While it may not seem like it, there are bigger differences when dealing with a truck accident than just the size of the vehicle. Although they are well insured, companies with commercial trucks will fire back at you with a whole legal team to avoid paying out for damage, injury, or even death. This is why the best thing you can do in such an event is to hire a trusted attorney to defend your interests.
To help understand liability in commercial trucks, let’s look at some of the main events that lead to truck crashes, and the reasons behind them. The following points are based on findings by a federal safety group:
This basically means the driver is not driving. Whether asleep or unconscious, their inability to be aware and in control of the vehicle is the cause of the accident. This could stem from a heart attack or seizure, overdose, falling asleep, or drug or alcohol-related unconsciousness.
In this case, the driver is awake but maybe not very aware. Things like overcompensating, panicking, driving aggressively or issues with directional control would all fall under this term. The related causes could be intoxication, distraction, fatigue, or inexperience.
The other side of this would be events like a failure to stop caused by ineffective brakes. And while the driver’s performance may not be directly to blame, it is still the responsibility of the driver or the company to keep their vehicles properly serviced and in good working order.
This means that the driver is not properly interpreting the conditions of the road. This could mean a failure to notice another car, to observe slippery conditions, or to slow down to meet the pace of traffic around them. These kinds of failures are usually related to distractions such as texting or streaming content while driving, other drivers or animals on the road, or being unfamiliar with their surroundings. They can also come about if the driver does not react in time to planned traffic stops such as lights or crosswalks, as well as unplanned or emergency stops like other accidents or police activity.
This is about choices the driver makes, whether routinely or in reaction to a given circumstance. Things like speeding, failing to brake on time, traveling too close to other drivers, or changing lanes in a dangerous way are all related to this idea. Obviously, drug/alcohol use or being overwhelmed are reasons that the decision-making process could be affected. And this entails more than illegal drug use, over-the-counter and prescription drugs can have disastrous consequences on a driver’s ability. There is also an inordinate amount of pressure on these truck operators to drive very long distances in very short amounts of time. For this reason, the issue of fatigue can not be stressed enough as a cause for poor decision-making.
Even in the most obvious instances of events and causes, there can be a legal battle ahead of you to get what you deserve from your accident. Take care of yourself, your interests, and your family by knowing your rights and seeking professional help.
blogs
Top 5 Reasons Why You Need a Personal Injury Lawyer
Accidents happen almost every time and sometimes so fast that you don’t have time to figure out the way forward. True, you might end up feeling stressed up because of the piling medical bills. The pilling finances might drain you, thus rendering you unable to work. Statistics reveal that more than 31 million people are […]
Five Products for Increased Automobile Safety
It should be no surprise that in Arizona and California, with the increasing dependence on cars, automobile accidents are increasingly likely. In the event of an accident, you want to have as many bases covered as possible – from minor repairs you can do yourself to getting yourself out of harm’s way as quickly and […]
The Car Crash and the Headache
As we slip into the cooler months, and there is more possibility of rain, it is important to keep safe on the road. Accidents happen, especially when it is raining out there in the desert. You know how to be safe – taking extra time on slippery surfaces, making sure you have your car inspected […]
Accidents with the Uninsured
Let’s say the worst happens and you find yourself in a serious car accident. Even if everything after the crash goes according to plan, it is a difficult and confusing process. But if you add to all this the fact that the other person is not insured, you could be left facing an absolute nightmare. […]
Winter Slip and Fall Accident Tips
Whether your winter is cold and snowy or just plain cold, winter is a time when slipand fall accidents are increasingly likely. Cold, wind, ice and snow are problems on their own and when they combine, it’s a perfect storm of injury possibilities. Typically, these conditions result in bruises and bumps, but there’s always the […]
Four Surprising Myths about Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries
Motorcycles have become a pretty popular way to get around in the country. In California alone, there are over 790,000 registered motorcycles. This number is set to increase as more people choose the convenience and the fun that comes with getting around on a motorcycle. But despite these increasing numbers, there are countless myths and […]
Winter Bicycle Riding Tips
With cold winds in your face and slick surfaces to navigate, the winter is not the ideal to ride on your typical bicycle. Many of us use a bike as our regular transportation, and some of us have our bikes tricked out for winter riding, as well. In order to make the most of your […]
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Pedestrian Accidents
The pedestrian fatality rate in Arizona is more than double that of the national average, at 1.61 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people. Most of these are male pedestrians, killed at a rate of almost three times as much as female pedestrians. Keeping pedestrians safe is everyone’s job, but as a pedestrian, you should understand the […]
Tips for Pedestrian Safety
We all know that walking to work is good for your health. The benefits of fresh air, increased heart rate, and the relaxing effects of movement are well documented. It’s healthy to walk anywhere! But, what about the risks? When you hear medical advice, suggesting that you walk more, you rarely hear about the dangers […]
Bike Maintenence Checklist
For those of us who bike to work, it’s clear that riding around is more than a hobby. Biking is something that can improve your mental and physical health. It can become a way of life, because to do it right takes commitment. You need to learn the best and fastest bike routes, have all […]
contact form
