Every year, thousands of devastating truck accidents occur on our highways, forever changing the lives of those involved. While these crashes might seem like random tragedies, the truth is that most 18-wheeler accidents stem from specific, preventable causes. This article examines the four primary factors contributing to commercial truck accidents: driver negligence (accounting for 87% of crashes), motor carrier violations, vehicle equipment failures, and environmental hazards. By understanding these causes—from driver fatigue and blind spot dangers to brake failures and improper cargo loading—we can better comprehend how these accidents happen and why they’re often more complex than typical car crashes.
Knowledge about the causes of truck accidents serves multiple purposes. For those who share the road with big rigs daily, this information highlights the specific dangers to watch for and avoid. For anyone affected by a truck accident, understanding these factors helps make sense of what happened and why multiple parties might share responsibility. We’ll break down federal accident data, explain common driver errors that lead to crashes, and detail how trucking company practices contribute to highway dangers. Whether you’re seeking to understand a past incident or simply want to be more informed about highway safety, this comprehensive guide provides clear, factual information about why truck accidents happen and what evidence typically reveals about their causes.
When you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, understanding what went wrong isn’t just about assigning blame. It’s about getting answers, finding peace of mind, and securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Most tractor-trailer crashes happen because someone failed to exercise reasonable care. These failures could often have been prevented if the responsible parties had been more diligent. Louisiana law recognizes this through our negligence statutes, and you have rights even if you were partially at fault for the accident. The good news is that Louisiana’s comparative fault rules mean you can still recover compensation as long as you weren’t more than 50% responsible. Just remember that you typically have one year from the date of your accident to file a claim, so it’s essential to act promptly.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we’ve spent over 20 years investigating truck accidents and identifying when negligence is involved. Our winning record demonstrates that we know how to help victims obtain justice and hold liable parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional advocacy while tirelessly fighting for the best possible outcomes, even in the toughest cases. While we cannot guarantee specific results, as each case is unique, we can promise to fight diligently on your behalf.
When you need help figuring out what caused your 18-wheeler crash and it’s time for answers about your legal options, simply contact us. We’re ready to help you 24/7, and we know how to advocate effectively when it matters most.
The leading cause of big rig crashes is driver negligence, which includes careless driving, distraction, and impairment. Beyond driver errors, vehicle equipment problems, and environmental factors also play major roles. Here’s how truck accident causes typically break down according to federal data:
| Critical Factor | Estimated Annual Accidents | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Error | 68,000 | 87% |
| Vehicle Issue | 8,000 | 10% |
| Environment | 2,000 | 3% |
Understanding these categories helps us know where to look for evidence and how to build your case. Let’s explore each factor in detail. Remember, many crashes involve multiple factors working together, and the resulting injuries can be devastating. For example, spinal cord damage occurs in about 39% of serious vehicle accidents, often requiring lifelong care.
Any driver can make mistakes, but when those mistakes involve an 80,000-pound truck, the consequences are catastrophic. Driver negligence typically falls into four main categories:
| Type of Error | Estimated Annual Accidents | Percentage | What This Looks Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decision Errors | 30,000 | 38% | Speeding, tailgating, driving too fast for conditions |
| Recognition Errors | 22,000 | 28% | Missing signals or vehicles due to fatigue or distraction |
| Non-performance Errors | 9,000 | 12% | Falling asleep, medical emergencies, failing to brake |
| Performance Errors | 7,000 | 9% | Oversteering, panic braking, aggressive driving |
Professional truck drivers receive extensive training, but they’re still human. Too many accidents happen when truckers drive aggressively, switch lanes without warning, tailgate, or even exhibit road rage. These dangerous behaviors can escalate quickly and put everyone at risk.
Even a split-second mistake can have devastating consequences when an 18-wheeler is involved. That’s why we look at every aspect of driver behavior when investigating your accident.
