3 factors that may contribute to a truck accident

If you regularly drive on interstate highways around the St. Louis area, you have undoubtedly encountered thousands of semitrucks. After all, the city is a major junction for commercial traffic going to all parts of the U.S.

Because tractor-trailers outweigh passenger vehicles by as much as 75,000 pounds, it is not difficult to see why a collision with one may leave you with life-altering injuries. Here are three factors that commonly contribute to truck accidents in the St. Louis area.

1. The driver’s health

Compared to other workers in the U.S., long-haul truckdrivers are more likely to be overweight, smoke cigarettes and neglect physical activity. Each of these, of course, may contribute to overall poor health. If semitruck drivers are not healthy, they may have a greater chance of losing control of their vehicles and causing a catastrophic accident.

2. The truck’s maintenance

To ensure their vehicles are safe, commercial drivers must comply with a range of maintenance-related regulations. Unfortunately, though, to increase their bottom lines, trucking company owners may skip service intervals or even put off repairs. If a truck malfunctions due to faulty maintenance, your life may be at risk.

3. The environment

Weather plays a role in 21% of the roughly 5,891,000 motor vehicle accidents that occur in the U.S. every year. While snow, rain, sleet and fog may contribute to a truck crash, wind is particularly hazardous. In high winds, semitrucks may tip or swerve, making them dangerous.

While commercial drivers typically receive extensive training on driving in inclement weather, the environment may put you in danger. Fortunately, depending on the cause of the crash, you may be able to pursue financial compensation from the driver or the trucking company.