Trucks are massive vehicles. These huge machines often weigh thousands of pounds and are carrying cargo that needs to be securely stored in the trailer. Because of the sheer size of these vehicles, we often trust that truck drivers are following all of the rules of the road and are keeping the safety of other drivers in mind.
Unfortunately, truck accidents do happen and when they do, they are often devastating. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a truck accident, read on to find out more about truck accidents and your options for filing a claim. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the process of filing a truck accident injury claim, you should strongly consider consulting with an experienced truck accident lawyer.
What Can Cause a Truck Accident?
Similar to car accidents, truck accidents can occur due to a variety of reasons. While there are too many potential causes to list here, a small sampling of issues that may lead to a truck accident is as follows:
- Truck Driver Inattention. If truck drivers are fatigued or distracted, they can easily lose control of these huge vehicles and collide with another car, a pedestrian or a stationary object such as a building. Many truck companies and government bodies insist that mileage limits be imposed on truck drivers to prevent them from becoming exhausted and falling asleep at the wheel. Additionally, the use of a cell phone or other distracting device could lead to driver distraction, which in turn could lead to an accident.
- Car Driver Negligence. For their part, other drivers on the road need to be careful as well. Driving dangerously around trucks is a recipe for disaster. Even if you are doing everything right, if another driver is maneuvering recklessly on the road, multiple vehicles may be affected in a truck accident.
- Poorly Manufactured Truck Parts. Truck manufacturing companies are held to rigorous standards. However, there are always mistakes that can occur when parts are checked for quality and safety. If there is a specific issue pertaining to a part of a truck, the parts manufacturers may be at fault.
- Improper Loading Techniques. The company that loaded the truck may also bear some responsibility in the event of an accident. Trucks need to loaded in very specific ways and all of the items must be secure. If not, accidents may occur.
- Negligence on the Part of the Trucking Company. The trucking companies themselves may be involved in truck accident cases. Their insurance companies will often be deployed immediately after an accident occurs in an attempt to close the case as quickly as possible. Truck accidents can involve significant amounts of money and trucking companies want to limit the amount they need to pay as much as possible.
Filing a Claim
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident and want to file a claim, the best first step is to contact a truck accident lawyer. These experts will handle all of the paperwork, deal with the insurance companies, and ensure that you are compensated fairly. Call today!
