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Tractor-trailer commercial trucks are also known as 18-wheelers or semi-trucks. These trucks can cause catastrophic damage when they are involved in an accident on the roadways. Because these trucks weigh several tons and carry substantial amounts of cargo, the result of an accident is often severe injuries or even death.
Causes of Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents
Truck drivers and trucking companies are under a legal obligation to ensure that they follow both federal and state safety regulations. When these safety regulations are followed, it prevents a majority of tractor-trailer truck accidents. However, trucking companies and their drivers are notorious for ignoring these simple rules. The common causes of tractor-trailer truck accidents include:
- Improper loading of cargo
- Overloaded or overweight trucks
- Driver fatigue due to failure to follow safety guidelines for rest, or unreasonable schedules imposed by a trucking company
- Failure to maintain tractor-trailer trucks properly
- Manufacturer defects of the truck or trucking components
- Negligent driving, including speeding, failure to obey traffic signals or only reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Failure by the trucking company to hire experienced truck drivers
- Failure by the trucking company to properly train truck drivers
- Defective roadways or hazards in the roadways
- Dangerous weather conditions
Prevention of Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents are typically the fault of the truck driver or the trucking company’s negligence. However, as a driver on the roadway, you should always take extra care when driving near a large commercial truck.
Make sure to stay out of the truck’s blind spots and keep visible by ensuring you can see both of the mirrors on the sides of the commercial truck. Always keep a safe distance to allow yourself time to brake or maneuver away from a commercial truck that begins to jackknife or lose control.
Drive defensively and always take extra care when passing or driving near a massive tractor-trailer. Finally, you should do your best to put distance between you and a tractor-trailer, if possible, to protect yourself as much as possible.
Types of Trucking Accident Injuries
Unfortunately, the types of injuries suffered in tractor-trailer accidents are typically severe. They may include traumatic brain injuries, aortic dissection, broken or fractured bones, whiplash, spinal cord injuries, internal injuries or bleeding, burns, lacerations, psychological trauma, or even death.
Contact an Experienced Tractor Trailer Truck Accident Lawyer
You are likely suffering from substantial medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering following your tractor-trailer truck accident. Insurance companies will try to get you to settle quickly for far less than you deserve.
We can help ensure that your legal rights are protected, help you negotiate with insurance companies, and build a strong personal injury case on your behalf to ensure that you receive the monetary compensation you deserve. You want a trucking accident lawyer that explains your legal rights and will work hard to win your case and ensure that you receive just and fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact our compassionate and experienced legal team at Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers in Florida at (850) 706-4533 or in Alabama at (251) 225-8676 or online today for your free consultation.