People share the road with semitrucks on a daily basis, but many don’t realize how dangerous these vehicles might be. When they’re fully loaded, the size and weight of a semitruck is much greater than that of a regular passenger vehicle. Even if they don’t have a trailer attached, semitrucks still pose a danger.When a semitruck slams into another vehicle, the occupants of that vehicle may need emergency medical care. The injuries are often catastrophic and sometimes fatal. This may lead to the victims filing a personal injury claim, which brings up the question of what caused the crash. There are several common factors that can contribute to semitruck crashes. 

Trucker’s behavior

Truckers are the main line of defense against semitruck crashes because they must ensure they’re driving safely. Any issues, such as impairment, fatigue or distraction can lead to a wreck. In some cases, the trucking company may also contribute to hazardous behaviors. For example, if the trucker is forced to try to drive through fatigue because of company policies or very tight deadlines, the trucking company may hold some liability in the crash.

Improper load securement

Load securement is critical and highly regulated. Cargo that isn’t properly secured can shift on the rig, which may make the semitruck impossible to control. There’s also the risk of cargo falling from the rig and causing hazardous conditions for other vehicles. 

Mechanical issues

In some cases, lax maintenance or defective components may lead to issues that contribute to a crash. For example, brakes that are worn out will prevent a semitruck from being able to stop, which can lead to a wreck. Victims of semitruck crashes who want to seek compensation have a limited time to do so. Because these cases are often complex, it’s beneficial to work with someone who’s familiar with these matters so they can assist you throughout the process.