Truck accidents are hazardous because of a commercial vehicle’s size and weight. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you know firsthand how difficult and overwhelming these situations can be. To help you understand what legal options may be available, we’ll look at the most common types of truck accident cases. Keep reading to learn more.
1- Trucker Fatigue
One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Trucking companies often put too much pressure on their drivers, leading them to drive long hours without adequate rest. This increases the risk of an accident due to errors in judgment or lack of alertness while operating the vehicle.
2- Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the top causes of truck accidents, as truck drivers are often on long and arduous overnight trips. With long drives and little rest, truckers can easily be at risk of getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink. This irresponsible behavior can severely affect truckers, passengers, and pedestrians.
Truck accident attorneys are often called upon to help those affected by this reckless decision. Being proactive and seeking legal advice from an experienced truck accident attorney following an accident is essential for anyone involved in a truck accident where drunk driving may have played a role.
3- Truck Rollover
A rollover accident occurs when a truck overturns onto its side or roof due to excessive speed, improper loading, or hazardous road conditions like ice and snow. Rollovers are often caused by sharp turns taken too quickly by distracted, tired drivers or impaired by drugs or alcohol. Potholes that are ignored by road maintenance crews could cause sudden jolts that can easily send an unsuspecting driver off course significantly if they were already speeding along at high speeds.
Malfunctioning equipment can be a primary contributor to truck rollovers. Whether from external or internal sources, defective items such as poorly maintained brakes and tires with inadequate tread depth that cause skidding or lack of control when taking sharp turns can lead to an unfortunate event.
4- Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when something causes the trailer portion of a semi-truck to slide out sideways at an angle until it meets the cab portion of the truck. These types of accidents tend to happen when a driver takes a turn too quickly, brakes suddenly, or drives over slick roads.
If you have been involved in a jackknife accident, it is paramount that you seek legal advice from professionals who are experts at dealing with such cases. Experienced truck accident attorneys can guide and protect your rights throughout the process.
When To Hire Truck Accident Attorneys – In Summary
As we’ve seen today, many factors contribute to truck accidents yearly, from driver fatigue and jackknife incidents to drunk driving, poor road conditions, and defective equipment. If you’ve been involved in one, you must seek legal counsel from experienced truck accident attorneys who specialize in handling these cases. With their help, you may secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your accident. It pays off financially and emotionally in the long run, so don’t wait; contact truck accident attorneys today.
