There are clear explanations for most major traffic collisions that occur. Many of them are the result of driver errors. That is true of crashes caused by commercial semi-trucks as well as wrecks caused by standard passenger vehicles.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) analyzes crashes caused by commercial vehicles and groups them based on cause. Improper driving decisions, failure to monitor surroundings and vehicle issues are among the top causes of crashes.
The FMCSA also reports driver non-performance as one of the top causes of commercial vehicle crashes. What exactly does that mean?
Non-performance involves an inability to drive
There are scenarios in which people cannot maintain consistent control of a vehicle. If a driver falls asleep at the wheel, they become incapable of steering and monitoring their surroundings.
Medical emergencies can also cause driver non-performance. Allergic reactions, cardiac events, strokes and other debilitating medical conditions can render people unconscious or incapable of maintaining control over a semi-truck.
Non-performance might result in a driver veering into another lane of traffic or jackknifing. They could strike another vehicle or block multiple lanes of traffic, resulting in a multi-vehicle pileup. Even though a crash caused by non-performance may not be due to negligence on the part of the driver, they are still technically at fault for the crash.
The people in a smaller vehicle may have grounds for an insurance claim or possibly even a personal injury lawsuit after a crash has occurred. Reviewing a semi-truck collision report with a legal professional can help people evaluate their options for compensation after a wreck accordingly.