A truck accident occurs when a large commercial vehicle, like a tractor-trailer or semi-truck, collides with another vehicle. These accidents can cause extensive damage and severe injuries due to the size difference between trucks and other vehicles. They often happen because the driver is tired, not paying attention, driving too fast, or because something goes wrong with the truck.
Listed below are some common causes of truck accidents:
Long hours on the road can lead to tiredness. Fatigued truck drivers may experience diminished concentration, slower reflexes, and an increased likelihood of making critical errors, contributing to the risk of accidents.
Distractions, such as phone use or in-cab activities, can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road. Inattention to the driving environment can result in delayed reactions to changing traffic conditions, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can severely impair a truck driver’s judgment and coordination. Impaired drivers may struggle to maintain control of the vehicle, jeopardizing their own safety and that of others on the road.
Truck drivers might speed under the pressure to reach their destination quickly and end up risking the safety of themselves and others on the road. Speeding limits a driver’s reaction time, making it challenging to respond promptly to unforeseen obstacles or stops.
Adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or fog can decrease visibility and road traction. This poses significant challenges for truck drivers, making navigating harder and increasing the probability of accidents during inclement weather.
Poorly maintained roads or construction zones may contribute to accidents. Uneven surfaces, potholes, or insufficient signage can challenge a driver’s ability to maintain control of the vehicle, potentially leading to collisions.
Improperly secured or distributed loads may lead to swaying, tipping, or loss of control, posing a serious risk to the truck driver and other road users. Regular checks and adherence to loading regulations are crucial to prevent accidents related to cargo imbalance.
Malfunctions in the truck’s components, such as brakes or steering, pose significant risks. Neglected maintenance, including brake or tire issues, can lead to equipment failures. These issues can compromise the truck’s ability to operate safely on the road, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can involve complex legal and insurance procedures, as multiple parties may be responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, and manufacturers of the truck. Addressing the aftermath requires thorough investigation, adherence to regulations, and help from a good lawyer with experience in truck accident cases to ensure fair compensation for victims.
Determining liability in a truck accident case involves considering multiple parties. Here’s an overview:
A truck accident lawyer will build a compelling case that establishes liability and demonstrates the extent of damages incurred.
The lawyer will collect police reports and witness statements to help build a comprehensive understanding of the accident. They’ll analyze any available surveillance footage to get an unbiased visual record and present it as evidence when needed.
They will also verify the electronic data from the truck’s black box to get objective insights into the technical aspects of the incident. Lawyers also gather other documentation, such as medical records, receipts for damages, and other evidence necessary to build a strong case.
Lawyers will present medical records to establish the extent of physical injuries. They will also engage with medical experts to provide insights into the long-term impact and associated costs of those injuries. The lawyers will compile the financial records of an injured party to demonstrate economic damages, like medical expenses, lost wages and property damage, and will present arguments in favor of the court awarding non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
To determine the liable party, the lawyer will scrutinize the truck driver’s actions, evaluate the trucking company’s hiring and training procedures, review maintenance records for the truck, and assess the driver’s qualifications. They also might inspect the truck to determine if any manufacturing defects contributed to causing the accident, and they’ll examine the road conditions to determine if the agency responsible for maintaining the road failed to ensure that it was safe for large trucks.
In some cases, there’s no clear evidence of one of the common causes of truck accidents listed above. In such situations, an attorney might hire an accident reconstruction specialist to testify about the cause of the accident.
Yes, brake failures can lead to truck accidents. Malfunctioning brakes may result in an inability to stop or slow down, posing a significant danger on the road.
Trucking companies can be held liable for truck accidents, particularly if they were negligent in maintaining the truck or in the training or supervision of its driver. Additionally, the company may be held responsible when a driver employed by the company is negligent and causes an accident.
Yes, adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or fog, can contribute to truck accidents. Reduced visibility and slippery roads increase the risk of collisions.
Improperly loaded cargo can lead to accidents by causing instability or shifting weight, affecting the truck's balance. This can result in loss of control and potential collisions.
Yes, inadequate maintenance can lead to equipment failures, increasing the risk of accidents. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are crucial to ensure the safe operation of trucks.