the risk of truck accidents in Alabama.

Drivers of smaller vehicles can help reduce the chance of a serious accident by:

• Avoiding a truck’s blind spots, especially along the sides and rear.
• Leaving extra space when following or passing a truck.
• Never cutting off a commercial vehicle. Trucks need more time and distance to stop.
• Using turn signals early, giving truck drivers time to react.

Truck drivers and their employers can reduce crash risk by:

• Following hours-of-service rules to avoid fatigue.
• Performing routine pre-trip inspections.
• Adhering to speed limits and driving cautiously in work zones or poor weather.
• Securing cargo properly to prevent shifting loads or rollovers.

Get Those Thumbs Up Guys® on Your Side

Truck accidents often happen because of preventable issues like driver fatigue, distracted driving, poor maintenance, and pressure from trucking companies. Victims may face steep medical bills, time away from work, and long-term injuries, especially when a crash involves a large commercial vehicle.

You don’t have to face this situation alone. Floyd Hunter Injury Law offers clear guidance and legal help for people hurt in truck accidents throughout Alabama. Our team can investigate the crash, determine who may be liable, and fight for the compensation you may deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact Those Thumbs Up Guys® today for a free case review. We’re ready to stand up for your rights and help you take the next step forward.