There are many ways an accident can occur while driving on the road. Truck accidents are one of the most dangerous accidents that can occur because of how large they are. Trucks can weigh up to 30 times as much as a regular car, making them difficult to navigate and stop. If a driver behind the wheel of a truck does not handle the vehicle properly, accidents may occur that cause very serious injuries as well as possible death. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney.
Types of Accidents
There are several types of truck accidents that can happen while driving on the road. Trucks can be involved in collisions with other trucks or smaller passenger vehicles. How an accident takes place may depend on the weight and size of both vehicles that crashed. Some possible accidents may include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
Causes of Accidents
There are numerous factors that can lead to truck accidents. A common factor may be reckless driving on the road. If a truck is driving unsafely and over the speed limit, it is more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle due to its size and weight. An average truck needs the length of about two football fields to come to a complete stop. If may be more difficult for a truck to come to stop if the driver is speeding.
Excessive speeding may also make it difficult for a truck to follow safety regulations. This may include improper passing, unsafe lane changes, and following other vehicles too closely. Because they are so massive, trucks have limited visibility of their surroundings. Drivers often have large blind spots that can trap another vehicle, causing an accident.
A truck driver’s job requires tireless amounts of hours on the road. Drivers are limited to a certain amount of time on the road before they are legally required to stop. Laws restrict drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour work day, allowing them to drive no more than 70 hours a week. Despite this, truck drivers are often pressured to complete deliveries, causing them to sometimes drive while they are exhausted. It is possible for truck driving companies to be liable for an accident if they do not enforce driving rules.
Another possible contributing factor to truck accidents may be mechanical problems. This may include tire blowouts, brake issues, breakdowns, and more. These malfunctions can be avoided if the truck is properly taken care of. Sometimes liability of an accident may fall on the truck company, while other times it may require a product liability case due to a defective part.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a truck accident and seek legal representation, contact Trombly & Singer, PLLC. today.
The experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Trombly & Singer, PLLC are prepared to represent clients facing legal matters after being injured due to another person’s negligence. If you require strong legal representation in Washington D.C. or Maryland, contact our firm today to schedule a consultation.
