Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Kingston
Truck accidents are among the most devastating incidents on the road due to the sheer size and weight of most commercial vehicles. These collisions can cause catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and, in the worst cases, loss of life. The Kingston truck accident attorneys at Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, help crash victims in Ulster County and the mid-Hudson Valley hold negligent parties accountable and seek justice and compensation through legal action. See below for a discussion of the most common reasons behind truck accidents in New York.
Driver Fatigue
One of the most prevalent causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long-haul truck drivers often work grueling schedules and may spend days or even weeks on the road. Despite generous federal regulations that allow drivers to spend 14 hours per day on duty, including 11 hours behind the wheel, for 60 or 70 hours over seven or eight consecutive days, some drivers push themselves beyond even these limits, leading to dangerous levels of fatigue.
Drowsy driving impairs reaction times, judgment, and awareness, making it as hazardous as driving under the influence. Fatigued drivers may drift out of their lanes, fail to notice changes in traffic, or fall asleep at the wheel. When a truck driver loses focus for even a few seconds, the consequences can be disastrous.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Speeding is another leading contributor to truck accidents. Commercial trucks require much more time and distance to come to a complete stop compared to passenger vehicles. When a truck is traveling at high speeds, the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid a collision, especially in heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
Some truck drivers, particularly those under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines, may engage in aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, frequent lane changes, or failing to yield the right of way. These actions can create dangerous situations for everyone on the road.
Distracted Driving
Like all drivers, truck operators are susceptible to distractions behind the wheel. Using a cell phone, eating, fiddling with a GPS, or even daydreaming can divert a driver’s attention from the road. Given the size and complexity of operating a commercial truck, distractions are particularly risky.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations prohibit texting while driving a commercial motor vehicle, but enforcement can be difficult, and violations still occur. A momentary distraction can easily lead to a rear-end collision, sideswipe, or rollover.
Negligent Truck Maintenance
Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained. When essential components like brakes, tires, or steering mechanisms fail due to neglect, the risk of an accident increases dramatically.
For example, worn brake pads can result in delayed stopping times, while underinflated or bald tires can cause blowouts. Poor maintenance can be the result of cost-cutting measures, time constraints, or simple oversight, but when a crash occurs due to mechanical failure, victims may have a valid claim against the trucking company.
Improper Loading of Cargo
The way a truck is loaded plays a critical role in how it performs on the road. Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable and potentially leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Overloaded trucks are also dangerous, as the extra weight can exceed the vehicle’s capacity, strain mechanical components, and reduce maneuverability. In many cases, loading errors are the fault of third-party contractors or warehouse workers, adding a layer of complexity to determining liability.
Inadequate Driver Training
Operating a commercial truck requires specialized training and licensing. Unfortunately, not all drivers receive the education and supervision they need to handle these massive vehicles safely. Inexperienced or inadequately trained drivers may struggle with basic tasks like merging, braking, or navigating curves and inclines.
When trucking companies fail to properly vet and train their drivers, they may be held liable for accidents caused by driver error. This is especially true if a driver lacks the qualifications to operate a specific type of vehicle or haul hazardous materials.
Poor Weather and Road Conditions
While weather and road conditions are not within a driver’s control, safe operation requires adjusting driving behavior to the circumstances. Rain, snow, fog, and ice can all impair visibility and reduce traction, making it harder to stop or control a truck.
Likewise, poorly maintained roads with potholes, uneven surfaces, or construction zones can contribute to accidents. Drivers must exercise caution in these conditions, and trucking companies should avoid scheduling routes that are known to be hazardous.
Substance Use
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Some truck drivers may turn to stimulants to stay awake during long trips, while others may use prescription medications that impair their judgment or coordination. Regardless of the substance, impaired driving is a serious offense that too often leads to severe collisions.
Holding the Responsible Parties Accountable
When a truck accident occurs, determining the cause is essential to establishing liability. In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility, including the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even the manufacturer of a defective vehicle part.
Investigating a truck accident requires a thorough review of driver logs, maintenance records, onboard electronic data, and eyewitness accounts. An experienced personal injury attorney can identify the responsible parties, build a strong case, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Legal Help for Truck Accident Victims in Kingston and Ulster County
Victims of truck accidents often face long recoveries, mounting medical bills, and significant disruptions to their lives. At Rusk, Wadlin, Heppner & Martuscello, LLP, we understand the challenges our clients face and are committed to holding negligent parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in the Hudson Valley, contact our firm for a free consultation by calling 845-331-4100 in Kingston, 845-236-4411 in Marlboro, or 800-566-4101 toll-free throughout the Hudson Valley. We can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
