Due to their sheer size, truck accidents often lead to far more severe damages and injuries than traditional passenger vehicle accidents. Trucks can weigh up to 25 times more than a passenger car, and often carry hazardous or flammable material, making a bad situation even worse at times.
Many factors can lead to a truck accident, including but not limited to an under-qualified or poorly trained driver, driver fatigue, distracted driving, bad weather, poorly maintained vehicles, defective parts or speeding. In addition, under certain conditions trucks are prone to jack-knifing and due to their size restrict the truck driver’s view while navigating the roads. Trucks often have difficulties while turning, often requiring more space and up to two lanes to make a turn.
The U.S. Department of Transportation claims that in 2006 there were over 106,000 injuries and 4,995 fatalities due to truck accidents. It is important to be mindful of trucks while driving. Understanding a truck’s limitations when it comes to navigating the roads and stopping can help drivers avoid potential situations that could lead to an accident.
If people are involved in a truck accident, negligence often plays a big role in determining fault. If it can be determined that a truck driver or a trucking company “failed to exercise reasonable care,” accident victims can seek compensation to address medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. If a victim is killed in a truck accident, the victim’s family may be entitled to compensation as well, including future lost wages. It may be in a victim’s best interest to seek advice and guidance from a legal professional to learn how to proceed in filing a claim.
Source: Findlaw, “Truck Accident Overview,” accessed on April 7, 2015