Obtaining Compensation after a Commercial Truck Accident
Aug 25th, 2009 by ANorman
Commercial trucks are everywhere and so is the danger large semis can pose to other drivers in given situations. This is because truck drivers have a more difficult time controlling their vehicle due to the auto’s weight and size, with most weighing more than 80,000 pounds and reaching 75 feet in length. In a traffic accident, they are more likely to jackknife as well, posing potential problems for more than one motorist on the road.
This is perhaps why the US sees more than 500,000 truck accidents annually. 5,000 of these collisions will result in a fatality with the passenger car driver being the victim 98 percent of the time. Thousands more motorists will face life altering, debilitating injury after a truck accident as well.
Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
There are a many reasons why a commercial truck accident can occur, with the top causes being:
- Driver Fatigue—although truck drivers are not supposed to work more than ten consecutive hours a day, many go past this deadline due to tight schedules. They are often motivated by bonuses that can be obtained by getting their loads to their destination on time. Unfortunately, this can mean driving while drowsy, which can result in a tragic accident.
- Speeding – speeding is also motivated by an incentive to get to their target destination on time. Truckers fail to consider however that they have a greater stopping distance than other vehicles and if a circumstance arose where they would have to stop quickly, they may not be able to. In such a scenario, a collision could be very likely.
- Improper load packing—Drivers are taught to secure their load properly prior to transport, but some may neglect this very important step for expediency’s sake. This can create uneven and unsafe weight in the truck which can lead to a truck accident.
- Lack of truck maintenance – semi drivers and/or their employers are supposed to make sure their vehicles are road worthy. This means making sure items, like all important brakes, are working properly. When a truck is not maintained it increases the chances of an accident as well as truck driver liability.
Other factors, like overly aggressive driving and DUI can also contribute to a truck accident. When this happens, injured motorists can pursue the responsible party in civil court.
Who is liable?
Trucking lines that employ drivers may be held accountable for any eighteen-wheeler they own that is involved in an accident. This makes them liable for the injuries incurred by collision victims. Of course, if the driver is an independent contractor, liability may shift. This is why it pays to speak with a qualified personal injury lawyer who understand the complicated ins and outs of commercial truck collisions and subsequent litigation.
Contact Quality Legal Representation
If a commercial truck accident has robbed you of your quality of life, or caused the death of a loved one, contact our law offices today. During a free consultation we will be able to advise you of your rights and explain how you can receive financial compensation for your injuries.
Call us toll free at 888.207.5321 and get the financial reparation you need for the numerous costs that often follow a debilitating accident.
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