By Pijus Maity
Even though we do not wish this to be true, sometimes the road can be very dangerous. You won’t believe it, but small cars have the potential to get into severe car accidents.
However, big vehicles like trucks cause accidents that can lead to severe and devastating consequences.
Commercial trucks are enormously large and heavy, which is why the aftermath of such accidents can be truly catastrophic.
There are instances where the victims have escaped truck accidents with their lives. However, they often suffer from grievous injuries and endure extensive rehabilitation.
Truck accident attorneys represent these victims! They most often participate in negotiations and, when negotiations fail, in litigation.
These legal specialists have a solid understanding of the legal framework regarding big rig accidents and their many causes. This knowledge is necessary for formulating a strong case on behalf of the victim.
In this blog, we will discuss the common causes of truck accidents. We will also examine how accident attorneys play a major role in solving accident cases and further help you navigate the legal field.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Many factors, including driver behavior, environmental conditions, and vehicle maintenance, cause truck accidents.
In addition, some other factors, such as weather, improper cargo loading, and inadequate training, can also contribute to accidents.
In this section, I will discuss the common causes of truck accidents. Read on…
Driver Fatigue
Long work hours are often necessary in trucking to fulfill very tight delivery schedules. But they are taking the necessary measures.
In recent years, some legislation and regulatory measures have attempted to limit the number of hours truck drivers work. The most important of these is the Hours of Service (HOS) regulation.
Distracted Driving
Just like in the case of any other road users, there are times when the truck drivers get distracted because of several things. These cause of distractions include the use of mobile phones or even looking at the GPS for navigation.
But, don’t we all know we need to have focus when driving? You see, anytime a big rig isn’t under the control of a fully attentive driver, it can cause catastrophic crashes.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Some truck drivers exceed speed limits to meet delivery deadlines. Driving a truck at high speed is especially risky. Why so? Due to their weight, trucks require a longer stopping distance.
This is even more true when the driver is doing other risky things, such as
- Tailgating (which is dangerous in any vehicle),
- Driving too closely behind the vehicle ahead
- Changing lanes improperly.
Improper Loading
Cargo that is loaded incorrectly has the potential to move while being transported, which can undermine the truck’s stability.
An overloaded truck is more difficult to control. When a truck is out of control, it is more likely to experience a rollover, jackknife, or some other failure.
Poor Vehicle Maintenance
While trucking companies and drivers are responsible for ensuring that their vehicles are properly maintained, some try to save money by skipping necessary maintenance.
When vital systems like brakes or tires are allowed to run in substandard condition, the chances of hazardous breakdowns increase, especially when those systems are put under the strain of long-distance travel.
Driving Under the Influence
Even though federal laws impose stringent drug and alcohol regulations on commercial drivers, many of those drivers operate their vehicles while under the influence.
Not surprisingly, such impaired judgment and motor skills have a direct bearing on a driver’s ability to perform safely.
Reaction time and sound judgment are the two most essential components of safe driving.
Adverse Weather Conditions
Weather conditions always impact trucks and drivers in several ways. Being a driver myself, I have faced many issues due to extreme fog or heavy downpour.
So, yes! Adverse weather can be a challenge for you and impact your stopping distances. As for the trucks, it may take more time to stop if the road is icy, foggy, or wet.
Not all drivers have been properly trained and can adjust their driving when the weather turns bad.
Some drivers are not experienced, while others may not take the weather seriously. Both types of drivers can cause accidents.
Road Conditions and Infrastructure Issues
Finally, there are several reasons why truck accidents occur. These can be distracted driving (as I have already mentioned) or faulty vehicles.
However, did you know that nearly 48% of the road accidents that happen is because of poor road conditions? Yes, you have read that right!
When roads are under construction, they are literally in a bad shape. These roads are unsafe for driving.
And if you thought that you could drive that commercial truck smoothly like butter on that road, then I don’t know if you were being a fool or were just overestimating yourself!
Even well-trained drivers can have trouble steering an enormous rig around potholes, down steep inclines, or through sharp turns.
Improper signage or lack of information/warnings regarding road conditions also contributes greatly to year-round truck accidents.
How Attorneys Address Truck Accident Cases
Attorneys who specialize in truck accidents can help you investigate cases, gather evidence, identify potentially liable parties, and further help you navigate the complex legal landscape.
So, if you are planning to get yourself a good accident attorney, these are the processes that you may go through!
Investigating the Accident
Truck accident attorneys do meticulous work to find out what really happened. They investigate the accident like detectives to determine its true cause.
Their work might involve gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, maintenance logs, videos, and several others.
Identifying Liable Parties
Cases involving truck accidents can have several parties involved, such as:
- The truck driver of an 18-wheeler
- The freight carrier
- Automakers (if a mechanical failure was involved)
- Cargo loaders
- Government entities (if poor road conditions or signage was a factor)
Attorneys analyze evidence to ascertain who is liable and construct a formidable case against the parties responsible.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies and trucking firms try to minimize payouts. They have many ways of doing this.
Some of their methods are legitimate, while others are highly questionable at best and unethical or even illegal at worst.
Filing a Lawsuit
Attorneys file lawsuits for failed negotiations. They present evidence in courts to prove negligence and liability and seek maximum compensation for their clients.
Utilizing Expert Witnesses
Sometimes, accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and trucking industry specialists support attorneys in their work.
These specialists strengthen cases and convince juries that injuries and damages are serious.
Pursuing Maximum Compensation
Truck accident victims might qualify for different types of compensation, including:
- Costs related to medical care
- Lost wages and potential earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Property destruction
- Wrongful death benefits (for fatal accidents)
Advocating for Stricter Regulations
Lawyers call for tighter trucking regulations to safeguard road users. They want strong enforcement of the rules on how long a truck driver can work.
Moreover, it must include better training for the people. This can help these huge rigs and the superior upkeep of the trucks themselves.
Truck Accident Attorneys Can Offer Help with Your Case
Crash cases involving trucks are intricate and take considerable legal knowledge and skill to resolve.
You may find many causes, and many parties are liable to the cause. Thus, when a truck accident victim needs to pursue a compensation claim, it’s usually critical to have an experienced lawyer on their side.
Experienced truck accident attorneys know what to look for. They know where to dig and how to investigate. Moreover, they also know what the law requires to prove the necessary elements of a case.
