Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Alberta
Commercial trucks are the backbone of Alberta's economy — moving fuel, lumber, food, and freight across the province every day. But when these massive vehicles crash, the results are devastating: catastrophic injuries, life-altering disability, and complex insurance battles.
Alberta truck accident lawyers who once defended insurers understand how preventable most crashes are. This guide explains the most common causes of semi-truck accidents, how liability works under Alberta law, and what to do if you've been injured.
This guide covers:
What Makes Semi-Truck Accidents Different?
Truck accidents are not ordinary motor vehicle collisions. They involve massive impact forces, complex regulatory standards, and multiple parties who may share blame — including the driver, employer, cargo loader, or maintenance contractor.
Key Differences:
Common Semi-Truck Accident Causes in Alberta
Truck accidents are often the result of preventable human error or corporate negligence rather than bad luck or weather. In Alberta, the most frequent causes involve violations of safety regulations, driver fatigue, and poor vehicle maintenance — all of which can make trucking companies legally responsible for resulting injuries.
Driver Fatigue
Fatigue remains the leading cause of commercial truck collisions. Many drivers exceed the legal 13-hour driving limit or falsify logbooks to meet strict delivery deadlines. Exhaustion slows reaction time and impairs judgment, often resulting in devastating high-speed crashes.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers frequently use cell phones, GPS systems, or radios while driving long distances. Even a few seconds of inattention at 100 km/h can mean travelling the length of a football field without looking at the road.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Semi-trucks take much longer to stop than passenger vehicles — sometimes double the distance. When drivers exceed speed limits or follow too closely, they create a severe risk of rear-end or multi-vehicle collisions.
Improper Loading or Cargo Shift
Overweight or unbalanced cargo is a hidden danger. Improperly secured freight can shift during transport, leading to the truck jackknifing or overturning. Responsibility may rest with the driver, the shipper, or the loading company.
Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance
Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering malfunctions are preventable causes of truck accidents. Alberta's Commercial Vehicle Safety Regulation requires daily inspections and up-to-date maintenance logs. Many carriers cut corners to save money.
Impaired Driving
Drivers operating under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or fatigue medications. Even legal substances impairing alertness can lead to disastrous consequences.
Inexperienced or Poorly Trained Drivers
Since 2019, Alberta has required all Class 1 commercial drivers to complete the Mandatory Entry-Level Training (MELT) program. Companies hiring unqualified or undertrained drivers may face liability for negligent hiring or supervision.
Unsafe Driving in Bad Weather
Alberta's winters bring snow, ice, fog, and high winds. Truck drivers must reduce speed and increase following distances in poor conditions. Failure to adjust for weather still constitutes negligence under provincial law.
Key point: Most truck accidents result from preventable negligence — whether by the driver, employer, or maintenance contractor. Identifying all responsible parties is essential for maximum compensation.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Semi-Truck Accident
Following these steps immediately after an accident can significantly strengthen your case and protect your rights to compensation.
Call 911
Call 911 and request emergency medical and police assistance.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention and document all injuries.
Take Photos
Take photos of the vehicles, skid marks, cargo, and road surface.
Record Identifying Details
Record identifying details — truck company name, plate, and DOT number.
Collect Witness Contact Information
Collect witness contact information.
Request the Police Report Number
Request the police report number.
Avoid Insurer Statements
Avoid insurer statements or signing documents.
Contact an Alberta Truck Accident Lawyer
Contact an Alberta truck accident lawyer quickly to preserve evidence.
How a Lawyer Proves the Cause of a Truck Accident
Proving negligence requires both legal and technical expertise. A skilled lawyer will:
Retrieve Black Box Data
Retrieve black box (EDR) data before it's deleted.
Review Driver Logs and GPS Records
Review driver logs and GPS records for hour and route violations.
Examine Maintenance Files
Examine maintenance and inspection files.
Subpoena Cargo Manifests
Subpoena cargo manifests and safety policies.
Work with Accident Reconstruction Experts
Work with accident reconstruction experts to pinpoint cause.
Quantify Losses Using Expert Reports
Quantify medical and financial losses using expert reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Most semi-truck accidents in Alberta are not random — they're the result of preventable human error and corporate shortcuts. Fatigue, distraction, and poor maintenance continue to endanger everyone on the road.
Get medical care immediately
Preserve all photos and records
Avoid insurer contact
Call an experienced truck accident lawyer early
Still have questions? Contact us today — your consultation is free.
Contact us today for a free consultation. No fee unless we win.