What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-10?
It is hard to say exactly what causes truck accidents on one stretch of highway. When truck drivers are at fault for accidents, poor training or employer guidance that may lead the driver to engage in behaviors like speeding could serve as the root cause for a truck and car accident. Even the most common causes of truck accidents on I-10 can result in serious injury or death.
While we may not be able to tell you how all accidents occur on 1-10, we can say how many accidents occur on this stretch of the Interstate. According to data compiled by Louisiana State University’s Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation, most fatal crashes on Louisiana Interstate highways occur on I-10. 39 drivers lost their lives on 1-10 in 2019, more than on those who died on the following highways:
- I-12
- I-20
- I-49
- I-55
If you were involved in a truck accident on I-10, you may be eligible for compensation, regardless of whether you were driving the truck or another vehicle involved.
Reckless Driving May Have Caused or Contributed to Your Injuries
The most common causes of truck accidents on I-10 are:
- Driving in a truck’s blind spot
- Cutting over directly in front of a truck
- Passing a truck on the right as it is about to make a right turn
- Making a left turn in front of a truck and misjudging its speed
- Merging too slowly into interstate traffic, forcing a trucker to hit their brakes
- Passing without enough headway
- Driving between two trucks
Of course, some accidents between cars and trucks happen because the car driver breaks an obvious traffic law. They run a red light or stop sign; they disregard a yield sign; or they follow too closely, not giving themselves enough time to stop when the truck puts on its brakes.
Avoiding an Accident with a Large Truck is Possible
You can avoid or at least minimize your chance of being involved in the most common causes of truck accidents on I-10 by making sure you are aware of how you are driving in the truck’s presence. Drive as safely as you can to increase your chances of arriving at your destination. Yield to the truck and do not try to pass it. You are at a disadvantage if your two vehicles collide. A large truck is substantially heavier than a passenger vehicle and can cause a lot of damage—especially when travelling at high speed on the Interstate.
A Lawyer Can Help You Determine the Cause of Your Accident
If you were involved in an accident with a large truck on I-10 in Louisiana, or elsewhere in the state, you have our utmost sympathies. We know how stressful and confusing this time must be for you. You likely want to know exactly how your accident occurred.
Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing exactly how your accident occurred before speaking with you and analyzing all the available evidence to support your case. However, there are some reasons a truck driver may have caused your accident, including:
Poor Training
According to the Louisiana Commercial Driver’s License Manual provided by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, a commercial vehicle operator is required to pass a test to earn a specific class of license. But just being able to pass the CDL test does not necessarily make a person capable of driving a truck through heavy traffic in unfamiliar cities, as commercial drivers are expected to do daily. Companies that do not provide adequate training may see their drivers end up in accidents.
Potentially Unethical Guidance
Some trucking companies may encourage their drivers to ignore the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service requirements and risk accidents. When drowsy or emotionally agitated drivers have to bring their cargo to a destination by a certain time, they may cause an accident due to their physical and emotional state or by engaging in reckless driving behaviors like speeding or swerving in and out of lanes.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers to Receive a Free Consultation
The Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers team helps clients injured in truck accidents fight for the full and fair compensation they deserve. If you were injured in an accident, we want to meet you and learn how we can help. The consultation is free, and we never collect a fee until you get paid. To speak with a member of our team today, call us at (337) 284-9548.
Reach out to us today for more information about how we may be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party or parties in your accident. We may be able to go after the truck driver, the trucking company, or a truck parts manufacturer—if the accident was deemed to be caused by a faulty part.
