Semi-trucks are typically more dangerous than the average passenger vehicle. This is because semi-trucks are generally more difficult to control and maneuver due to their large size and weight. Like most commercial trucks, these vehicles take longer to brake as they usually carry large cargo, which can weigh the vehicle down. Also, many trucks carry hazardous materials, which can lead to explosions occurring during a collision with another vehicle.
If you have been involved in a semi-truck accident that wasn’t your fault, we highly recommend seeking legal representation. Semi-truck accidents can be dangerous, and the consequences of accidents such as these can be very serious as they can lead to the parties involved sustaining serious injuries. At The Law Place, our semi-truck accident lawyers know how devastating these accidents can be. Receiving medical care to treat serious injuries that usually follow an auto accident can be extremely expensive. We’ll fight to ensure you get the highest amount of compensation possible for your claim so that you can cover the financial losses you’ve incurred as a result of your truck accident.
Call us at (941) 444-4444 to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident attorney and see how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), semi-trucks accounted for 5,000 accidents that resulted in fatalities in 2017 in the US. Some common causes of semi-truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving – A truck driver can be distracted by things such as GPS systems, cell phones, and other drivers. When a truck driver doesn’t have their complete focus on the road, they put other drivers as well as pedestrians at risk.
- Speeding – Drivers who speed are less likely to be able to brake quickly with enough time. Colliding with a vehicle at high speeds can be devastating for all parties involved.
- Reckless driving – Reckless driving includes running stop signs, racing other vehicles, and texting while driving.
- Truck drivers receiving inadequate training – Trucking companies sometimes fail to adequately train their semi-truck drivers. Semi-trucks are large vehicles that can be difficult to operate, so training drivers is essential to prevent accidents.
- Driving under the influence – Being intoxicated impairs judgment, reaction time, and vision. When a person drives under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, they put other drivers on the road at risk.
- Fatigue – Semi-truck drivers normally drive their vehicles for long hours with few breaks, making it difficult for them to stay awake. Fatigued drivers are more likely to accidentally run red lights and react more slowly when an accident occurs.
- Faulty vehicles – When a truck is faulty or has defective parts, it can be very dangerous to use the vehicle. For example, if the brakes are faulty, it can take the vehicle longer to brake or may not brake at all, which could cause a collision.
- Heavy loads – When a semi-truck is loaded with heavy cargo, braking time is longer, and the vehicle may descend an incline quicker than expected, making the driver lose control. Also, improper loading of a commercial truck can cause the vehicle to be unbalanced and fall. Left unchanged, overloaded, or improperly loaded cargo can cause devastating effects for drivers as well as pedestrians.
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Preventing Truck Accidents
It’s important for both truck drivers and other vehicle drivers to obey the rules of the road and drive responsibly while operating their vehicles in order to prevent truck accidents from occurring. Ways to prevent trucking accidents include:
- Avoid truck driver blind spots.
- Give clear signals.
- Avoid distractions.
- Avoid driving alongside a truck when possible.
- Train truck drivers adequately.
- Check cargo amounts and ensure consumer goods are packed properly.
- Inspect trucks regularly.
- Truck drivers should rest regularly.
- Obey speed limits.
Damages an Attorney Can Help You Claim After a Semi-Truck Accident
You may be entitled to claim compensation for your truck accident. Damages you may be entitled to include:
- Medical bills – If you have sustained an injury during your accident and therefore received medical treatment, you may be able to claim compensation to cover medical expenses. Catastrophic injuries may require surgery or other expensive medical treatment to treat them, so seeking compensation to cover these costs is crucial.
- Lost wages – A personal injury attorney can help you recover lost income if you have been unable to work due to your injuries.
- Property damage – If your property, including your car or cell phone, has been damaged in the crash, an attorney can help you cover the repair or replacement costs by winning compensation for you.
- Pain and suffering – These damages cover physical pain and emotional trauma after your truck accident. A truck accident attorney will review your case and determine if you can claim for these damages.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to a truck accident, you have the right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation to cover expenses such as funeral costs and medical bills the deceased person incurred before their death.
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What Can a Personal Injury Attorney Do for Me?
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it’s highly recommended to seek legal representation. Once an attorney has reviewed your case, they can:
- Provide legal advice.
- Collect evidence to strengthen your case.
- Prove truck driver negligence.
- Calculate damages that you could claim.
- File your claim.
- Lead negotiations with your insurance company.
- Seek compensation from the insurance company of the at-fault driver if necessary.
- File necessary paperwork.
- Represent you in court.
Having an experienced legal team fighting in your corner can significantly increase the likelihood of receiving the compensation that you deserve. A truck accident lawyer will review your case and determine what legal options you may have moving forward.
We offer our clients a free case evaluation so that you can see how we work before choosing to hire us. We work on a contingency basis which means you won’t have to pay for our services unless we’re successful in your case. During your free case review, an attorney will be able to estimate how much compensation you may be owed and then fight to ensure you receive it.
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Contact The Law Place
Semi-trucks can be dangerous for various reasons. The sheer size of the vehicle makes it dangerous, particularly for smaller vehicles on the road. What’s more, semi-trucks usually carry heavy cargo, which adds more weight to the vehicle, making it more difficult for the truck driver to control the truck and brake quickly. Large semi-trucks also often carry flammable objects that can cause an explosion if the vehicle topples or collides with another vehicle.
At The Law Place, we have 75 years of combined experience handling semi-truck accident cases, so you can rest assured that your case will be dealt with by trained professionals. By hiring our legal services, you could receive compensation for your accident and alleviate the financial stresses you may have been feeling as a result of the large debts you’ve recently incurred.
Our phone lines are open 24/7 so call us at (941) 444-4444 to schedule your free consultation today.
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