An American Freightways truck accident is often the result of negligence by the trucking company, driver, commercial truck part manufacturers, maintenance crews, management staff, dispatchers, and schedulers. Many of the common causes of a truck accident include:

Driving While Fatigued – Every driver is required to maintain regulated “hours of service” that limits the amount of time on the roadways. However, schedulers, dispatchers, and management often push drivers to the limit to maintain tight schedules, commitments, and delivery demands.

Vehicle Maintenance Problems – Often, companies neglect to maintain vehicles on the roads properly. As a result, some truckers are moving cargo on balding tires, failing brake pads or defective axle parts, which can all lead to serious or catastrophic accidents involving other motorists.

Driver Performance Issues – When trucking company management neglects to train the driver, the trucker can make bad decisions when driving, backing up, parking or turning the commercial vehicle. Also, the massive weight and size of the truck often create serious risks if the driver is inexperienced with handling the commercial vehicle under dangerous conditions. Drivers need to be fully trained on how to maneuver their truck on the roadway around other motorists by following established driving standards and lane changes, safe braking distances, passing and traveling at a proper speed for roadway conditions.

Cargo Loads – Loaders can position cargo improperly inside the trailer or container box. Loads that shift during movement can cause accidents when the trucker is unable to maneuver the truck safely.

 

Attorneys Committed to Protecting Your Rights After an American Freightways Accident

Large commercial trucks involved in collisions with passenger vehicles can cause catastrophic results for everyone involved. Victims of these crashes often experience severe life-altering injuries or death. As a result, many victims seek legal remedies for financial recompense through a personal injury lawsuit or wrongful death claim. Adequate compensation is often necessary to cover current and ongoing expenses that include: