Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Maine

The Short Answer:

Common causes of truck accidents in Maine include driver fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield. Other leading causes include unsafe lane changes, tailgating, driving under the influence, mechanical failures, and poorly secured or overloaded cargo. These factors are especially dangerous given the size and weight of commercial trucks, which can turn even minor errors into serious crashes.

This guide breaks down the most frequent driver-related and external causes of truck accidents, who may be legally responsible, and how a qualified truck accident lawyer can help you seek justice if you’ve been injured in a collision with a large truck.

Key Takeaways

• Driver-related errors like fatigue, distraction, and traffic law violations are leading contributors to large truck crashes.
• External conditions like road conditions and poor weather make truck operation even more dangerous.
• Liability can involve more than just the driver—trucking companies, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers may also be held responsible.
• An experienced Maine truck accident lawyer can help identify liable parties, navigate complex claims, and fight for the compensation you may be entitled to.

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1. Driver Fatigue

Despite federal Hours of Service regulations designed to limit driving hours and ensure adequate rest, many truck drivers still face pressure to stay on the road for extended periods. Long hours behind the wheel can result in extreme fatigue, microsleep episodes, and slower reaction times, all of which significantly raise the risk of a serious accident. 

2. Speeding

Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for weather or road conditions is a recipe for disaster. High-speed truck crashes often result in catastrophic injuries due to the sheer force of impact. Speeding also reduces the driver’s ability to react to sudden hazards, increasing the chances of losing control.

3. Distracted Driving

Distractions like texting, looking at directions, or even eating can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Even a few seconds of inattention can lead to devastating accidents. Maine’s hands-free law prohibits drivers from using handheld electronic devices while operating a vehicle, yet violations still occur and significantly increase the risk of a crash.

4. Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol or drug impairment (whether from illegal substances or prescription medications) affects coordination, reaction time, and judgment. Truck drivers caught driving under the influence may lose their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and face both civil and criminal consequences.

5. Inexperience or Inadequate Training

Handling an 80,000-pound vehicle requires extensive skill. Drivers lacking proper training may not know how to respond to emergencies, navigate narrow Maine roads, or safely maneuver through poor weather.

6. Poor Truck Maintenance and Mechanical Failures

Negligent maintenance can lead to:

• Brake failure
• Tire blowouts
• Faulty lights or signals
• Engine issues

These mechanical failures are especially hazardous due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, which already require longer stopping distances and careful handling. When key systems fail unexpectedly, drivers may have little or no opportunity to avoid a collision.

Trucking companies are required by law to inspect and maintain their fleets. Failure to do so puts everyone on the road at risk and may result in liability for damages when negligence contributes to a crash.

7. Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo

Cargo that is too heavy, unbalanced, or not properly secured can cause:

• Rollovers
• Jackknife crashes
• Falling debris on highways

These hazards are especially dangerous on Maine’s winding and hilly roads. Improper loading not only affects vehicle balance but also increases the strain on braking systems and suspension components, making it harder for drivers to maintain control. 

Federal regulations require cargo to be secured according to specific standards, and when these are ignored, both the driver and the trucking company can be held liable for resulting accidents.

8. Aggressive and Reckless Driving

Some truck drivers exhibit aggressive behaviors such as weaving through traffic or making sudden lane changes to meet tight deadlines or out of frustration. These reckless actions drastically reduce reaction time and increase the likelihood of a serious collision, especially in congested or high-speed areas. Unlike minor driving errors, aggressive driving often signals a blatant disregard for the safety of others on the road.

9. Hazardous Road Conditions

Road conditions in Maine vary widely and can pose serious risks for large trucks. Poorly maintained roads, potholes, sharp curves, narrow bridges, and lack of clear signage can all contribute to accidents. Even well-trained drivers can struggle to control a fully loaded truck when faced with sudden changes in road conditions.

10. Unfamiliarity with Rural or Narrow Roadways

Trucking accidents in Maine are especially dangerous on rural roads, which often lack adequate lighting, shoulder space, or signage. Drivers unfamiliar with these routes may make sudden or unsafe maneuvers.

11. Adverse Weather Conditions

Snow, sleet, ice, rain, and fog are common in Maine and dramatically increase stopping distances and reduce visibility. When drivers fail to adjust their speed and driving behavior, accidents are more likely to occur.

12. Following Too Closely

Tailgating is dangerous for any vehicle, but especially for trucks. Heavy commercial trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger cars, particularly when fully loaded. If the driver is distracted or speeding while following too closely, the likelihood of a serious crash, especially rear-end collisions, increases dramatically.

13. Failure to Yield and Unsafe Lane Changes

Failure to yield the right-of-way or making unsafe lane changes can result in sideswipes and serious multi-vehicle accidents. Large commercial trucks have significant blind spots on all 4 sides, especially on the right and directly behind the trailer, making it difficult for drivers to see smaller vehicles. When a truck changes lanes without properly checking these areas, the consequences can be devastating for unsuspecting motorists nearby.

14. Unrealistic Company Schedules and Priorities

Some trucking companies prioritize delivery deadlines over safety, encouraging drivers to skip breaks, exceed legal driving hours, or rush through difficult terrain. These systemic problems increase crash risks and may also contribute to chronic fatigue, poor decision-making, and higher turnover rates among drivers, all of which further reduce overall safety.

What Is the Most Common Cause of Truck Accidents?

Driver error remains the leading cause of truck accidents nationwide and in Maine. This broad category includes behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, aggressive driving, and impairment. Truck drivers are expected to operate large vehicles with extreme caution, but human mistakes—whether due to negligence, lack of experience, or pressure to meet delivery deadlines—can lead to catastrophic consequences. While not every crash is the driver’s fault, studies consistently show that the majority of truck accidents are initiated by driver-related actions or inactions.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Maine?

Truck accident liability is often complex and can involve multiple parties. Depending on the circumstances, the following individuals or entities may share responsibility:

• The truck driver if they were speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent.
• The trucking company if it failed to properly train the driver, enforce safety protocols, or maintain unrealistic schedules.
• The cargo loading company if the truck was improperly loaded or secured.
• Maintenance providers if faulty repairs or lack of upkeep contributed to the accident.
• Manufacturers if a defective vehicle part, such as brakes or tires, failed and caused the crash.

An experienced Maine truck accident attorney can help investigate the root causes of the crash, identify all responsible parties, and pursue full and fair compensation.

Why Mainers Choose Lowry Law After a Truck Accident

At Lowry Law, we understand how traumatic and life-changing truck accidents can be. When you work with our dedicated team, you can count on:

• Local Knowledge: With deep roots in Maine, we know the state’s roadways, trucking regulations, and local court systems inside and out.
• Strategic Case Building: We take a proactive, detail-driven approach to build a compelling case on your behalf.
• Relentless Advocacy: We don’t back down from powerful trucking companies or aggressive insurers. We push for the maximum compensation possible.
• Client-Focused Care: You’re not just a case number. We offer compassionate communication, regular updates, and legal support tailored to you.
• No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.

Truck accident cases can be overwhelming. Let our experience, determination, and Maine-based insight help you hold negligent parties accountable and secure the justice you deserve.

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Take the First Step With a Trusted Maine Truck Accident Lawyer

Whatever caused your truck accident, you deserve answers, accountability, and a legal team that will stand by you every step of the way. With over 50 years of combined experience handling complex truck accident cases, we know how to build a strong case, prove negligence, and demand the full compensation you may be owed.

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Maine, our team is ready to provide the strategic support and compassionate guidance you need, starting with a free, no-obligation consultation. Contact our dedicated Maine truck accident lawyers today and find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.