Truck accidents can be incredibly complicated events, often involving multiple parties and requiring a comprehensive understanding of state and federal regulations. These accidents disproportionately affect other drivers and passengers. In fact, in fatal truck accidents, 71 percent of the victims are occupants of other vehicles. Injured truck accident victims should take action to hold parties accountable for causing preventable collisions involving these massive vehicles on our highways.
The first step in the legal process is determining the underlying causes of a truck accident to identify liable parties. This requires a thorough investigation, consultation with industry professionals, and a meticulous review of evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and witness statements.
If you or a loved one have been in a truck accident, seek legal guidance from an experienced truck accident attorney immediately.
Most truck crashes happen due to driver negligence. The following are only some examples of the errors drivers can make that can instantly change the lives of others.
Truck drivers work long hours. Some might even push past their limits to meet tight delivery schedules. While there are laws in place to regulate how long a trucker can be on the road, enforcement is tricky.
The reality is that fatigue and drowsy driving are common in the trucking industry. The result? Slower reaction times, clouded judgment, or even falling asleep at the wheel. Unfortunately, trucking companies sometimes look the other way from drivers who ignore their rest breaks. For truck drivers operating heavy machinery, this can be deadly.
In an increasingly connected world, distracted driving has become a prevalent issue on the roads. Truck drivers are not immune to the temptation of using their smartphones or engaging in other distracting activities while operating their vehicles. Whether texting, making phone calls, using GPS systems, or even watching videos, distractions can divert a truck driver’s attention away from the task of driving and increase the risk of an accident.
Drugs and alcohol impair judgment, slow reaction times, and can lead to reckless behavior. The consequences of driving under the influence are amplified for a truck driver. In situations involving DUI, legal action is not only about compensation but also about holding these drivers accountable for their reckless actions. Truck accident lawyers understand the ins and outs of DUI laws and work to ensure the victims of these accidents get the justice they deserve.
Driving a truck is no easy task, and those behind the wheel must have proper training. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners regarding driver training, putting undertrained drivers on the road. In cases where driver incompetence is suspected, a truck accident attorney will look into the driver’s training records to see if the company provided adequate instruction.
Some collisions happen because the truck malfunctioned, and malfunctions might be due to an error on the part of the trucking company or another party.
Sometimes, it’s not the driver’s actions that cause an accident—it’s the truck itself. Mechanical failures are a common culprit. Brakes that give out, tires that blow, or steering that fails can all lead to horrific accidents. Trucking companies are responsible for keeping their vehicles in top condition. Unfortunately, some cut corners to save on costs, resulting in dangerous defects.
Every truck has a maximum weight it can safely carry. Exceeding that limit increases the risk of a rollover or loss of control. Unfortunately, some companies or drivers try to pack more into their trucks to save on trips, putting everyone on the road at risk.
In cases where overloading is suspected, an attorney will thoroughly investigate the truck’s loading practices and cargo records. The goal is to uncover whether negligence in loading the truck contributed to the accident.
Proper maintenance is essential for the safe operation of commercial trucks. Unfortunately, some trucking companies may neglect regular inspections and necessary repairs to cut costs and keep their vehicles on the road for longer periods. This negligence can lead to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, tire blowouts, or steering system failures, all of which can cause accidents that result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Trucks aren’t immune to the effects of rain, snow, fog, or ice. These weather conditions can make it incredibly difficult to control such large vehicles. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and high winds all create dangerous conditions for truck drivers. And when they lose control, other road users often suffer the most.
While a driver cannot be held accountable for the weather, they can be liable if they fail to slow down and drive with appropriate caution for the adverse weather. Driving too fast for conditions is a form of negligence that often leads to truck accidents.
Potholes, uneven surfaces, and construction zones can wreak havoc on a truck’s ability to stay on course. When poor infrastructure leads to a truck accident, victims may have a case against the local government or whoever is responsible for maintaining the roads. Similar to poor weather, a truck driver has a duty to slow down according to road conditions; when they do not, collisions and injuries can result.
Experienced truck accident lawyers understand that collisions are not just about property damage—they’re about life-altering injuries and losses. You need a dedicated truck accident attorney who takes a personalized approach to every case, digging deep into the specifics to uncover the real cause of your crash.
You must ensure the law firm you choose has the resources to fully investigate the cause of the accident and determine all liable parties. Further, you should take action quickly to ensure your truck accident attorney can preserve evidence properly, as trucking companies can lose or destroy key evidence in the days or weeks following a crash.
You don’t have to face the aftermath of your collision and injuries alone. Let a personal injury lawyer fight for you, starting with a free case evaluation.
