Understanding the Many Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Chicago

 Posted on May 19, 2023 in Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks are a common sight on the roads of Chicago, as they play a vital role in the transportation of goods within the city and its surrounding areas. While the majority of commercial truck drivers operate their vehicles safely, accidents still occur due to a variety of reasons. If you have experienced an injury from an accident involving a commercial truck, contact a personal injury attorney to determine whether pursuing compensation is an option for you at this time.

Typical Reasons for Commercial Truck Accidents

One of the most common reasons commercial trucks get into accidents in Chicago is driver fatigue. Of course, driver fatigue can affect drivers of regular cars as well. However, when a commercial truck driver experiences fatigue while driving, combined with the massiveness of many commercial trucks, the results can be downright devastating. Commercial truck drivers are often required to drive for long hours without proper rest, leading to tiredness and reduced reaction times. This can lead to accidents when a driver loses control of the truck or fails to respond in time to changes in traffic flow.

Another common reason for commercial trucking accidents is distractions while driving. With a multitude of electronic devices available to drivers, including GPS systems, radios, and smartphones, commercial truck drivers may be more likely to become distracted while behind the wheel. This can easily lead to crashes caused by not paying attention to the road or failing to notice other vehicles around them.

Poorly maintained vehicles can also be a cause of commercial truck accidents in Chicago. Despite regulations requiring maintenance checks, some drivers or trucking companies may forgo these checks to save time and money. This can result in essential parts failing while the truck is in operation, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

In addition, overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can also contribute to commercial truck accidents. When a truck’s cargo is not secured correctly, there is a risk of it shifting or falling off on the road, potentially causing harm to other vehicles or individuals.

And finally, speeding is another common cause of commercial truck accidents in Chicago. Obviously, commercial trucks are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, making it markedly more difficult to stop when necessary. These factors can make an accident more likely to occur when combined with high speeds.

Contact a Cook County Truck Accident Attorney

Contact the Chicago truck accident lawyer with Adler Law Offices, LTD for established and highly regarded legal counsel. Call 312-236-2700 for a free consultation.

Source - https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/research-and-analysis/large-truck-crash-causation-study-analysis-brief