Truck Accident Lawyer

Here’s what you need to know.

Some Facts About Truck Accidents

There are many factors that can be the cause of a commercial truck accident. More so than with your average vehicle, it is important that the driver has an extensive knowledge and possess the proper licensing in order to operate this type of vehicle. Hiring an attorney can help save you from the financial, physical, and/or emotional trauma you may have endured from your accident. With many firms, you are just a number. We guarantee that fighting for you and your rights will be our top priority and main focus.

Here are some factors that might contribute to a commercial trucking accident:

Brake issues – It is important that a commercial vehicle is properly checked and meets all of the necessary requirements before being able to transport commodities. Commercial trucks need ample time and space to stop as they are much larger than your average vehicle and take some time to maneuver. It is important that if you see a commercial truck, you respect the space they need and give them the appropriate time to stop or merge lanes. Speeding up or not letting a commercial truck merge can be extremely dangerous so it is important to practice patience when a truck is driving near you.

Traffic issues – Traffic flow can also be a prime cause of truck-related accidents. Not giving yourself enough time to stop when behind a commercial truck can be extremely dangerous. Rear ending a commercial truck, dependent upon the size of your vehicle, can cause you to slide completely under the truck, resulting in lifelong injury, totaling of your car, and even death.

Sobriety – Commercial truck drivers must work very long hours and sometimes even survive on nights without sleep. There have been many cases of commercial truck drivers using prescription drugs to stay awake or even being under the influence of illegal substances or alcohol. The risk of injury or death when driving under the influence is already high but when you are operating a huge machine like a commercial truck, the rate is much higher. If you see a commercial truck driver driving erratically, it is important to contact your local police station immediately and to stay a safe distance away.

Roadway confusion – Commercial truck drivers have to transport numerous items and make many stops to deliver these items. This could be within the same state or even transporting commodities to another state entirely. Usually, these drivers are well briefed and prepared for these situations but there are times when unfamiliarity with directions or the roadway can be a cause for danger. If a truck driver looks down at his phone for directions for even a second or looks away to do or grab something, they are running the risk of hitting another vehicle in front of them and severely damaging a car or injuring an individual. It is important, especially when operating a commercial truck, to be attentive at all times and to pull off the road if feeling fatigued or after driving for too many hours. Truck drivers have a certain number of hours they are allotted to spend on the road and must take mandatory rest breaks before being able to return to the road.

Construction issues – Lane closures and construction issues can be a prime cause of commercial truck accidents. As a truck needs more space and time to maneuver, in construction zones this can create for issues having enough space to merge, the ability to see another vehicle in a truck’s rearview mirror, and having enough time to stop. Respecting the space and always allowing trucks to merge as needed can help prevent an accident, as well as potentially save your life.

Fatigue – One of the most common issues with truck-related accidents is fatigue. Although commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to certain rules and regulations for spending hours on the road, oftentimes these rules are not adequately followed. Commercial truck drivers often must make overnight trips resulting in inadequate sleep patterns. Studies show that operating a vehicle while being extremely fatigued can cause symptoms as if being under the influence. It is important when operating a vehicle of any kind to be adequately rested, to ensure the safety of other drivers around you.

More Information

Some location-specific truck accident content can be found in the links below:

• New Mexico
• Houston
• San Antonio