What Are The Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Little Rock?

Commercial truck accidents can happen for a wide range of reasons. Trucker error, trucking company negligence, manufacturer defects, and even the unsafe actions of other motorists can all contribute to the crashes. Every serious semi-truck accident requires a thorough investigation to determine what went wrong. An experienced Little Rock truck accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process no matter the cause of the crash. 

An important point to remember is that the underlying cause of a semi-truck accident is not always clear and obvious from the scene of the crash itself. Indeed, a tractor-trailer wreck that appears to be the cause of a relatively simple driver error may actually have a deeper cause, such as an unrealistic delivery schedule, inadequate training, poor vehicle maintenance, or overloaded cargo. All serious truck accidents in Little Rock require a thorough investigation. 

What is the Leading Cause of Semi-Truck Accidents in Arkansas?

Driver error is the leading cause of semi-truck accidents. Many of these accidents happen because a trucker or other motorist failed to abide by all relevant safety standards. Truckers must operate with extreme care. Some of the most common examples of truck driver error that contribute to accidents in Arkansas include: 

• Speeding: Speeding by semi-trucks is extremely dangerous. Not only does it make a crash more likely to happen, but it also increases the risk of serious injuries. 
• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is dangerous driving. Even a brief lapse in attention can result in a trucker causing a terrible crash. 
• Driver Fatigue: Fatigue can impair judgment and reaction time. Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road and may face pressure to meet demanding delivery schedules.
• Tailgating: A tractor-trailer requires substantially more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle. When a trucker follows too closely, there may be no opportunity to avoid a crash.
• Blind-Spot Errors: Commercial trucks have very large blind spots. Truckers are responsible for managing their blind spots, but they do not always do so. Unsafe lane changes can occur. 
• Impaired Driving: Intoxicated driving is dangerous driving. Alcohol, illegal drugs, even certain prescription medications used by truckers behind the wheel can be very dangerous. 
• Negligent Hiring: A trucking company has a duty to ensure that it is hiring licensed, trained, and safe truckers. Retaining a driver with an unsafe driving record is negligence. 
• Poor Truck Maintenance: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, steering systems, lights, and coupling equipment can cause a trucker to lose control without warning.
• Manufacturing Defects: A design or manufacturing defect in a tire, brake system, trailer hitch, steering component, or other critical part may cause or worsen a collision.
• Other Motorist Negligence: Not all truck accidents are caused by truckers or trucking companies. The negligence of another motorist may contribute to a serious crash. 
• Roadway Hazards: Some commercial trucking accidents are caused by roadway hazards. A government entity could potentially be liable. 

Why Does the Cause of a Truck Accident Matter?

Arkansas is a fault-based motor vehicle accident jurisdiction, and that includes semi-truck accidents. That means that the party whose negligence was the reason for the crash can be held liable for the resulting damages. You need to know the cause to prove negligence and establish fault. 

Cause also matters in truck accident injury claims because Arkansas operates under a modified comparative fault standard (Ark. Code Ann. § 16-64-122). Each party to a crash is liable for their share of the damages. Indeed, truck accident liability in Arkansas is proportionate. It is not uncommon for multiple parties to share liability. 

A truck accident victim in Little Rock may still recover compensation when they are partially responsible for their own wreck. However, that is only true when their fault is less than the fault assigned to the other party/parties, and any settlement or verdict will be reduced in proportion to the victim’s own responsibility. For example, a truck accident victim who is 20% at fault for a crash will have his or her settlement/verdict reduced by 20%. 

FAQs: Common Causes of Arkansas Truck Accidents

Are most truck accidents preventable?

Yes. The reality is that most truck accidents could have been prevented if all parties had followed all of the relevant safety regulations. Negligence, whether on the part of the trucker, trucking company, or another motorist, is a factor in many tractor-trailer crashes in Arkansas. 

Who can be held liable for a truck accident in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, any party whose negligence contributed to a semi-truck accident can be held liable for the resulting damages. Every truck accident in Little Rock should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney to determine the cause. Determining the cause of the accident is key to proving liability. 

Should a truck accident be reported to the police?

Yes. All significant semi-truck accidents should be reported to state or local police. Under Arkansas law, a truck accident is required to be reported if any person suffered a physical injury or if there was property damage in excess of $3,000 (Ark. Code Ann. § 27-53-202). 

What should I say to the insurance company after a tractor-trailer accident?

You should provide notice to your own insurer that you were involved in a truck accident. With that said, you should avoid answering an insurance adjuster’s questions or giving a recorded statement until you have had the opportunity to speak to a Little Rock truck accident lawyer. 

Consult With Our Little Rock Truck Accident Attorney Today

Choosing the right Little Rock tractor-trailer accident attorney after a serious injury is an important decision. If you were hurt in a crash with a large commercial truck, you deserve a lawyer who will take the time to understand your situation, prepare your case thoroughly, communicate with you consistently, and provide honest guidance from beginning to end.

At Reed Firm, we are committed to excellence in injury representation through preparation, focused advocacy, and direct attorney access. If you would like to discuss your case, call 501-777-7333 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation case review. From our Little Rock office, we handle truck accident claims in Pulaski County and throughout Arkansas.