Accidents are an unfortunate reality of sharing a road. Different driving skills, distracted driving, and weather conditions are all reasons why accidents happen. Consequences of an accident depends on a multitude of factors.
For example, truck accidents and their fallouts are quite different from regular motor vehicle mishaps. If you are a truck driver, you often have to navigate a large vehicle through quite treacherous road conditions. Here are some important tips and pointers for truck drivers.
A Tragic Thursday
On April 25, 2019, a semi trailer truck collided into traffic backed up on Interstate 70 in Denver, Colorado. According to traffic police, the driver was going over 80 miles per hour and his brakes gave out when he needed to hit the brakes.
He tried to swerve towards the shoulder of the road, but there was another semi truck already parked there. Four people lost their lives that day with an additional 28 vehicles involved in the crash.
What Should You Do?
What to Do When You’ve Been In a Car Accident
The chances of sustaining a serious injury in truck accidents is very high. The situation is exacerbated if passenger cars are involved. It is important to note that truck accidents are different from car on car accidents.. On top of that, you need to understand why truck accidents happen so frequently in the first place.
If you are lucky to come out unharmed in an accident, the first thing you should do, after having assessed the situation, is to speak to a truck accident lawyer. They are experts in their field and can help you get a much better deal from the insurance company. Remember, insurers are looking for an easy way out. If you believe you deserve more payout from an accident, then don’t hesitate to talk to an attorney.
Why so Many Truck Accidents?
There is a large difference between driving a small car and something as big as a truck. These accidents can occur for many reasons. Here are some common reasons truck accidents happen:
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Lack of Experience
Truck drivers usually require specially assigned licenses to operate a large vehicle. They are also required to go through extensive training before even getting on the road.
Employers are required to train their drivers on safety and proper technique. Unfortunately, some training by employers is not adequate. This results in inexperienced drivers going behind the wheels. This may lead to accidents.
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Overworked Drivers
Truckers are often assigned jobs that take them on ridiculously long-haul trips. Sometimes they will drive for over 12 hours at a stretch. This is usually the result of poor employer oversight and the need for money.
Truck driving is not exactly the most glamorous job and drivers do all they can to earn as much as they can by going the extra mile – literally. Driving anything, let alone a truck, exhausted and unrested while half-asleep is dangerous and frequently leads to accidents.
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Passenger Vehicles
Passenger vehicles have their fair share of faults in truck accidents. The most common reason for this is when car drivers drive in the blind spot of trucks. Trucks are large and naturally, they have a big blind spot. When a car breaks down, some drivers do not properly park their cars on the shoulder.
Many of them tend to be aggressive and attempt to overtake trucks. Some drivers are distracted, while others are trying to go way over the speed limit. Some will not adjust their driving to the weather and road conditions allowing for very little room or time to react. All of these things can lead a trucker into an accident with a passenger vehicle.
Involved Parties in Truck Accidents
How to Not Get Blamed for A Car Accident That Isn’t Your Fault
If you are the victim of a truck accident, then the legal dispute is between you and the other driver backed by the respective insurance companies. If it is a commercial truck you are tussling with, then other parties may get involved as well. The truck driver’s employer, cargo shipper (in case of hazardous cargo), contractors etc. are some examples of other parties that can be involved.
Truck accidents are usually serious and so things can get intense. If several parties are involved, then you may have to deal with multiple insurance companies at the same time. Needless to say, it can be a complicated process to navigate your way out of the legal challenges of a truck accident.
Legal Responsibilities Involving Truck Accidents
In any insurance claim case, there is always a defending party and a liable party. Certain cases may also make both parties liable to one another. Depending on which side of the coin you are on, you will want to remember a few things. Truck accidents can pan out in one of two ways: Jackknifing and Turning Accidents.
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Jackknifing
Weather can often take a turn for the worse and make the roads hazardous. Driving a big truck can be tricky in such situations. Often truck drivers need to make sudden swerves to avoid slipping off the road. This type of movement is called jackknifing. Jackknifing can often lead to accidents.
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Turning
When trucks turn, they need two lanes because of how wide they are. Passenger car drivers will occasionally try to make a quick turn through the inside lane and may collide with the truck.
A lot of factors may contribute to truck accidents. There may even be situations when the truck driver is completely without fault. Whichever side you are on, it is in your best interest to contact your insurer immediately. Additionally, you should call a truck accident attorney to make sure you have all your bases covered.
Each State has its Own Laws
Each state in America has its own laws. Truck accident laws are no different and as such, your case will be handled differently in each state. Texas, for example, reported the highest number of truck accidents in 2017. The state laws even have different definitions of what a ‘truck’ is. Your best course of action will be to hire a local attorney who is well-versed in the laws of the state you had the accident in.
How Can a Truck Accident Attorney Help You?
If you are involved in a truck accident, there is no doubt you will have to deal with insurance companies. The goal of any insurer is to resolve the matter quickly with as little pay out as possible. An accident attorney is working solely in your best interest and nothing else.
They can tell you exactly how much you can realistically get out of any claim. There will also be many things related to the case that may not be obvious to us but clear to an attorney. They can even get you a bigger payout than you think!
Accidents can be brutal on everyone involved. Whether you are behind the wheel of a semi-truck or a minivan, always be alert and focusing on the driving. . Drive safe out there!