Truck drivers undergo a CDL class for training to help them navigate on the road and decrease hazards to other drivers around them. However, even with a CDL class semi-trucks still pose substantial risk to other drivers. Whenever they make mistakes that cause harm, it’s usually in your best interest to speak with a truck accident lawyer to determine what your options are.
Truck drivers need more room to simultaneously maneuver their truck and trailer, including stopping, slowing, or turning the vehicle. Their larger size also adds to the dangers in an accident since they can cause severe damage to smaller passenger vehicles.
Semi-trucks have larger blind spots due to limited vision around the large tractor trailers they are pulling. Drivers may have more trouble seeing those small cars around them resulting in the semi-truck running a car off the road. They may make dangerous maneuvers if they do not remain aware of these blindspots.
Semi-trucks often carry heavy or hazardous loads on these tractor trailers. Those loads can add an additional element of danger in an accident.
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. These long hours can lead to road haze, making it more difficult for drivers to pay attention to the road.
Semi-truck drivers may also be more likely to drive distracted due to long hours, a sense of isolation, or illegal drug use. Long hours may also translate to wear on the truck’s tire and could result in a dangerous tire blowout.
The Key Differences Between a Semi Truck Accident and Other Car Accidents
A semi truck accident does bear some critical differences to other types of car accidents. The biggest differences:
Semi truck drivers as well as the tractor trailer trucking company must adhere to stricter regulations than private passenger vehicles and drivers. This includes the number of hours a truck driver can drive in a day as well as regular drug and alcohol testing, driver evaluation, and more. Drivers who do not follow the rules and regulations can be reported for safety violations.
Semi truck drivers carry more weight on their tractor trailer. As a result, an accident with semi trucks create more dangers because they can result in more serious injuries.
Big trucks carry higher coverage in their insurance policies. This can provide a higher level of protection to drivers who suffer serious injuries in a semi truck accident.
The Unique Regulations Governing A Commercial Trucking Company Mean You Need a Truck Accident Attorney with Experience
If you suffer injuries in an 18 wheeler truck accident, you need big truck accident attorneys with the specific legal experience needed to help you with your case. This includes knowledge about investigating a truck driver’s background and past driving history as well as checking logbooks or evaluating trucking industry regulations to determine how a truck driver’s actions may apply to your claim.
A Truck Accident Requires Hours of Study and Comprehensive Understanding of the Law
Due to the complexity of the law around many 18 wheeler truck accident claims and the hours needed to investigate, it is important to have a truck accident attorney who understands the specific elements of your claim and how they may impact the funds you can receive. You want an experienced truck accident attorney who understands the difference between trucking a accident and car a accident and will build the best case possible.
Truck Accident Statistics
These dangerous accidents involving big trucks occur at an alarming rate across the nation. While 18 wheelers are vital to the transportation of goods across the nation, it’s important to consider how those transportation efforts have the potential to impact other drivers, especially when semi-truck drivers fail to follow regulations assigned to them.
Being awake for more than 18 hours can impact a driver just as much as drinking to a BAC of 0.08%.
Commercial trucks account for 3% of vehicles on the nation’s highways, but 13% of passenger vehicle deaths.
Fatigue plays a heavy role in as many of 75% of run-off-the-road crashes, according to a 1995 National Transportation Safety Board study.
In 2017, at least one driver-related factor was involved in 32% of large truck crashes including fatal injuries.
Fighting for Your Rights After a Trucking Accident: Contact an Attorney Today To Get Help With Your Case
You cannot get the compensation you deserve for severe truck accident injuries on your own. An experienced truck accident attorney can provide substantial support through every phase of the process, from hours of investigating your claim to negotiating on your behalf.
Having an attorney on your side can substantially simplify your road to compensation and increase the odds that you will ultimately receive the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help with your case.