--- description: Learn about common causes of truck accidents from Washington, DC lawyers. Contact Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for help. title: Truck Accident Causes | Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents --- Truck Accident Causes | Common Causes of Semi Truck Accidents # Common Causes Of Truck Accidents Last Updated: September 5, 2024 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content ### Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Truck Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/) » Common Causes Of Truck Accidents What's On This Page ## [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $3 Million Truck Crash $1.8 Million Truck Crash $1.4 Million Truck Crash $1.25 Million Truck Crash $900,000 Truck Crash $750,000 Truck Crash ## [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) ## [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) I would never worry again if they are on the case. 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"*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Video Transcript Ira Sherman: The operator of a tractor trailer has a special responsibility because that, as a weapon, is way more powerful than an automobile could be if it struck you in the rear or anywhere. It is a comparison between a bullet of an automobile and a bomb of a tractor trailer. Allan Siegel: There’s a lot more involved in a truck crash case than there is in a car crash case. And not every law firm knows and understands trucking cases. There are federal rules and federal regulations that govern the trucking industry that they must follow, and a lawyer who’s handling those types of cases needs to know all of those laws, needs to know hours of service, needs to know how they’re supposed to keep their logs. I am on the executive board of the AAJ Trucking Litigation Group. I will eventually be the chair of that group. I’ve worked with that group and been on the board for many years and have been working and have a deep understanding of trucking cases. Joseph Cammarata: If it’s a heavy use vehicle, dump truck, a garbage truck, U-Haul, tractor trailer, 18 wheeler, those are trucks. So we’re not just talking about 18 wheelers. Those big rigs that you see on the road. Stephen Ollar: It’s not always just the truck that’s at fault. Maybe the truck trucking company itself was negligent in not providing enough supervision for the truck driver. So there’s a lot that goes into it, and it’s something that we pride ourselves in.   ## The Main Causes of Semi Truck Accidents Truck accidents are among the most dangerous and deadly accidents on our roads and highways. They can cause devastating physical, emotional, and financial trauma to victims and their families. This is why it’s vital for those involved in a truck accident—whether they were driving a large truck or other vehicles—to understand what causes these crashes so that they can seek justice if needed. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our [truck accident lawyers](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/) have years of experience representing accident victims. We know what to do in truck accident cases to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a [free consultation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/). ## The 11 Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents Commercial trucks—semis, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, gas tankers, and other large trucks- differ significantly from passenger vehicles. The size difference alone creates various [safety challenges](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/truck-safety/) on the roads. But many potential causes of truck accidents also require special attention when investigating crashes.  The common causes of truck accidents include: ### Fatigued Driving Truck drivers are often under pressure to make tight deadlines, leading them to drive for hours on end[ without proper rest](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/truck-driver-fatigue/). Federal regulations limit how many hours a truck driver can be behind the wheel. Still, some push themselves too hard, fall asleep at the wheel, or become so exhausted they cannot react in time to avoid a crash. Driver error plays a significant role in large truck crashes. ### Speeding Another leading cause of truck crashes is speeding. Truckers may feel pressure to drive faster than posted speed limits to make up time, but this can be dangerous. When large trucks are involved in accidents, they often cause severe damage to passenger cars and severe injuries because of their size and weight. ### Distracted Driving [Cellphones](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/texting-driving/), radio dials, and other distractions can take a driver’s attention off the road even for just a few seconds, which can be enough time to cause an accident. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), [distracted driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/) is a leading cause of truck accidents. In fact, in 2018 alone, over 10% of all recorded fatal crashes involving large trucks were attributed to distracted driving. The numbers are even higher for non-fatal crashes; in some cases almost 20% of such crashes are due to distraction. ### Poor Vehicle Maintenance Negligent truck drivers and trucking companies can also put trucks on the road that haven’t been[ properly inspected, maintained, or repaired](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/truck-maintenance/). This can lead to[ tire blowouts](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/tire-blowouts/), brakes malfunctioning, and other critical [equipment failures](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/defective-truck-parts/). ### Weather Conditions Rain, sleet, snow, and other[ weather-related issues](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/poor-weather-conditions/) can reduce visibility and make roads slick and slippery, making it harder to stop quickly or maneuver out of the way. If a trucker is not careful, they may lose control of their truck and cause an accident. ### Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol Driving under the influence of [drugs](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/substance-abuse/) or alcohol is one of the most dangerous things a trucker can do. It is illegal and can impair judgment and reflexes, increasing the risk of an accident. Commercial truck drivers who drive under a substance’s influence impair their ability to drive safely. ### Inadequate Training Another cause of truck accidents is inadequate training. Some truck drivers may not have received proper training on operating their trucks, which can lead to trucking accidents. Truckers must receive adequate training before they get behind the wheel of a semi-truck. ### Inexperienced Truck Drivers [Inexperience](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/inexperienced-drivers/) is another cause of truck accidents. Some commercially licensed drivers may be new to the industry and need more experience driving tractor-trailers. This can lead to mistakes on the road and, sometimes, a catastrophic accident. According to an NHTSA study, inexperienced drivers are involved in twice as many truck-involved crashes as those with more experience. ### Poor Cargo Loading If a commercial truck is[ improperly loaded](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/improperly-loaded-cargo/) or unloaded, it will likely tip over. Companies may overload their trucks with cargo, affecting the truck’s performance and handling. The extra weight can also make it harder to stop in an emergency. ### Reckless Driving Aggressive behavior, lane changing without signaling, speeding, and other reckless acts can put everyone on the road at risk of an accident. Most truck accidents can be avoided by truck drivers and car drivers simply following the rules of the road. *To prevent accidents, passenger car drivers can maintain a safer distance and provide greater space in front of and behind trucks while driving on highways and urban roads.