Home » Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Truck drivers frequently speed and engage in aggressive driving maneuvers in an attempt to get ahead of other traffic and arrive at their final destination ahead of schedule. In many cases, drivers reap significant financial incentives from trucking companies for driving fast. Unfortunately, however, these aggressive driving maneuvers sometimes lead to serious accidents which leave others injured.

If you sustained injuries in a trucking accident that an aggressive driver caused, you are not alone. The skilled personal injury attorneys at Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers can discuss your accident with you, determine your legal options, and fight for your rights in pursuit of the compensation you deserve.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney, please call us at 866-455-3629 or contact us online to learn more.

Injured In A Truck Accident?

Common Reasons Why Truck Drivers Speed and Drive Aggressively

Truck drivers often speed and drive aggressively for several reasons, leading to dangerous conditions on the road. Some of the most common reasons include:

speeding trucks driving on highway at sunset

Pressure to Meet Deadlines – One of the main reasons truck drivers speed is pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. Companies often set strict deadlines, and drivers may feel compelled to drive faster than they should to avoid delays. This pressure can push drivers to take risks, including speeding and aggressive maneuvering.
Inadequate Training – Some drivers may not have received sufficient training on safe driving practices, including how to handle a truck at high speeds. Inadequate training can lead to poor driving habits and a lack of understanding the dangers associated with speeding and aggressive driving.
Fatigue – Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue. Tired drivers may feel the need to speed to complete their routes more quickly and rest sooner. Fatigue impairs judgment and reaction times, making aggressive driving even more dangerous.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance – If a truck is not properly maintained, it may not perform as expected, which can lead drivers to drive aggressively to compensate. For example, if a truck has braking issues, a driver may speed to avoid the need for sudden stops, which, can be problematic with faulty brakes.
Incentive Programs – Some trucking companies offer financial incentives based on delivery times or miles driven. These programs can encourage drivers to speed and drive aggressively to maximize their earnings. The focus on performance metrics can sometimes overshadow safety concerns.
Traffic and Road Conditions – Some drivers may engage in aggressive driving if they are frustrated with traffic congestion or poor road conditions. They may speed or make aggressive maneuvers to navigate through slow-moving traffic or to avoid delays resulting from roadwork or other obstacles.
Personal Attitudes and Habits – Some truck drivers may have personal attitudes that contribute to aggressive driving, such as a tendency to ignore traffic laws or a belief in their ability to handle risky driving situations. These habits can lead to speeding and aggressive behaviors on the road.

Types of Truck Accidents that Result from Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding and aggressive driving significantly contribute to truck accidents, often resulting in severe consequences. Here are some common types of truck accidents that may result from these dangerous driving behaviors:

Rear-End Collisions – Speeding reduces a truck driver’s ability to stop quickly, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. When a truck follows too closely or speeds, it may not have enough time to react to sudden stops by vehicles in front. This can cause the truck to crash into the rear of another vehicle, leading to significant injuries and damage.
Jackknife Accidents – Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out and folds against the truck’s cab, resembling a folding knife. This typically happens when a truck driver is speeding and then suddenly brakes, causing the trailer to lose traction. The result is a dangerous situation where the truck can block multiple lanes of traffic, creating a serious hazard for other drivers.
Rollovers – Speeding can increase the likelihood of a truck rolling over, especially on curves or during sudden maneuvers. High speeds reduce the truck’s stability, making it more prone to tipping over.
T-Bone Collisions – Aggressive driving maneuvers, such as running red lights or speeding through intersections, can lead to T-bone collisions. In these accident scenarios, the truck crashes into the side of another vehicle, which is especially dangerous because the sides of cars typically offer less protection than the front or rear.
Lost Load Accidents – Speeding can also result in accidents where cargo shifts or falls from the truck. If a truck is traveling too fast around corners or making abrupt stops, the cargo may shift, causing the truck to become unstable or the cargo to spill onto the road. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles or create road hazards.
Head-On Collisions – Aggressive driving and speeding can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to head-on collisions. When a truck veers into oncoming traffic due to excessive speed or erratic driving, it can cause devastating accidents with severe injuries or fatalities.

