Truck Accidents: Why They Occur And How To Get Compensation For Your Injuries

Trucking accidents occur every day. In fact, there are between 41,000 and 45,000 truck accidents annually in the U.S. Because of the massive size and weight of trucks, they can do some severe damage if they crash into other vehicles. Drivers who have been hit by trucks have suffered concussions, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and other serious injuries.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Driving a commercial truck is a lot different than driving a regular vehicle, so truck drivers must complete specific training before they are allowed out on the road. They must also adhere to several safety precautions once they are certified to drive. Unfortunately, truck accidents still happen. Here are some of the common cause of trucking accidents:

Poor Truck Maintenance: Trucking companies are required by law to properly maintain their trucks and document all their maintenance checks. If these companies neglect to maintain their trucks, the equipment can malfunction and cause an accident on the road. If the brakes give out, for example, it can cause a truck driver to crash into the vehicle in front of him or her.

Fatigue: Truck drivers are only allowed to drive so many hours in one day to prevent fatigue. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers follow this rule and choose to drive when they are tired. When truck drivers are tired, they won't be able to concentrate on the road and may crash into other vehicles.

Speeding: Speeding becomes even more dangerous when a truck driver does it. Trucks weigh a lot more than the average vehicle and can do some serious damage if they're being driven at a high speed. Unfortunately, some truck drivers are under pressure to make their deliveries on strict deadlines and may speed to get to their destinations on time.

Distracted Driving: It's important for truck drivers to focus their entire attention on the road, even when there is not much traffic. If they send a text message or eat while they are behind the wheel, they may take their eyes off the road and cause an accident.

Overloading: A truck is designed to carry only so much weight at a given time. If a truck driver overloads his truck, it can lead to tire blowouts and other problems. It's important for a truck driver to make sure his truck isn't overloaded before heading out on the road.

Inadequate Training: While all truck drivers are required to complete training before heading out on the road, not all of them receive adequate training. Truck drivers who aren't properly trained how to operate commercial trucks are more likely to get into accidents.

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer for Truck Accident Injuries

If you suffered injuries from a truck accident, you may want to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. A lawyer, such as those at Spesia & Ayers Attorneys At Law, can help you gather the evidence you need to build a strong case against the truck driver who hit you. During your initial consultation with a personal injury attorney, be sure to ask him or her plenty of questions about his or her education experience, such as:

  • Where did you attend law school?
  • How many truck accident cases have you handled?
  • Do you think I have a good chance of winning my case?
  • How much time do you have to devote to my case?

Asking a lawyer all of these questions will help you determine if he or she is the right person to assist you with your case. A personal injury lawyer may also ask you several questions during the first meeting, such as how the accident occurred and what injuries you suffered. Make sure you are prepared to answer them.


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