11 Feb 2026

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents and Who Is Liable

When a passenger vehicle collides with a commercial truck, the results are often life-altering. Due to the massive weight and size of tractor-trailers, a truck accident injury is frequently catastrophic. Understanding what are the most common causes of truck accidents is essential for victims seeking to hold negligent parties accountable in Raleigh and across North Carolina.

At Paul Robinson Law, P.L.L.C., we represent individuals injured in commercial driving accidents. These cases are more complex than standard car accidents because they involve federal regulations, multiple layers of insurance, and diverse liable parties.

What is the Leading Cause of Trucking Accidents?

Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates that most crashes involving large trucks are caused by human error. In fact, research suggests that the "critical reason" for nearly 87% of these crashes is attributed to the driver.

The most common causes of truck accidents include:

Driver Fatigue: Despite federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, many drivers face immense pressure to meet deadlines, leading to drowsy driving.
Distracted Driving: Using a mobile device, GPS, or in-cab dispatch system takes a driver's focus off the road.
Speeding for Conditions: Trucks require significantly more distance to stop than passenger cars; speeding makes a collision nearly inevitable when traffic slows.
Improper Maintenance: Brake failure and tire blowouts are leading mechanical causes of truck accidents when companies skip routine inspections.
Improper Cargo Loading: Unbalanced loads can lead to jackknifing or rollovers, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.

Who Is Liable After a Commercial Truck Crash?

Liability in a truck accident is rarely limited to the person behind the wheel. Depending on the truck accident causes, several parties may be financially responsible:

The Truck Driver: For errors such as speeding, impairment, or distracted driving.
The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, failing to train drivers, or encouraging HOS violations.
The Maintenance Provider: If a mechanical failure caused the crash due to poor repairs.
Cargo Loaders: If shifting cargo caused the driver to lose control.

North Carolina Legal Duties

If you are involved in a collision with a commercial vehicle, North Carolina law establishes clear mandates for all involved parties. Under N.C.G.S. § 20-166, the driver of any vehicle who knows or reasonably should know they are involved in a crash must:

Immediately Stop: If the crash results in injury or death, the driver must stop at the scene and remain until law enforcement completes their investigation (N.C.G.S. § 20-166(a)).
Provide Information: Drivers must furnish their name, address, driver's license number, and vehicle plate number to others involved.
Render Assistance: The statute requires drivers to provide "reasonable assistance" to the injured, including calling for medical help if necessary.

Failure to comply with these duties can result in serious criminal penalties, ranging from misdemeanors to Class F felonies, depending on the severity of the injuries involved.

Statistics and Trucking Safety Facts

Understanding the scope of the problem helps highlight the risks on North Carolina highways like I-40 and I-85.

Fatalities by Group

While truck accidents impact all demographics, national data suggests that approximately 71% of people killed in large truck crashes are occupants of other passenger vehicles.

Driver Demographics

The trucking industry is predominantly male (over 80%). Consequently, men account for the vast majority of commercial driver fatalities.

The Number One Killer

What is the number one killer of truck drivers? Statistically, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of work-related deaths for truck drivers. However, when looking at long-term health, heart disease and lifestyle-related illnesses also rank significantly high due to the sedentary nature of the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the leading cause of truck accidents?

The leading cause is generally categorized as "driver recognition" or "decision" errors, such as speeding or failing to see a vehicle in a blind spot.

What happens if I am partially at fault?

North Carolina follows the rule of contributory negligence. If you are found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering damages. This makes hiring a skilled Raleigh truck accident lawyer vital to protect your claim.

How can I learn more about NC accident laws?

You can explore our Guide to Personal Injury Law in North Carolina or see our post on the Most Common Types of Personal Injury Lawsuits.

Speak with a Raleigh Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you have suffered a truck accident injury, the clock is ticking. Evidence like electronic logging data (ELD) and "black box" recorders can be deleted or overwritten quickly. At Paul Robinson Law, P.L.L.C., we move fast to preserve evidence and build a case for the compensation you deserve.