The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), researches car and trucking accidents, compiles statistics, publishes findings, and provides the public with traffic safety resources. According to these agencies, the country has seen a steady increase in trucking accidents. These accidents can have severe and longstanding injuries for Indiana motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Those that have suffered injuries in an Indiana trucking accident should understand the common causes of trucking accidents and who may be liable for their damages.
According to the FMCSA and NHTSA, most serious truck accidents include similar negligent behavior; however, many accidents have more than one contributing factor. The five most common reasons for truck accidents are driver fatigue, drug and alcohol use, driver error, speeding, and distraction.
Fatigue is the most common cause of Indiana trucking accidents because many truckers drive for many hours with limited rest. Truck drivers often suffer from fatigue because of their employer’s demand for, often unreasonable, fast delivery turnarounds in combination with trending consumer expectations. Many drivers turn to stimulants and other substances to meet these expectations and manage stress. However, the consequences of alcohol and drug use can be disastrous to other motorists. Further, many Indiana trucking companies fail to adequately train their drivers and teach them how to inspect and maintain their trucks. Untrained and inexperienced truck drivers operating large vehicles pose serious dangers to the public. Finally, distracted driving is a common cause of Indiana trucking accidents. These drivers often spend many long hours on the road, and they will often engage in risky behavior to take their mind off of driving and quell their boredom. Some drivers will look at their phones to visit social media or text their friends and family. Even some innocuous behaviors, such as reaching for something, can cause serious accidents.
For example, recently, an Indiana truck driver slammed into slowing traffic as he glanced away from the road to set his coffee mug down. According to Indiana news reports, three people died and over a dozen were hospitalized after the semi-truck collided into the vehicles in front of him. The truck driver admitted to police officials that he failed to see the slowing traffic in front of him when he looked away to set his coffee down. The truck driver was charged with several counts of reckless homicide, and the case is still under investigation.
Have You Suffered Injuries in an Indiana Trucking Accident?
If you or someone you know suffered serious injuries because of a negligent Indiana truck driver, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for your injuries. Attorney Burton Padove has years of experience successfully handling challenging Indiana trucking accidents. He has over three decades of experience handling various personal injury lawsuits on behalf of Indiana injury victims. Attorney Padove possesses the unique ability to compassionately handle his client’s concerns while aggressively advocating on their behalf. He has obtained records verdicts and many of his clients receive substantial compensation for the injuries they sustained. Contact Padove Law for an initial consultation at, 219-836-2200.