Truck accident numbers are climbing year after year, leaving many to ask: what’s driving this alarming trend? In 2022 alone, 120,200 large trucks were involved in crashes resulting in injuries, marking an 18% increase since 2016. Even more distressing data reveals that 5,837 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2022, a 49% rise over the past decade, with 5,936 lives lost in these tragic events. 

To understand the increase in truck-related injuries and fatalities, we need to look at the common truck driver errors that cause accidents.

10 Common Truck Accident Reasons 

The sheer weight of semis, which can reach up to 80,000 pounds on U.S. highways, makes even small errors potentially catastrophic. Preventable mistakes like distracted driving or tailgating become far more dangerous when combined with the challenges of operating such a heavy machine. Understanding this can help victims recognize where liability lies, giving them the tools to pursue justice effectively.

1. Distracted Driving 

While distractions like eating while driving or adjusting the radio have always existed, the rise in technology use has significantly increased risks. Even a few seconds of texting, scrolling through social media, or using in-cab devices can lead to devastation, particularly when operating a massive truck.

2. Driver Fatigue 

Long hours and insufficient rest breaks often result in drowsy driving, which impairs reaction times and decision-making. That’s why there are federal laws restricting the amount of consecutive hours a driver can drive. Sometimes fatigue is the fault of the driver, but sometimes it’s the trucking company pressuring drivers to exceed legal driving limits—a grim reflection of today’s “profits over people” mentality.

3. Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for road conditions reduces a truck driver’s ability to stop or avoid hazards, especially in poor weather or heavy traffic.

4. Improper Lane Changes

Failing to check blind spots, signal properly, or account for the truck’s size and turning radius can lead to sideswipe accidents or collisions with vehicles in adjacent lanes.

5. Tailgating

Following too closely leaves little room for error, often resulting in rear-end collisions. Especially considering a loaded tractor-trailers require 20%-40% more distance than cars to stop. This type of negligence can also result in an underride crash which can often be deadly.

6. Improper Cargo Loading

Overloading or improperly securing cargo can cause shifts during transit, increasing the risk of rollovers or jackknifing. While the driver is sometimes at fault here, it can also be the fault of loaders or trucking companies. For example, in New Mexico, trucks are not permitted to exceed 86,400 pounds–a regulation every driver, loader, and trucking company should be aware of.

7. Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol or drug use slows reaction times and impairs judgment, making it extremely dangerous for truck drivers to operate their vehicles. Note that while the legalization of marijuana may contribute to higher risk, USDOT has clarified that marijuana testing requirements remain intact regardless of reclassification.

8. Neglecting Vehicle Maintenance

Mechanical issues like brake failures and tire blowouts are common causes of truck accidents, often due to skipped inspections or delayed repairs.

9. Inadequate Training

Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers may lack the skills needed to handle challenging situations, such as bad weather, heavy traffic, and emergency maneuvers.

10. Ignoring Traffic Laws

Like any type of vehicle accident, running red lights or failing to yield are common culprits. These behaviors usually show clear negligence and point to liability for the truck driver.

Suing a Truck Driver: Establishing Liability

After an accident, proving that the truck driver made one of these preventable mistakes is a critical part of proving liability. An experienced attorney can gather and analyze key evidence to demonstrate negligence, such as:

• Logbooks and records to reveal if the driver violated federal hours-of-service rules, indicating they may have been driving while fatigued.
• Electronic data such as GPS logs and in-cab monitoring systems to show if the driver was speeding or distracted before the crash.
• Eyewitness testimonies to leverage firsthand accounts of reckless or distracted driving.
• Police reports and accident scene analysis of skid marks, road conditions, and the position of vehicles to help reconstruct exactly what happened.

In some cases, the evidence will indicate that the driver is not the only entity to blame. Their employer, the trucking company, and even third-party maintenance providers could also share responsibility. Commercial vehicles are heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which mandates proper driver training and licensing, limits on consecutive driving hours, periodic drug testing, and strict maintenance standards for vehicles. If these precautions are ignored—whether by the company or a mechanic hired to service the fleet—it can constitute negligence by multiple parties, potentially increasing the compensation available to victims.

How Much is a Truck Settlement Worth?

The value of a truck accident settlement depends on the severity of the injuries and the specific circumstances of the crash. Accidents involving large commercial trucks tend to result in more significant physical, emotional, and financial losses compared to standard car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.

A fair settlement considers both the immediate and long-term impacts of the crash, including:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work and diminished earning capacity.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.

For minor injuries, payouts may be under $10,000, covering medical bills and short-term lost wages. However, catastrophic injuries—such as permanent disability or cases involving wrongful death—can result in multimillion-dollar settlements. Consulting with an experienced attorney ensures that victims receive the full compensation they deserve for their losses.

Seek Justice with Kane Personal Injury

While the reason for increased truck accidents is up for debate–the damage to victims’ lives should not be. Truck accidents leave victims and their families grappling with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and emotional strain. In an effort to minimize their losses, trucking companies and insurers may push for quick settlements that, while tempting, rarely reflect the full extent of the victim’s damages. The process may take longer, but working with an experienced personal injury attorney can ensure your rights are protected and often results in a far better outcome. At Kane Personal Injury, we are dedicated to building strong cases, negotiating aggressively, and fighting for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation.