Any type of motor vehicle accident can be devastating, but a collision between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle can cause significant, even fatal injuries at low speeds that would otherwise be considered a fender bender between two like-sized vehicles. Large trucks like 18-wheelers and construction vehicles are complex pieces of machinery that require extensive knowledge and training in order to operate safely, which is why all commercial drivers are required to have a Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL) and a variety of certifications based on the nature of the cargo they haul, the specific type of vehicle they operate, and more.
Commercial truckers drive much further each year than your average passenger vehicle driver, and some drive up to 140,000 miles or more in 12 months, and many drivers will go their entire career without a crash. However, even the most responsible and professional driver may cause an accident due to carelessness, recklessness, negligence, or malice. If you or a loved one is hurt or killed in an accident with a commercial truck that the other driver caused, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Contact 1-800-Injured Today To Connect With a Truck Accident Attorney in Tallahassee
1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. After a truck accident, a victim and their family will have many new, stressful, and confusing responsibilities that they will need to address, such as ongoing medical care, dealing with sick leave and lost wages, and more. Trying to find an attorney who is ready to take your case can quickly move to the back of your mind, and many people will ultimately go through their entire insurance claim without legal support before accepting a settlement for far less than what they deserve.
When victims handle their own claims, insurance companies know that they can use the claimant’s inexperience and stress to their advantage. When a personal injury attorney is managing the claim on behalf of the victim, though, the insurance adjuster immediately recognizes that they will fight for the money their client deserves — all while the victim can remain focused on their recovery and getting their lives back on track.
Learn About Your Rights In a Free Consultation
Contact 1-800-Injured as soon as possible to schedule a free consultation with an attorney in Tallahassee after a truck accident. During your initial meeting, you will be able to go through the details of your situation with an experienced legal professional who will answer your questions and give you a better sense of how you can benefit from partnering with a personal injury lawyer. Simply not knowing what the future holds for your legal case can be highly stressful. After a conversation with a lawyer, you will be able to proceed confidently, knowing that there is someone dedicated to fighting for what you are rightfully owed.
Read more about common causes of truck accidents below, and contact 1-800-Injured to take the first step in your legal process today.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The following list of truck accident causes is not exhaustive, so whether or not you see your situation mentioned below, contact us as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of your case with a truck accident lawyer.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are required to follow an extensive set of rules known as “Hours of Service” that limit the amount of time they can spend behind the wheel in any given period of time. These restrictions are meant to reduce the risk of driver fatigue, but many reasons beyond work could cause a driver to be tired behind the wheel. Fatigue is shown to be more dangerous than alcohol in some cases, and a tired truck driver operating a massive vehicle can be a significant threat to everyone else on the road.
Intoxication
CDL operators have a BAC limit of 0.04, as opposed to a federal limit of 0.08 for adult drivers of passenger vehicles. In addition to limitations on alcohol consumption, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of any other mind-altering substance is illegal, and a truck driver who is intoxicated poses a real danger to all other drivers. If you suspect that the trucker you have been in an accident with is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, inform the attending officer immediately so they can perform a field sobriety test, breathalyzer, and more.
Speed
As a vehicle’s speed increases, a driver’s ability to control the vehicle may decrease, as does the time a driver has to react to unforeseen obstacles or hazards. In addition, the amount of time that it takes to reach a complete stop increases, especially in the case of an 18-wheeler or semi-truck that is hauling a large and heavy load. Speed is a factor in roughly 33% of all fatal vehicle accidents and many more non-fatal accidents.
Mechanical Failure
All motor vehicles are complex pieces of machinery, but an 18-wheeler is particularly complicated and endures a significant amount of wear and tear over long miles under heavy load. Depending on whether the truck is owner-operated or owned and maintained by a trucking company, a driver may or may not be responsible for their own maintenance, but regardless of who is responsible, a mechanical failure that causes an accident must be answered for.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive drivers intimidate and distract everyone else on the road as they weave in and out of traffic, tailgate, change lanes without signaling, flash their high beams to hurry other drivers, and more. Aggressive driving is dangerous in any vehicle but is particularly dangerous in a massive commercial truck. If you have been in an accident with an aggressive truck driver, it is crucial that you make a note of their behaviors as soon as possible so these details do not fade as you move forward with your claim. Inform the attending officer of their behaviors, as well.