Truck accidents are often the result of negligence — not chance. Many crashes occur because of driver fatigue, speeding, or distracted driving. Truck drivers are frequently under pressure to meet strict delivery deadlines, pushing them to drive longer hours than allowed by law. Fatigue can slow reaction times and impair judgment, while distractions like texting, GPS use, or eating behind the wheel can lead to devastating collisions in just seconds.

Another major cause is poor maintenance and mechanical failure. Commercial trucks require frequent inspections and repairs, but when companies cut corners to save money, essential systems like brakes or tires can fail. A single neglected part can make an 18-wheeler uncontrollable at highway speeds. Improperly loaded or overweight cargo is also a serious hazard — shifting loads can cause trucks to jackknife, roll over, or spill onto the roadway, endangering everyone nearby.

Lastly, reckless or aggressive driving by truckers or other motorists often contributes to crashes. Unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and speeding in poor weather conditions are all too common. At Valdez & Valdez, we work to uncover the full story behind each accident — reviewing driver logs, black box data, and maintenance records — to prove who was at fault and ensure every negligent party is held accountable.