Proving that Speeding or Aggressive Driving Caused Your Truck Accident

Proving that a speeding or aggressive truck driver caused your accident involves gathering evidence and presenting a compelling case to establish liability. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we can handle all of the following:

Gather Evidence from the Scene – We will collect as much information as possible from the accident scene, including photos of the damage to vehicles, road conditions, and any relevant traffic signs or signals. We can also document skid marks, traffic signals, or road debris, as these pieces of evidence can provide clues about the truck driver’s speed and actions leading up to the crash.
Obtain Police Reports – The police report from the accident can also be crucial. It often includes details such as the officer’s assessment of the accident, statements from the drivers involved, and any citations issued. If the truck driver was cited for speeding or aggressive driving, this can be strong evidence of their liability.
Gather Witness Statements – Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony about the truck driver’s behavior before and during the accident. Their accounts can help confirm that the driver was speeding or driving aggressively, which can support your claim.
Review the Truck’s Black Box Data – Many trucks are equipped with event data recorders, similar to black boxes in airplanes. These devices can record speed, braking patterns, and other driving behaviors. Requesting this data can provide concrete evidence of the truck driver’s actions leading up to the accident.

Analyze Traffic Camera Footage – If the accident occurred in an area with traffic cameras, obtaining footage can help show the truck’s speed and driving behavior. This evidence can be critical in proving that the driver was speeding or driving aggressively.
Consult Expert Witnesses – Expert witnesses, such as accident reconstruction specialists or trucking industry professionals, can provide detailed analyses of the accident. They can reconstruct the accident scenario, determine the truck’s speed, and assess how the driver’s behavior contributed to the collision.
Examine Driver Logs and Company Records – Truck drivers are required to keep logbooks of their driving hours and rest periods. Reviewing these logs can show if the driver was fatigued or under pressure to speed. Additionally, company records may reveal if there were any internal incentives or pressures that encouraged aggressive driving.
Establish Causation and Damages – To win a claim, you must prove that the truck driver’s speeding or aggressive behavior directly caused your accident and that you suffered damages as a result. This includes medical expenses, property damage, and any loss of income due to injuries.

Common Injuries in Truck Accidents that Result from Speeding or Aggressive Driving

Truck accidents that result from speeding or aggressive driving can lead to severe injuries due to the significant amount of force involved. Here are some common injuries that may occur:

Whiplash – One of the most common injuries in truck accidents is whiplash, which occurs when the victim’s head is suddenly jerked forward and backward during a crash. This injury affects the neck and can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement. In severe cases, it can lead to long-term chronic pain and disability.
Traumatic Head and Brain Injuries (TBIs) – High-impact collisions can lead to TBIs, ranging from concussions to other severe conditions like contusions or intracranial hemorrhages. TBIs can cause cognitive impairments, memory loss, headaches, and other serious symptoms that may affect a person’s quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injuries – The force of a truck accident can result in spinal cord injuries, which can range from fractures to complete paralysis. Such injuries may lead to long-term or permanent disability, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Fractures – The force of a truck collision often results in broken bones and fractures. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery or long-term physical therapy for a complete recovery.
Chest and Abdominal Injuries – The force of a truck collision can also cause severe injuries to the chest and abdomen. These can include rib fractures, lung contusions, and abdominal organ damage. Such injuries often require immediate medical attention and can have significant long-term effects.
Soft Tissue Injuries – Soft tissue injuries, such as bruises, sprains, and strains, are also common. These injuries affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments and frequently cause pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Psychological Trauma – Beyond physical injuries, truck accidents can cause psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.

How Much is a Truck Accident Case Worth?

If you are involved in a trucking accident resulting from a fatigued or aggressive truck driver, you may be entitled to various types of compensation to cover your losses and damages. Here are the main types of compensation you can seek:

Medical Expenses – You can recover compensation for all medical costs related to your injuries, including hospital stays, doctor visits, surgery, medications, and any anticipated medical care you may require, like physical therapy or rehabilitation. If your injuries require long-term treatment, you can also seek compensation for these ongoing expenses.
Lost Wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you can claim compensation for lost earnings, including income, salaries, and any other forms of income you would have earned. If your injuries result in a permanent disability that affects your ability to work in the long term, you may also seek compensation for future lost earnings.
Pain and Suffering – Compensation for pain and suffering covers the physical pain you experienced because of your injuries, along with the effects on your quality of life, including any ongoing mental anguish and loss of life enjoyment.
Loss of Consortium – If your injuries affect your relationship with your spouse or family, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of consortium. This type of compensation addresses the effect of your injuries on your family life, including any emotional strain or loss of companionship.
Disability and Diminished Earning Capacity – If your injuries result in a permanent disability or affect your ability to work in the future, you can seek compensation for diminished earning capacity. This covers the long-term effect on your ability to earn a living and pursue your career.
Emotional Distress – In some cases, you may be eligible for compensation for emotional distress, which includes the psychological effects of the accident, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Recovering these types of compensation can help you manage the financial effects of a truck accident and support your recovery process. At Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyers, we will work hard on your behalf to pursue the fair compensation you deserve for your losses.