Causes of Truck Accidents

Michigan Truck Accident Causes

A recent statistical compilation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified various commercial truck vehicle and/or driver violations within the year. The highest percentages of violations involved:

• the driver going beyond their 11-14 hour duty period
• the driver not having a commercial driving license
• the driver not having a current medical examiner’s certificate to certify they are healthy enough to drive a commercial vehicle
• disregard of lane restrictions
• speeding or failure to appropriately compensate for road conditions
• lack of duty record maintenance
• failing to abide traffic laws
• not having properly functioning required operating lamps
• improper tire tread depth
• brake defects
• non-English-speaking drivers

Another common violation is texting or using a mobile device while driving, even though there has been a federal ban on commercial truck driver texting since 2010. (Texting includes reading or the entering of text of any kind on any mobile device.) New Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) restrictions allow mobile phone use while driving only if the device is easily within reach of a seated buckled driver and if that device can be operated by only one button. FMCSA research indicates that a commercial driver is six times more likely to crash if dialing a mobile phone and over 23 times more likely to be involved in a truck accident if that driver is texting.

When inspections identify violations, either the driver, the truck, or both are deemed Out-of-Service (OOS). Corrections are supposed to be made before the driver or truck is allowed to be returned to service. However, compliance is not always 100 percent.

Proving that a truck driver has violated a Michigan or federal regulation is essential to recovering your costs. Mike Morse Law Firm attorneys are experts in the numerous infractions that a truck driver might commit. Whether these infractions include drug abuse, driver fatigue, overloading cargo, broken or defective equipment, improper training, or any combination of violations listed above, our knowledgeable staff can help you win or settle your case.

Involved In A Michigan Truck Accident? We Can Help

If you have been affected by a Michigan accident involving a tractor-trailer, semi-truck, eighteen-wheeler, big rig or other truck, Mike Morse Law Firm can help. Call 855-MIKE-WINS or e-mail mike@855mikewins.com today for your free consultation.