A head-on collision may result in serious injury or death to those who are involved in the wreck. This may be especially true in crashes between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. Take a closer look at some of the reasons why these types of collisions happen.
Drivers may become distracted and drift out of their lanes
Like most drivers, commercial vehicle operators don’t always refrain from using their phones while their trucks are in motion. They may also lose focus while playing with the radio, talking to a dispatcher or experiencing fatigue. In some cases, drivers simply get lost in their own thoughts while traveling down a familiar highway.
Impaired drivers may lose control of their vehicles
A motorist who is impaired by drugs or alcohol may lose the ability to keep his or her vehicle in the appropriate lane. In some cases, impaired motorists actually fall asleep or otherwise become so disoriented that they don’t even know they aren’t going the right way on the highway. Those who struggle to process information in a timely manner may not even stop or slow down before colliding directly with another vehicle.
Truck drivers may prioritize profits over people
Drivers who are in a rush are generally more likely to cause a motor vehicle accident. This is because they generally travel at higher rates of speed, follow too closely or ignore other rules of the road. Commercial motorists who are near the end of their service hours may feel pressured to make a delivery or find a suitable place to rest before shutting down. Ultimately, this may result in sloppy, unsafe and unprofessional driving.
If your vehicle is struck by a commercial truck, you may be entitled to a financial award. Photos, videos and witness statements may prove that the truck driver was negligent in causing the crash to happen. Cellphone records, a police report or other evidence may also be introduced during settlement talks or at trial.