* ### Poor Road Conditions Roads that are not properly maintained can create hazards of their own, such as potholes and uneven pavement. ## Common Truck Accident Injuries Truck accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to more serious injuries like broken bones and internal bleeding. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include: - [Traumatic brain injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/brain-injuries/), including [concussions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) - [Neck injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/neck-injuries/) such as whiplash - [Back injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/back-injuries/) - Spinal cord injuries - Herniated discs According to an NHTSA study, out of 159 reported truck accidents, 20 percent resulted in at least one fatality, and 50 percent of all truck crashes resulted in death or serious injury. ## What Should I Do After a Truck Accident in D.C.? If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, seek medical care immediately. Even if you don’t think you were seriously injured, getting checked out by a doctor as soon as possible is best. Once your health is taken care of, contact a qualified truck accident attorney who can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Your lawyer can also help you pursue compensation if you’ve suffered financial losses from the accident. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney today to discuss your case and learn more about what steps you should take next. With their help, you can obtain the compensation you deserve. ## Liability in Truck Accidents After an accident involving a truck, it’s essential to determine who is at fault. The truck driver may be solely responsible for the accident in some cases. But in other cases, multiple parties may be liable, including the trucking company or the person who loaded the cargo. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you determine who is liable in your case and what compensation you may be entitled to. ### Trucking Companies Truck companies may be liable for truck accidents caused by their drivers. Truck companies are responsible for hiring and training their drivers and following federal and state [regulations](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-regulations/). Suppose a trucking company employs an inexperienced or unqualified driver or fails to follow regulations. In that case, they may be held liable if that driver causes an accident. ### The Truck Driver The truck driver may be held liable for an accident in some cases. This will most likely happen if the driver is [intoxicated](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/cdl-dui-accidents/), speeding, or distracted. But even if the truck driver was not at fault, the trucking company may still be held liable under vicarious liability laws. ### The Truck Manufacturer Sometimes, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for an accident. This can happen if the truck has a defect that causes the accident. For example, if the brakes fail, the manufacturer may be held liable. ### A Third Party Sometimes, a third party may be held liable for a truck accident. For example, this can happen if the cargo is [improperly loaded](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/trucking-accident-causes/improperly-loaded-cargo/) or secured. In these cases, the person who loaded the cargo may be held liable. ## What Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims in Washington, DC? You may be entitled to compensation for your damages if you’ve been involved in a truck accident. These damages include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available. An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you understand what damages you may be entitled to and how to get the compensation you deserve in a [truck accident claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/filing-claim-against-a-trucking-company/). ## Contact a Washington DC Truck Accident Lawyer Today For the most advanced level of representation available for your truck accident claim, look no further than Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. Our firm boasts a track record of assisting clients in receiving over $1 billion in compensation, and our team has a collective experience of over 100 years. Each of our partners has been recognized as Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm comprises three former presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We aim to secure just settlement offers for our clients to compensate them for their injuries. Still, our lawyers are also highly capable of going to trial should the situation require it. [Contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) or call (202) 659-8600 to receive the established legal representation you are entitled to. ## Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist ## Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The truck accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. represent injured motorists across the Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Northern Virginia truck accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/northern-virginia-truck-accident-lawyers/) ([Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/arlington-va/), [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/alexandria/), and [Fairfax County trucking claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/fairfax/)), and Maryland ([Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/rockville/), [Montgomery County truck collisions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/montgomery-county/), [Silver Spring](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/silver-spring/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/hyattsville/), and [Waldorf](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/truck-accidents/waldorf/)). ## Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK ### Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ### Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Dangers of Self-Driving Delivery Trucks Why Are Accidents Involving Amazon Delivery Vehicles Increasing? 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