What are common violations that might cause a truck accident?

On behalf of Eisenmenger, Robinson & Peters, P.A. posted in Truck Accidents on Thursday, March 05, 2015.

In Brevard County and across the entire United States, the sight of trucks going to and fro is a frequent occurrence. While these commercial vehicles are important to the state of the economy and provide commerce, goods and services, the sheer number of them on the road means Floridians need to watch out for the traffic violations these vehicles sometimes make.

Law enforcement tries to put a stop to certain activities, but they can’t be everywhere. Some of the more common violations are well-known, but happen repeatedly. Speeding is complained about by onlookers who see trucks going at excessive speeds even in residential areas. States have speed limits not to inconvenience people, but to make the roads safe. If a truck is traveling at a high velocity, its size combined with the speed can cause serious damage to people and property.

Trucks might follow the vehicle in front of them too closely. Truckers being on the road far more than people who don’t drive for a living doesn’t mean that they have the right to tailgate. This is especially dangerous in inclement weather or if there is a sudden need to stop. A truck rear-ending a vehicle can cause a substantial amount damage, injuries and even lead to fatalities.

Changing lanes improperly is another violation that happens all too often. If there is a sudden need to get back into the original lane to avoid a car, the weight of the truck can cause it to jackknife or tip over.

When there is a truck accident those who were involved need to understand how these things happen and that it’s possible that an inattentive truck driver or one who was violating the law caused it. A full investigation into a truck accident is advisable with the help of a qualified legal professional.

Source: nhtsa.gov, “Targeting Crash-Causing Violations,” accessed on March 3, 2015

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