The injuries from a trucking accident are often massive. In a match between large trucks and cars, cars lose – and their occupants too often pay the ultimate price. For trucking accident victims, the personal and economic burdens can be overwhelming.
Because so many trucking accidents are severe, the government has created guidelines that trucking companies and their drivers must follow. They include:
Nearly 110,000 men, women, and children are killed or injured each year on our highways in crashes with big trucks. Those are just statistics unless it’s happened to you. Approximately one out of every four semi-trucks, upon inspection, are so mechanically deficient, that it is illegal for them to be operating on the roadways, and they are declared out of service.
These chilling statistics of injuries, deaths, and illegally operating and unsafe semi-trucks are simply unacceptable. Changes must be made in the trucking industry to protect our friends, our families, and the American motoring public.
Top Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
There’s nothing more nerve-racking than driving near a commercial truck. Even if the person is driving responsibly, it doesn’t change the fact that a minor mistake can result in a serious accident.
Understanding the top causes of commercial truck accidents may help you avoid trouble. Consider the following:
- Drowsy driving: If a trucker becomes drowsy while behind the wheel, there’s a greater chance of an accident.
- Distracted driving: This takes on many forms, including texting, talking on a cell phone, eating, drinking, and smoking.
- Driving while under the influence: Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medication can all influence a trucker’s ability to drive safely while following the rules of the road.
- Reckless driving: This includes behavior such as excessive speeding, illegal lane changes, and illegal passing.
If you’ve spent any amount of time driving close to commercial trucks, there’s a good chance you’ve witnessed a trucker doing something that increases the risk of a crash.
What to Do After a Car-Truck Accident
You hope that you’re never involved in a car-truck accident, but if you are it’s critical to know what to do. Here are the five basic steps to take:
- Move to safety: If possible, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic, such as to the side of the highway.
- Assess your injuries: Doing so allows you to take the appropriate action in regards to first aid.
- Call for help: Don’t assume that police and an ambulance will arrive. Call 911 to ensure that this happens as quickly as possible.
- Receive medical treatment: Paramedics can treat you at the scene, while also quickly transporting you to a local hospital for testing and additional treatment. Even if you don’t think you’ve been injured, it’s good practice to be examined by a qualified medical professional.
- Take action against the negligent party: This generally starts with filing an insurance claim, but could eventually lead to the courtroom. It’s best to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Truck Accident Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There’s no shortage of questions associated with truck-car accidents, but these are among the most common:
- How much is your truck accident case worth?
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
- How long does it take to obtain compensation from the negligent party?
- Are there any fees associated with a personal injury claim?
- How is fault determined in a truck accident?
- Who is liable in a truck accident? Is it the truck driver or the trucking company? Can it be both?
- What’s the statute of limitations on a Florida truck accident lawsuit?
- Does an insurance policy cover all of your damages?
If you have been in an accident with a truck, it should be investigated as soon as possible. Trucking companies require their drivers to contact the company immediately who will begin a thorough investigation with their insurance company. The insurance company has experienced investigators and attorneys on their side, you should have the same.
If you have had a loved one injured or killed in a trucking accident, hiring a trucking accident lawyer is a good way of letting insurance companies know just how serious you are about your trucking accident case.
Trucking accidents are complex and require the attention of attorneys with extensive trucking accident experience. If a tragedy like this happens to you or your family, consider contacting Terrell Hogan
You can reach us online or via phone at (904) 722-2228. We’re available to answer your questions, provide guidance, and protect your legal rights. We’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that you receive compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and related damages.
