5 Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are more common and devastating than most people realize. In 2024 alone, Florida recorded a staggering 346,298 truck crashes, resulting in 2,714 fatalities. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these collisions far more catastrophic than typical car accidents, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries and immense financial burdens.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you deserve answers and accountability. At The Winston Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys are here to fight for you and help you pursue the compensation you need to move forward.

Driver Fatigue

One of the most common—and preventable—causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Long-haul truck drivers often spend hours on the road, sometimes pushing themselves beyond legal driving limits to meet tight deadlines. While federal regulations set specific rules on how long a truck driver can operate before resting, some drivers and companies ignore these limits to deliver goods faster.

Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Fatigue slows reaction time, impairs judgment, and reduces a driver’s ability to stay alert. A fatigued truck driver might drift into another lane, fail to stop in time or lose control of their vehicle entirely. The consequences can be deadly.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving isn’t just a problem for passenger vehicles—it’s also an issue for truck drivers. Operating a commercial truck requires intense focus and full attention on the road. However, distractions like texting, adjusting GPS systems, eating, or even daydreaming can pull a driver’s eyes, hands, and mind away from driving.

A distracted truck driver is a dangerous one. Trucks already require longer stopping distances and are more challenging to maneuver in emergencies. When a driver isn’t paying attention, even a brief distraction can result in a catastrophic accident.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Trucking companies and drivers have a legal duty to keep their vehicles safe for the road. This includes regular inspections, timely repairs, and proper maintenance of all major systems. Unfortunately, when companies cut corners to save time or money, the results can be catastrophic. Some of the most common maintenance-related issues in truck accidents include:

• Brake Failure: Malfunctioning brakes are one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Trucks already require long stopping distances, and faulty brakes make stopping nearly impossible.
• Tire Blowouts: Worn-out or improperly inflated tires can fail at high speeds, causing the driver to lose control.
• Steering or Engine Issues: Mechanical failures in steering systems or engines can result in sudden accidents.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucking companies often operate under strict delivery schedules. This pressure can lead truck drivers to speed, take reckless risks, or ignore traffic laws just to meet their deadlines. Unfortunately, this dangerous behavior puts everyone on the road at risk.

Speeding trucks are especially hazardous because of the sheer weight of the vehicle.

Trucks require more time and distance at high speeds to come to a complete stop. If a driver encounters an unexpected obstacle—like stopped traffic, a sharp curve, or bad weather conditions—they may not be able to react in time, leading to a devastating collision. Besides, reckless driving can include speeding beyond posted limits, tailgating other vehicles, making aggressive lane changes, and ignoring traffic signals.

Improper Loading or Cargo Issues

Trucks often carry heavy and sometimes hazardous cargo, which must be properly loaded and secured to ensure safe transport. When cargo is improperly loaded, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced or jackknife. Overloaded trucks pose additional risks, including tire blowouts, rollovers, and brake failures.

Federal laws regulate truck weight limits and cargo loading, but accidents still occur when these rules are ignored. Improper cargo loading may be caused by:

• Negligent loading practices
• Inadequate tie-downs or securing devices
• Overloading the truck beyond legal limits

For example, an overloaded truck can make sharp turns dangerous, increasing the risk of rollovers. Similarly, unbalanced cargo can cause the truck to sway or drift, leading to an accident.

Consult a Davie, Florida Truck Accident Attorney

Truck accident cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. Multiple parties can be responsible, including the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and maintenance providers. Proving fault often requires detailed investigations, accident reconstruction, and analysis of federal trucking regulations. That’s where the attorneys at The Winston Law Firm come in.

Our Davie, Florida truck accident attorneys have the experience and resources to:

• Investigate the accident scene and gather critical evidence.
• Analyze driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records.
• Identify all liable parties to maximize your compensation.
• Negotiate aggressively with trucking companies and insurers who often try to minimize payouts.

Let our team handle the legal complexities while you focus on recovery. Call 954-606-6606 or contact us online for a free consultation today.