When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the outcome can be devastating. Due to their massive size (a standard commercial truck can weigh more than 25 times than a car), they pose a special threat to motorists everywhere.
After an accident, it is not uncommon for victims to sustain serious injuries that prevent them from returning to a normal life.
Trucking companies can be notoriously difficult to deal with, but with help from the right Swanton truck accident lawyer, you may be able to get the compensation you deserve as a victim. Learn more about truck accidents and your legal options with a Swanton personal injury lawyer below.
Danger of Large Commercial Trucks
Despite the fact that truck drivers are required to undergo numerous hours of education and training, large trucks are involved in more fatal accidents than any other type of vehicle.
To make matters worse, trucks often transport highly flammable or dangerous materials and chemicals, which can cause fatalities. Drivers of large trucks must also be more careful than drivers of passenger vehicles due to their limited visibility and larger blind spots.
Truck drivers are also required to drive for long stretches of time, sometimes with no break. This is illegal, but often, truck drivers and trucking companies are on such a tight schedule that they are willing to risk the lives of others by forgoing breaks and rest.
Drivers have a legal and moral obligation to get an adequate amount of rest, but as history shows, fatigue is still a major factor in a great number of crashes.
Establishing Liability
It is easy to blame the truck driver for an accident, but in reality, you may be able to hold multiple parties responsible for your injuries. After meeting with your Swanton truck accident lawyer, you may find that you are able to hold the following individuals and entities responsible:
- Trucking Company
- Owner of the truck
- Manufacturer of the truck (if a part’s malfunction was the cause of the accident)
- Inspector of the truck
- Cargo Loader
Before a truck can take to the roadways, it is the responsibility of several different parties to ensure that it is properly maintained and safe to operate. If these parties fail to take this responsibility seriously, the chances of the driver causing a serious accident will increase.
Other Considerations in Truck Accidents
As mentioned above, trucks pose a special threat to motorists. Cases involving cars and commercial trucks frequently involve the following scenarios:
- Commercial trucks are harder to turn, and when they do, they often require the use of two lanes as opposed to one. When a truck veers into another lane without making sure that it is clear, disaster is almost certain to ensue. In many cases, courts have ruled that if an accident is caused by a two-lane turn, it is automatically the fault of the truck driver.
- Larger vehicles, in particular, commercial trucks, are prone to jackknifing. Jackknifing occurs when the driver of a big rig comes to a sudden stop and loses control. Slippery roadways are often responsible for jackknifing, so a Swanton truck accident lawyer may have to work harder to prove that the trucker is responsible.
Contact a Swanton Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, do not hesitate to contact a Swanton truck accident lawyer at our firm. We strive to represent you to the best of our ability, and we will not stop working for you. Get in touch with our firm today to learn more about our approach to truck accidents.