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Researchers with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have done many surveys and data analyses to determine the most common causes of truck accidents that occur not only in Florida, but all throughout the U.S. Whatever the reason for the accident, most Fort Myers personal injury attorneys will tell you that being involved in an accident with a large commercial vehicle can be life altering. Personal injury attorney Randall Spivey is well aware that truckers and their companies are subject to a wide array of requirements that are provided to ensure not only the safety of the truckers, but also the safety of others on the road. That being the case, accident victims are encouraged to learn more about what can cause a truck accident to occur so that they will gain a better understanding of their legal rights after an incident takes place.

Some of the Causes

Most individuals who operate large commercial vehicles are generally highly trained and skilled drivers. However, there are several factors that can cause even the most careful of truck drivers to have an accident with a motor vehicle. Some of those factors are related to the business aspect of commercial transportation. For example, for many truckers, the way in which they get paid depends on how quickly they can get deliveries to their locations. That said, some trucking companies may encourage their drivers to drive a little faster or remain on the road for more hours than are legally allowed in order to get the job done and get paid.

Some Fort Myers personal injury attorneys are also aware of the fact that some commercial drivers have not received proper training with regard to driving techniques, defensive driving tactics and safety concerns in general. Additionally, the FMCSA has done studies that have shown some of the reasons for truck accidents to be drug and/or alcohol use by drivers, speeding and a lack of familiarity with the roads traveled by the drivers. Other reasons include the driver's failure to look at blind spots prior to making lane changes, distracted driving and road rage.

Equipment Failure and Improper Loading

There are a number of pre-trip inspection procedures that have been outlined by the FMCSA that truck drivers and owners are expected and required to abide by. Still, malfunctioning equipment is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents. Some equipment failures are due to defective truck parts, while others are simply the result of improper maintenance and poorly-performed inspections, particularly when it comes to worn-down tires and brakes.

With regard to trucks that carry loads in trailers, the bulk of the weight carried by the truck is carried in the trailer. When the freight is not properly loaded, the weight distribution will not be correct, and accordingly, the maneuvering of the truck will be affected and the imbalance of the load might even cause the trailer to tip over.

Figuring out what caused a truck accident can be a hard task for an accident victim to attempt to do on his or her own. But help is available. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, contact one of the Fort Myers personal injury attorneys at The Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.