Causes of Truck Accidents in Palm Beach County, FL
If you’ve been injured in Florida, we can investigate the cause of your truck accident
Truck accidents in Palm Beach County can occur due to various factors, leading to significant damage and injuries. Identifying the root causes of these accidents is crucial for prevention and legal recourse for victims.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Palm Beach County, our law firm can protect your rights and advocate for the financial compensation you deserve. At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A., Mr. Shomo and his team fight for individuals who’ve been hurt in truck accidents caused by someone else’s carelessness. To learn more, contact us to schedule a free consultation with our law firm today.
How do truck accidents happen?
Fatigue
Fatigue and drowsy driving happen when truck drivers are tired from long hours on the road and tight delivery schedules. They may not get enough rest, leading to reduced alertness and slower reactions while driving. This tiredness can make them more prone to accidents because they may not react quickly to hazards or even fall asleep at the wheel.
You can often spot a fatigued driver by signs like frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, or drifting between lanes. These behaviors increase the chances of accidents, especially on long highway stretches where drivers can get bored and lose focus.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving occurs when truck drivers divert their attention away from the road, often due to activities like texting, talking on the phone, or using GPS devices. This behavior significantly increases the risk of accidents because it takes their focus off driving, making them less aware of traffic conditions and potential hazards.
Truck drivers may also get distracted by eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, or even reading while driving. These actions can lead to delayed reactions or erratic driving behavior, increasing the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles or objects on the road.
Drunk driving
When truck drivers operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their judgment and reaction time are significantly impaired, making accidents more likely to occur. This reckless behavior not only endangers the lives of the drivers themselves but also puts other motorists and passengers at risk.
Truck drivers may choose to drive drunk for various reasons, including stress, fatigue, or personal issues. Some drivers may underestimate the effects of alcohol or feel pressured to meet tight delivery schedules, leading them to make irresponsible decisions. Regardless of the reasons, drunk driving truck accidents can have devastating consequences.
Speeding
Speeding occurs when truck drivers exceed the posted speed limits or drive too fast for road conditions. This reckless behavior is a common cause of truck accidents because it reduces the driver’s ability to react to unexpected situations and increases the severity of collisions.
Truck drivers may speed to meet tight delivery deadlines or because they are unfamiliar with the road and misjudge safe driving speeds. Additionally, some drivers may engage in competitive behaviors or feel pressured to keep up with traffic, leading them to drive at unsafe speeds.
Poor vehicle maintenance
Poor vehicle maintenance means not taking care of trucks properly. This includes not checking and fixing things like brakes, tires, lights, and steering systems. When trucks aren’t maintained well, these parts can stop working right, which can make accidents more likely.
For example, if the brakes are worn out or broken, the truck might not be able to stop quickly enough, especially in emergencies. And if the tires aren’t in good shape, they might not grip the road well, especially in bad weather. Also, if the lights on the truck don’t work right, it can be hard for the driver to see and for other drivers to see the truck.
Overloaded cargo
Overloaded cargo in trucks occurs when the cargo’s weight exceeds the maximum capacity recommended for the vehicle. This can lead to serious safety hazards on the road. When trucks carry more weight than they are designed to handle, it becomes much harder for the driver to control the truck.
Overloaded cargo can also affect the truck’s stability, increasing the risk of rollover accidents. Additionally, heavy cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced and potentially leading to a loss of control.
Schedule a free consultation after a truck accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal guidance is crucial. At The Law Offices of Casey Shomo, P.A., we offer personalized attention and dedicated support to each client. Despite being the only attorney at the law firm, Mr. Shomo has the resources and experience typically associated with larger firms. His team is committed to protecting your rights. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate through this challenging time.