Factors That Lead to Iowa Truck Accidents

Trucks are essential to our economy, as they deliver goods throughout our nation. However, there is a real concern for many drivers to be on the road with large trucks, as truck drivers have a poor reputation for driving too many consecutive hours and miles without taking proper breaks. Many truck drivers have incentives to get their goods delivered early, which cause them to speed, drive too long and drive tired.

These bad behaviors are what lead to the many truck accidents in Iowa and across our nation. The common reasons why truck crashes occur are typically due to negligent truck drivers participating in one of the following behaviors:

• Drowsy driving - While some trucking companies follow the regulations set forth regarding the amount of time a trucker can drive, others do not. If truck drivers drive for too many hours without sleeping, they can put themselves and other motor vehicle operators in danger due to driver fatigue. Drowsy truck drivers should not get behind the wheel because they will have slowed responses and they could fall asleep while driving, which can lead to serious accidents. 

• Aggressive driving - Truck drivers sometimes speed or drive too aggressively to make it to their destinations ahead of schedule. If truckers are in too much of a hurry, this action can cause them to fail to yield, move in and out of traffic, speed and be negligent in their driving. All of these driving behaviors could lead to an innocent victim getting injured in a truck wreck due to a truck driver's aggressive driving.

These two examples are not the only causes of Iowa truck accidents. Other reasons truck wrecks occur include unsafe loads, not properly loaded trucks, and faulty equipment such as steering issues, brake failure and blown tires. Truck drivers and trucking companies should do a better job of maintaining their tractor-trailers and follow the rules and laws set forth by the government regarding trucking safety. Drivers of passenger vehicles should learn to not drive in a truck's blind spot, not cut trucks off and drive defensively around large trucks.

When a truck collides with a car, motorcycle or pedestrian, catastrophic injuries or death may occur. If you or a loved one has suffered spinal cord injury, head trauma, traumatic brain injury, back and neck injuries, paralysis or any other injury due to a truck wreck, contact the law office of Brady & O'Shea today. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages and more. Call the law offices of Brady & O'Shea today at (319) 866-9277 and speak with an experienced Iowa injury attorney.