Unlike your car, commercial trucks have massive blind spots called “no zones.” These danger areas exist on all sides of the truck, where your vehicle can be completely out of the driver’s view. On busy Louisiana highways, such as I-10, where truck traffic is heavy and speeds are high, these blind spots become even more hazardous.
When truck drivers fail to thoroughly check their blind spots before changing lanes or turning, accidents can occur in seconds. Your car, motorcycle, or even a pedestrian can go unnoticed, leading to devastating crashes. The size of these trucks means a quick mirror check isn’t enough. Drivers need to lean forward, adjust their position, and use multiple mirrors to ensure clear visibility. Both federal regulators and safety organizations repeatedly emphasize this point.
Something as simple as skipping one mirror check can cause a serious wreck. That’s why “inadequate surveillance” remains a leading cause of truck accidents, and why proper blind spot monitoring is so critical.
Physical evidence, like tire marks, vehicle damage, and witness accounts, can reveal driver negligence. Cell phone records, police reports, and thorough investigations help us uncover the truth about what really happened.
Trucking companies often put profits before safety. They knowingly violate regulations to cut corners, expedite deliveries, and maximize their profits. When trucking companies act negligently, they contribute to accidents by:
We know how to thoroughly investigate motor carrier records, electronic logging devices, dashcam footage, and other relevant sources to uncover instances of trucking company negligence. These companies have teams of lawyers protecting them, which is why it’s essential to have experienced advocates on your side.
Big rigs log hundreds of thousands of miles each year, hauling loads up to 80,000 pounds. This constant stress takes a toll on critical safety equipment. In fact, trucking equipment fails about twice as often as passenger vehicle equipment.
Here are the most common equipment failures that cause truck accidents:
| Equipment Failure | Estimated Annual Accidents | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Problems | 41,000 | 29% |
| Tire Problems | 8,000 | 6% |
| Cargo Shifting | 6,000 | 4% |
Truck drivers aren’t always responsible for equipment failures. Third-party suppliers who load cargo may do it improperly or overload trucks to boost profits. When cargo isn’t secured correctly, it can shift violently during transit, causing drivers to lose control. In these cases, responsibility extends beyond the driver and trucking company to include those who loaded the freight. Federal regulations require proper cargo securing for exactly this reason.
Equipment failures become more likely when you add:
Finding and interpreting these maintenance records takes skill and persistence. Evidence can disappear quickly, which is why acting promptly is crucial.
Louisiana weather and road conditions create additional hazards for truck drivers:
Even experienced drivers struggle when conditions suddenly change. On highways like I-10, where speeds are high and traffic is heavy, these environmental factors become even more dangerous.
Looking at specific driver behaviors, here’s what causes the most truck accidents:
| Driver Behavior | Estimated Annual Accidents | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Traveling too fast for conditions | 32,000 | 23% |
| Driving on unfamiliar roads | 31,000 | 22% |
| Over-the-counter drug use | 25,000 | 17% |
| Inadequate surveillance | 20,000 | 14% |
| Driver fatigue | 18,000 | 13% |
| Pressure from trucking company | 16,000 | 10% |
| Illegal maneuvers | 13,000 | 9% |
| Inattention to the road | 12,000 | 9% |
| External distractions | 11,000 | 8% |
| Following too closely | 7,000 | 5% |
| Internal distractions | 4,000 | 3% |
| Illegal drug use | 3,000 | 2% |
| Alcohol impairment | 1,000 | 1% |
Remember, passenger vehicle drivers can also cause truck accidents through these same behaviors.
Finding the answer requires careful investigation. We’ll help you gather evidence by exploring questions like:
Key evidence often includes:
Depending on your case, we may need to:
Determining the cause of your accident is crucial for obtaining the compensation you deserve. At-fault parties rarely admit responsibility. Instead, they point fingers at each other and often try to blame you. In Louisiana, where comparative fault rules apply, they may try to shift enough blame to reduce what they owe you.
Understanding the true cause helps you:
The best way to uncover the truth is with help from an experienced truck accident lawyer.
At Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers, we understand how to identify the causes of truck accidents and establish liability. No matter how complex your case, we’re effective at building strong claims and securing maximum compensation both in negotiations and at trial.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a big rig accident, we can help you determine the cause and explore your legal options. We’ll also guide you through the right steps to protect your rights when it matters most.
We provide strategic, compassionate representation and offer the advocacy we’d want for our own families. We’re relentless about seeking the best possible outcome for you.
You’ve been through enough. Let us handle the complex investigation and legal battles while you focus on healing. We’ll work tirelessly to uncover what happened, identify all responsible parties, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Discover the difference our team can make in your case and recovery by contacting us today. We’re available 24/7 because truck accidents don’t follow business hours, and neither does your need for answers and support.
Louisiana law sets a strict deadline for filing a truck accident claim—referred to as the statute of limitations. Generally, you only have one year from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit for injuries, damages, or losses related to the accident.
Letting this time limit expire could result in losing your right to pursue compensation altogether. Because truck accident cases often involve several parties and complex regulations, it’s crucial to begin the process as soon as possible. Acting quickly gives your attorney more time to investigate, collect evidence, and ensure every necessary document is filed properly and on time. By getting help early, you’ll have the strongest shot at recovering what you deserve.
Federal law establishes clear guidelines on the maximum hours truck drivers can spend behind the wheel. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hours-of-service regulations:
These hours-of-service rules are designed to fight driver fatigue and keep the roads safer for everyone. Louisiana truckers must also comply with state-specific requirements for vehicle size and weight, as well as pre-trip inspection protocols.
Big rigs bring a whole new level of risk to our highways. Unlike regular car wrecks, trucking accidents are far more likely to cause catastrophic injuries—and the reasons go way beyond just their massive size.
First, commercial trucks can weigh up to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle. That size and weight difference means collisions often result in devastating force, leading to more severe injuries and bigger property damage.
But the dangers don’t stop there. Truck drivers face unique challenges on the road—long hours, tight deadlines, and sometimes hazardous loads. This can make them vulnerable to exhaustion, delayed reactions, or difficulty seeing smaller vehicles in their blind spots. The demands of their profession, including driving overnight or through unpredictable weather, can seriously impact alertness and performance.
Some key factors that set truck accidents apart include:
Due to these differences, injuries from trucking accidents are often significantly more severe. Victims may face traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or complicated fractures that require extensive medical support.
Knowing what sets truck accidents apart is the first step toward protecting yourself—and ensuring you get the right help after a crash.
Worried about upfront costs? You’re not alone. Many people are hesitant to reach out to an attorney because they fear expensive hourly rates or surprise fees. Here’s the good news: most reputable truck accident attorneys—including our team—work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing out of pocket unless we recover money on your behalf.
How Does Contingency Work?
This arrangement enables you to focus on your recovery and case, rather than worrying about legal bills. No hidden fees, no financial risk. If you have questions about how contingency fees work, we’re always happy to walk you through the specifics during your consultation.
Let us handle the legal costs and heavy lifting, so you can focus on getting better.
“The fastest way to settle a case is to prepare for trial. Insurance companies know which firms will go to court and which will not. It is important to choose a firm that will go the distance.”
Our team of intake specialists is ready to listen to you and gather all the information for a free, confidential case evaluation. We will hear you out, take what you say seriously, and then round up with our legal team.
Our lawyers will provide you with no-obligation feedback on your case, usually on the same day, but no later than 24 hours. We will give you the appropriate course of action for your situation.
If your case is a good fit for our firm and you graciously allow us to represent you, our team will begin working immediately. We will investigate, send the appropriate letters to stop insurance companies from harassing you, and start your medical recovery.
Our internal process is transparent with high levels of communication from the opening of your case to the final handshake. Our firm will promptly return your phone calls and keep you informed. You will know the exact status of your case. Our case managers and attorneys are committed to making a difficult situation as stress-free as possible.
