While some traffic accidents cannot be avoided, many truck accidents are preventable. Reckless driving, poor road conditions, inadequate training, and improper loading are some of the common causes of truck accidents in Alberta. If someone else’s carelessness caused your accident and resulting injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing.
We’ll help you understand how to spot and avoid negligent truck drivers and what steps to take to protect your rights if you are involved in an accident. To learn more, contact us for a free consultation.
Get answers to the following topics and questions:
- Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
- The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
- When Trucking Companies May Be Responsible for Accidents
- What To Do if You Are Injured in a Truck Accident
- How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Navigate a Truck Accident Claim
- Our Alberta Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Today
- Frequently Asked Questions About Alberta Truck Accident Causes
Why Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous
Truck accidents have a higher risk of serious injuries because trucks are bigger and heavier than other vehicles. Massive semi-trucks and 18-wheelers take more time to slow down or avoid road hazards. If they’re moving at high speeds, truck drivers can potentially lose control and cause an accident.
Truck accidents are considered especially dangerous because:
- Trucks have large blind spots that make it difficult to see nearby vehicles.
- Cargo may be heavy, hazardous, or unstable.
- Trucks require a longer distance to come to a safe stop.
- Accidents can cause severe or life-threatening injuries.
- Truck accidents often result in more extensive property damage.
The Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While truck driver carelessness is a main reason for traffic collisions involving commercial trucks, there are many contributing factors to truck accidents in Alberta. Many of the reasons listed below are examples of driver carelessness.
Driver Fatigue
Many Alberta truck drivers work long hours under tight deadlines and challenging road conditions. Even with federal and provincial limits on the hours truck drivers can work, they may suffer from fatigue.
Fatigue affects reaction time, judgment, and overall awareness, making it harder for drivers to respond safely to changing road conditions.
Distracted Driving
Speeding & Driving Too Fast for Road Conditions
Alberta can have icy highways, reduced visibility, and hazardous conditions that make it more difficult for a heavy truck to stop when traveling at faster speeds. Truck drivers must consider road conditions when assessing the safest speed to travel.
Alberta currently does not have a provincial mandate to limit the speed of commercial vehicles. Because they can travel as fast as, or faster than, the posted speed limit, there may be an increased risk of accidents in poor road conditions or heavy traffic.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain prescription medications can affect a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. In many cases, medications or stimulants that are meant to counter the effects of fatigue can actually worsen the situation or introduce additional risk factors, such as dizziness, blurred vision, and anxiety.
Poor or Inadequate Driver Training
Truck drivers require thorough training to operate large and complex vehicles safely. Without proper instruction, drivers may make serious mistakes that lead to accidents.
Mechanical Failures or Poor Maintenance
Sometimes, truck parts or equipment fail, resulting in safety hazards and potential accidents. Examples of mechanical failures or outcomes from poor maintenance or a defect may include:
- Faulty brakes
- Defective tires
- Steering problems
- Electrical failures
Improper Cargo Loading
When cargo is not loaded safely or in a balanced way, it can shift during a trip, causing the truck to sway, jackknife, or tip. Other cargo that is not properly secured can fall off the truck bed, causing accidents.
Additionally, failing to adhere to weight restrictions can create towing hazards and other concerns that compromise a driver’s ability to control the truck.
Aggressive or Unsafe Driving Behaviours
Aggressive or reckless driving behaviours, by both truck drivers and other drivers, can put everyone on the road at risk. Examples include:
- Tailgating or following too closely
- Unsafe lane changes
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving above the speed limit
- Making dangerous manoeuvers out of frustration
Poor Road or Weather Conditions
Even familiar routes can become hazardous due to changing road or weather conditions, including:
- Black ice or icy roads
- Snow, sleet, or rain that limits traction and visibility
- Construction work
- Heavy traffic congestion
- Poor lighting
Narrow rural highways and other challenging roads can also contribute to dangerous conditions that could result in a truck accident.
When Trucking Companies May Be Responsible for Accidents
A trucking company may be responsible for an accident if the company’s negligence (failure to act with reasonable care) caused or contributed to the accident. Some cases in which the trucking company may be responsible include:
- Inadequate employee screening and hiring practices
- Inadequate training of drivers
- Improper supervision or evaluation of drivers
- Poor maintenance of the trucks
- Schedules that require drivers to work past the legal limits
Speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you identify the liable party and guide you on how to move forward with a claim.
What To Do if You Are Injured in a Truck Accident
If you’re injured in a truck accident in Alberta, these steps can help you protect both your health and your right to claim compensation:
- Seek medical care for your injuries—no matter how minor they may seem.
- When needed, call local police or the proper authorities for assistance.
- Exchange insurance information with the trucker and other drivers involved.
- If safe to do so, take pictures and videos of the accident scene.
- When there are witnesses, collect their contact information.
- Document your treatment and organize your medical records.
- Follow through with your doctor’s instructions and medical advice.
- Contact a legal professional to learn more about your rights and options.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You Navigate a Truck Accident Claim
After a truck accident, a trusted and experienced personal injury lawyer can guide you through the claims process and help you make informed decisions. At Litco Law, our goal is to simplify the process and walk you through each step so you know what to expect, feel confident in your choices, and can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
We provide a unique team-based approach to every personal injury claim. You’ll have your own personal, dedicated team that we call a “pod,” including two lawyers, a case manager, a client care specialist, and a legal assistant. Together, they provide exceptional client service and personalized support that is unique to your needs.
Our Alberta Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help You Today
If you’re unsure what to do after a truck accident and need legal assistance, the Lawyers You’ll Love are ready to help. We offer free consultations to explain your rights and answer your questions with no obligation to work with us after. We will help you find a solution, even if we’re not it.
Call (403) 273-8580 or contact us online to speak with our team today. If there’s anything we can do to make your life easier after a truck accident, we’ll go the extra mile to do it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alberta Truck Accident Causes
Here are some of the questions we often get related to truck accidents in Alberta. To get answers specific to your situation, connect with our lawyers today.
How Long Do I Have To Make a Truck Accident Injury Claim?
In Alberta, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury claim. Missing the deadline would mean you lose your right to take legal action.
What if Multiple Parties Contributed to the Accident?
In Alberta there is contributory negligence. This means that if two other parties were responsible for the accident, they will share the liability for the accident.
How Is Fault Determined in Commercial Truck Collisions?
To properly determine fault after a truck accident, it is important that available evidence is obtained and reviewed. Examining police reports, witness statements, images or video of the scene, and vehicle data can help to identify who was negligent and caused the accident. This is an aspect that an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can help with.
What Kinds of Compensation Might Be Available?
Available compensation after a truck accident includes proveable financial losses and pain and suffering caused by the accident. A legal professional can help you identify your losses and claim their full value, taking into account how these losses will impact your future.
What if I Was Partially at Fault?
If you share some fault for the truck accident, you can still claim compensation, according to Alberta’s contributory negligence rule. You are assigned a percentage of fault for the accident, and your compensation is reduced by that percentage.
For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault for the truck accident, your award would be reduced by 20%.
