Big trucks like tow trucks, tankers, cement trucks, and flatbeds cause fatal damage when involved in an accident with an average car. In fact, more than 5000 deaths involving trucks are recorded every year in America. In most cases, truck accident cases settle, but a lot is involved in proving liability. Accidents occur when drivers are not paying close attention to the road and the surroundings. They also happen due to defective vehicles, fatigue, and unqualified drivers. In other cases, other drivers are also responsible for truck accidents. For instance, unpredictable lane changes or overtaking on the right can cause truck accidents. The accident can also be the company’s fault. From these details, it is clear that several parties can be liable for the accident. Here is a short overview of the leading causes of truck accidents and what a driver should do if involved in an accident.
Why Seek Legal Assistance After the Accident?
A driver must seek help from an experienced legal representative if they think they are not at fault for the accident. This is very important, especially when there are several vehicles involved. In a truck accident, it is not always the driver who is at fault. The driver of the other vehicle or the company which has employed them could be at fault, which is why the truck driver should seek compensation.
However, with everything involved and the liability issues, the driver may not know if they can get compensation. A truck accident attorney is the best expert the driver should have. The professional will figure out the best method to take. So, if you have been involved in a truck accident, get a lawyer to help determine if you are qualified for compensation.
Who Can Be Liable for the Accident?
Liability in a truck accident is complicated because there are several parties involved. The following parties may be liable for the accident, depending on the situation.
- The driver
- Trucking company
- The driver of another vehicle
- Government
- Alcohol vendor
- Truck manufacturer
- Cargo loader
Sometimes liability falls on more than one party, which means more proof is required.
The Main Causes of Truck Accidents
The leading causes of truck accidents are pointed at the driver. Here are the significant reasons.
- Fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driving while intoxicated
- Poor cargo loading
- Reckless driving
- Poor maintenance
- Bad weather
- Bad roads
- Lack of training
In all cases, the cause of the accident determines the party that will be held liable. The leading cause of truck accidents is long hours of driving, which leads to driver fatigue. Another major cause is defects in the vehicle that cause malfunction, leading to accidents.
How to Prevent Truck Accidents
While most fault falls on the truck drivers, there are many things that everyone using the road should do to prevent these accidents. Such things include:
- Paying attention when driving
- Driving defensively
- Maintaining safe distance
- Obeying traffic rules
- Using indicators
- Avoiding abrupt lane changing
- Passing the truck on the left
Final Thoughts
If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident, getting help as soon as possible is crucial. Every minute that passes delays your justice and compensation. Therefore, consult a truck accident lawyer to help you determine if you are eligible for compensation.
