The Dangers of Speeding Commercial Trucks

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Speed” was the most frequent driver-related factor in large truck fatal crashes.

The trucking industry has established an unfortunate reputation for speeding and truck accidents due to financial and employment-based incentives that prioritize delivery times over safety. These are entirely preventable accidents that result in thousands of fatal and injury crashes each year. 

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “Speed” was the most frequent driver-related factor in large truck fatal crashes. Collisions with large trucks are devastating for all involved. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a speeding commercial truck in South Carolina, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. 

How Speeding Causes Truck Accidents

The U.S. government enforces regulations restricting how long truck drivers are permitted to operate a vehicle each day, which has placed limits on deliveries for truckers and trucking companies. Many drivers might still try to make an impossible deadline, or they could become delayed by traffic or weather conditions. Some drivers just want to get home as quickly as possible once their work is complete. 

With increased pressures and outside forces influencing the trucking industry, many drivers are tempted to speed. When these massive vehicles travel faster than the speed limit or too fast for current conditions, tragic accidents are a strong possibility. Here are some of the ways speeding in commercial trucks leads to serious accidents. 

Inability to Stop

18-wheelers are much larger and have a longer stopping distance than the average passenger vehicle. So, a truck driving too fast will find it difficult, if not impossible, to stop in time to avoid a collision with other drivers. 

Heavy Loads

Tractor-trailers are known for transporting heavy loads from one place to another. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 18,000 pounds compared to around 5,000 for a passenger vehicle. If a fully loaded truck is speeding, this heavy weight can cause jackknife and rollover accidents, which can be deadly. 

Weather Issues

Conditions like fog, ice, rain, and snow require that drivers use extra caution and drive slower than the speed limit. When the weather gets bad, and a truck driver still decides to speed, the results can be disastrous. 

Curvy Roads

There are curvy roads in many areas of this state, which require careful maneuvering and the full attention of drivers. The speed limits are set to account for these curves. When truckers speed, this increases the chances of an accident. 

Loss of Control

At higher speeds, auto drivers might still maintain a certain amount of control over their vehicles. But, truckers who speed are more likely to lose control due to the size, weight, and complexity of commercial trucks. 

Impaired Driving

Many truck drivers operate their vehicles impaired. They might be drowsy, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When combined with high speed, these conditions are a recipe for disaster. 

Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable

If you or a loved one are dealing with the consequences of being hit by a speeding truck, you can and should hold the responsible party accountable for your damages. Truck accident cases can be complex because more than one party could bear some responsibility for your harm, and insurance companies don’t make collecting fair compensation easy. 

Proving negligence in truck accident cases requires knowledge of the applicable regulations and a background in these types of cases. Most modern commercial trucks are equipped with a black box, which can be used as evidence to prove excessive speed. 

You will need the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer to obtain evidence of negligence and fight for the maximum damages you deserve. If you’re struggling with medical bills, lost time from work, and massive property damage, you shouldn’t have to fight this battle on your own. 

Contact an Experienced South Carolina Truck Accident Attorney

At Johannesmeyer & Sawyer, PLLC, we understand how overwhelming it can be when dealing with the consequences of a truck accident. Moving forward can be even more challenging when you are dealing with serious injuries caused by a negligent truck driver or trucking company who may not want to take responsibility for your harm. 

Our skilled and compassionate truck accident attorneys will provide you with the legal counsel you need to hold the responsible parties accountable. We will stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve. 

Give us a call at (844) 843-1589 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. We have offices in Baxter Village, Lake Wylie, and Rock Hill and handle cases in Nashville by appointment.