Determining the root cause of your semi-truck accident is a crucial step toward building the strongest case possible. Finding the liable party helps streamline the claims process and allows your truck accident lawyer to focus our efforts where they are most needed. However, truck accidents may result from a wide variety of circumstances and causes that do not apply to passenger car wrecks. Investigating a truck crash requires a familiarity with not only big rigs themselves, but also with the commercial trucking industry. Still, in general, the causes of truck collisions can be narrowed down into two different categories: driver error and external factors.When the Trucker Might Be at FaultSome examples of driver errors that can cause truck accidents include:Driver Fatigue – Every state has different guidelines regarding how long a commercial truck driver is legally allowed to be behind the wheel before a break is required. However, federal regulations mandate that a truck driver can be on the road for no more than eleven hours at a time. Failure to comply with these regulations could make either the driver or the trucking company financially responsible when a crash happens.Speeding – Speeding is something that no driver should ever do, no matter what type of vehicle is involved. However, 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are especially dangerous when they are going too fast. Their size makes it even more difficult to stop quickly if needed, which could lead to a devastating collision.Distracted Driving – Commercial truck drivers are often required to embark on incredibly long journeys in one sitting. As such, they may find that their focus on the road wanders, causing them to become distracted by items like their cell phone.When a Third Party Might Be to BlameIn addition to a truck driver being responsible for harm, sometimes truck accidents are caused by third parties or factors beyond the truck driver’s control. These may include:Equipment failure within the truck. Trucking companies are responsible for the upkeep of their fleet. Thus, if equipment failure contributed to the wreck, then the company may be liable.Construction on the roads. Poorly marked construction zones or negligent acts by construction companies may cause serious truck wrecks. In these cases, the company or agency in charge of the construction may be to blame.Unsafe driving habits from a third motorist. In some circumstances, your truck accident may result from reckless driving on the part of another motorist. For example, if a car cuts in front of a commercial truck, then the truck driver may try to swerve to avoid a collision. This can cause serious injuries if the truck swerves into another vehicle.Improper driver training by the trucker’s employer. Truck drivers require special licenses and extensive training. However, some companies may send unqualified or novice drivers out on the road to maximize profits.Dangerous road conditions. Poor conditions on the road due to negligent design or lack of road maintenance can cause serious wrecks. If this is the case, then the government agency in charge of the road may be to blame. These cases are complex, as different rules apply to claims against the government.