What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Alabama?
Truck accidents in Alabama are most commonly caused by a combination of driver-related errors, poor vehicle maintenance, and environmental hazards. These large, heavy vehicles require constant attention, skill, and maintenance to operate safely—and when something goes wrong, the consequences can be devastating.
Below, we break down the leading causes behind Alabama’s truck accidents, based on insights from legal experts and traffic safety reports.
Driver-Related Causes
Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel, often under intense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Unfortunately, this leads to risky driving behaviors that are among the top causes of crashes.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue is a silent threat on Alabama roads. Long hauls, inadequate rest, and unrealistic schedules can leave drivers dangerously drowsy. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict hours-of-service rules, but fatigue-related accidents still occur with alarming frequency—especially on major interstates like I-65 and I-20.
Distracted Driving
Whether it’s texting, using a GPS, eating, or even adjusting the radio, distracted driving is a growing concern. According to multiple law firms and safety studies, distraction behind the wheel remains a major cause of commercial vehicle crashes in the state. A split-second of inattention can have fatal consequences when an 80,000-pound truck is involved.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Speeding—either exceeding the posted limit or driving too fast for weather or traffic conditions—is another major factor in truck crashes. Add in aggressive behaviors like tailgating or improper lane changes, and the risk multiplies.
Driving Under the Influence
While less common, impaired driving involving alcohol or drugs is still a concern among commercial drivers. Even prescription or over-the-counter medications can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of a crash.
Insufficient Driver Training
Operating a commercial truck is far more complex than driving a passenger car. Poorly trained or inexperienced drivers may not know how to handle critical situations, such as sudden stops, jackknifing, or navigating Alabama’s rural backroads.
Vehicle-Related Causes
Large trucks require frequent maintenance and strict adherence to safety regulations. When companies or drivers cut corners, the results can be catastrophic.
Poor Maintenance
Worn-out brakes, bald tires, malfunctioning lights, and steering problems are just a few examples of maintenance issues that can trigger serious accidents. According to reports from the Vance Law Firm, improperly maintained trucks are a recurring problem on Alabama roads.
Improperly Secured or Overloaded Cargo
If a truck’s cargo isn’t properly loaded or secured, it can shift during transit, making the vehicle unstable. Overloaded trucks are harder to brake and maneuver, leading to rollover crashes or jackknife incidents.
Mechanical Failures
From brake system failures to steering malfunctions, mechanical breakdowns remain a serious safety hazard—particularly when trucks are not regularly inspected or maintained.
Environmental and Road-Related Causes
Even a well-trained driver in a perfectly maintained truck can still be at risk due to outside factors.
Bad Weather
Alabama drivers are no strangers to sudden downpours, dense fog, and slick roads. Wet or icy conditions can drastically reduce a truck’s ability to stop or maintain control—especially at highway speeds. Driving too fast for these conditions is a frequent cause of trucking collisions.
Poor Road Conditions
Potholes, unmarked construction zones, narrow lanes, and road debris all increase the chances of a truck accident. These hazards are especially dangerous on rural or poorly lit roads, where large trucks have limited room to maneuver.
Why This Matters
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Understanding the common causes helps hold negligent parties accountable—whether it’s the truck driver, the trucking company, a maintenance provider, or a cargo loader.
Contact Drake Injury Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been involved in a truck accident in Alabama, don’t try to navigate the legal process alone. Trucking companies and their insurers often act fast to minimize liability. You need an experienced Birmingham truck accident lawyer on your side—one that understands the complex rules, federal regulations, and investigative process behind commercial vehicle accidents.
At Drake Injury Lawyers, we fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to answer your questions and help you understand your legal options.