Trucks play a very important role in our economy. It transports food, clothing, and other essential products that people need for daily living. In the United States, there are over 15.5 million trucks that operate for different purposes, and though they are highly beneficial in bringing our daily essentials, we cannot deny the fact, that the peril exists in these giants of the road. According to statistics, 1 in 20 truck drivers are most likely be involved in a truck casualty and due to its gigantic size and weight, running a slow speed cannot guarantee both drivers safety when a truck collides into a smaller vehicle.
In trucking accidents, driver error is one of the greatest consideration. However, it does not necessarily mean that the truck driver is always at fault. Commercial truck drivers in fact are trained and informed of the perils the big-rigs they drive bring, most of them are doubling their caution, but other drivers of smaller vehicles should also be aware of the peril that exists being near large trucks and also they need to exercise caution to avoid fatal accidents to happen.
What are the most common caused of truck-accidents occurring in our roads nowadays?
Commonly, the most common factor that cause collisions involving huge trucks and automobiles are driver errors. Most of the time, car drivers fail to recognize the danger imposed by trucks considering its limited capabilities in braking, accelerating, and visibility. In time that both drivers are at fault in trucking accidents, a personalized injury case will be subject to the legal theory of comparative negligence that may lower the compensation of the driver with lesser fault in the accident.
What are the errors that car drivers usually commit?
- Driving in areas too near behind or beside a commercial truck that makes the smaller vehicle unseen by the truck driver. This is commonly referred as “No-Zones” is driving.
- Snake-driving, or abrupt changing of lanes in front of a commercial truck.
- Turning improperly in front of a truck in an intersection.
- Improper merging into traffic that causes a truck driver to hit the brakes quickly and placing other drivers at stake.
- Not slowing down or speeding up when a truck is trying to change lanes.
- Driving in between two large trucks.
The errors that truck drivers commit:
Most of truck drivers are trained and patient when driving in roads. They usually know their limitations when it comes to speed, the safety measures when it comes to turning. However, accidents still are inevitable and there are few dangers caused by commercial truck drivers.
- Insufficient training in truck driving technique, traffic regulations, defensive driving, and measures regarding safety.
- Pressures concerning schedules and unrealistic expectations given by commercial trucking businesses that causes their drivers to hurry and speed despite the present danger involved.
Accidents involving 18-wheelers and tractor-trailers are not something to be taken easily when legal battle is involved. In these cases, it is not only the driver who may be held liable, but most especially the trucking company where the driver works. If you are a driver of a smaller car and believes that you are not liable for the incident, you will need a lawyer to defend you cause since potential defendants to be identified for the recovery of your compensation.
Accidents involving commercial trucks often results to severe physical injury and damage of property. You need to speak to a lawyer immediately to review your case and know who are the people responsible to file your claim with.
About the Author
Atty. Emery Brett Ledger is the founder of The Law Offices of Ledger&Associates. It is a professional law firm bound to protect the rights and interests of victims of personal injury cases ranging from accidents, wrongful death, medical malpractice even up to work and employment concerns.
He is proud for the law firm because it has effectively represented plaintiffs through recovering millions of compensation fees. You can find him in Twitter @EmeryBLedger or View Website.
Personal Injury Law 