Brake Problems Biggest Cause of Truck Accidents

Truck on Road and a Bad Weather — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

Read the blog from Frank Penney Injury Lawyers in Roseville, CA below.

Study Finds Driver Fatigue Not Biggest Cause

Truck drivers are known to spend notoriously long hours on the road. And most people think that driver fatigue is the most common cause of truck accidents. But according to a national study by the FMCSA, the primary cause of most large truck accidents is brake problems. Fatigue was actually found to be number 7. A forensic expert reports in this air brake safety analysis that

“…brake failures usually are not failures at all but performance problems stemming from deficient maintenance.”

Trucking companies have a legal obligation to maintain the brakes on their trucks. But problems arise when they don’t properly maintain their brakes. Often repairs are made only on brakes that appear faulty and not all the brakes. This can cause brake imbalance, which leads to instability during braking, brake fade, and brake fires. Brake imbalance can cause hazards like jackknifing and trailer swing-outs – two hazards you don’t want to be a part of! The other top causes of large truck accidents include:

SPEED

Driving too fast for conditions is a serious problem for all drivers, but especially for trucks carrying a heavy load that can shift in transit. Speed should also be adjusted for weather conditions, work zones, and entering curves or on- and off-ramps.

UNFAMILIAR ROADWAYS

When a truck driver has failed to plan his route, he may resort to reading a map while driving or allow himself to become distracted with a GPS or smartphone device. Another dangerous possibility is that when he is unfamiliar with the roadway, he will suddenly change direction, failing to notice other cars or signal properly.

ROAD CONDITIONS

There are many roadway problems that compromise driving safety, such as:

slippery pavement
pavement edge drop-off
inadequate sight distance at curves
lack of signage or unclear signage
construction zone operations
potholes or debris
extra-hazardous grade railroad crossings

OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUG USE

Over-the-counter drugs can present serious side effects that can be deadly when combined with operating a vehicle. Many OTC medications for allergies, coughs, colds, and flu can cause extreme drowsiness. Some drivers use drugs or caffeine in an attempt to stay alert that leads to severe exhaustion when the effects wear off. Whatever the cause, large truck crashes happen every day. If you’ve been injured in an unavoidable accident, the driver or trucking company may be liable for damages. At that point, it may make sense to contact a lawyer who’s experienced in truck accident liability.

Top 5 Causes of Large Truck Crashes Infographic

To provide a quick reference guide, we’ve created this infographic of the top 5 causes of truck crashes.

Top Five Causes of Large Truck Crashes — Roseville, CA — Frank Penney Injury Lawyers

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By Frank Penney • July 2, 2025

Tragedy struck Monday morning in Manteca when a street sweeper collided with a parked big rig, leading to the death of one person, according to the California Highway Patrol. The accident happened around 8:27 a.m. on the southbound off-ramp from Highway 99 to Lathrop Road. Authorities reported that the big rig was stopped on the right shoulder, safely out of the traffic lanes. For reasons still under investigation, a street sweeper traveling at approximately 40 miles per hour struck the rear of the big rig. The driver of the street sweeper was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and suffered critical injuries. Emergency responders transported the driver to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save their life, the driver was later pronounced dead. The CHP did not release the driver’s identity. The big rig had a passenger onboard who fortunately was not injured. At this time, the CHP does not believe that drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision. Authorities are continuing their investigation and are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the California Highway Patrol at 209-938-4800. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Law does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

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By Frank Penney • June 11, 2025

A driver was seriously injured Saturday evening in a crash on Highway 99 near Fresno Street, according to the California Highway Patrol. The incident occurred on the southbound shoulder of the highway, where a commercial big rig had pulled over due to mechanical issues. As the truck sat stopped on the shoulder, a Ford Taurus traveling at high speed veered onto the same shoulder and slammed into the back of the trailer. Authorities say the Taurus appeared to be driving recklessly before the collision. The impact left the car heavily damaged, and the driver—who was not wearing a seatbelt—was rushed to a local hospital with major injuries. “Our hearts go out to the injured driver,” the CHP said in a statement. “This incident serves as a stark reminder that excessive speed and reckless behavior can have devastating consequences.” The CHP is using the crash as an opportunity to remind all motorists to drive responsibly, follow traffic laws, and always wear a seatbelt. Experience unparalleled legal representation with Frank Penney Injury Law , the esteemed recipients of the CAOC Trial Attorney of the Year award. With over two decades of dedicated service, our team has consistently delivered record-setting results for accident victims in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Enjoy peace of mind with our no upfront fees policy. Contact us today at 888-888-0566 or through our website www.penneylaw.com for a FREE consultation. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers does not represent any of the parties mentioned above. Nevertheless, we sympathize with the victim and their families in this time of crisis.

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