Leading Causes of Truck Accidents in New Orleans You Should Know

New Orleans is a city located in Louisiana. It is known for its culture, music, and food, but it is also home to some of the busiest highways and interstates in Louisiana. Large commercial trucks frequently share the road with smaller vehicles, and accidents involving these massive trucks can be severe.

The size, weight, and limited visibility of these vehicles increase the risk of serious collisions. When a crash does occur, it can be life-changing. You may deal with medical bills, emotional trauma, and financial issues. In this case, you can file a claim with the help of a truck accident lawyer. 

Before that, you should know the causes of truck accidents in New Orleans so that you can better understand what leads to these crashes and how to avoid them.

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often work long shifts, and even though federal regulations limit how many hours they can drive, fatigue is still one of the leading causes of trucking accidents. Tired drivers have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and an increased likelihood of falling asleep behind the wheel. This may cause major accidents.

Distracted Driving

Like any other driver, truck drivers can also get distracted behind the wheel. They may be texting, eating, adjusting GPS systems, or reaching for items while driving. It seems like a smaller task, but a moment of distraction can easily result in a multi-vehicle collision, which can lead to severe injuries and sometimes be fatal.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Truck accidents are not always caused by driver error. In some cases, mechanical failures like faulty brakes, blown tires, or steering issues are to blame. Trucking companies are responsible for regular inspections and maintenance, but negligence in these areas is not uncommon. When a truck’s mechanical system fails, the consequences can be severe. 

Improper Cargo Loading

When cargo is not loaded correctly or becomes unsecured, it can shift during transit. This can throw off the truck’s balance and lead to rollovers, jackknife accidents, or lost loads on the highway. These types of incidents are dangerous, especially in urban areas, where roads are often crowded and narrow.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding is a common issue on Louisiana highways, and when a truck is involved, the risk of severe injury or death increases significantly. Due to their massive size, trucks need more time to slow down or stop. A speeding truck driver has far less control, especially when navigating tight curves or sudden traffic slowdowns.

Weather and Road Conditions

New Orleans’ weather is unpredictable. Wet roads, poor visibility, and flooding can all contribute to truck crashes. When weather conditions are poor, truck drivers must adjust their speed and maintain greater following distances; failure to do so can be a form of negligence, and it may also lead to accidents.

Key Takeaways

• Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents in New Orleans.
• Distractions behind the wheel are just as dangerous for truck drivers as for passenger car drivers.
• Mechanical failures and poor maintenance often point to company negligence.
• Cargo loading errors can lead to rollovers and multi-vehicle crashes.
• Speeding and aggressive driving leave little room for error in a large commercial truck.
• Bad weather should prompt extra caution from truck drivers, but it often doesn’t.