Truck Accident Questions
What are the most common types of truck accidents?
There are numerous types of accidents involving trucks, ranging from fender benders to head on collisions. The more serious the accident, the more likely you are to suffer an injury. Some of the most common truck accidents can be categorized as follows.
- Jackknifing
- Overriding
- Underriding
- Rollovers
- Loss of cargo
Any of these conditions can lead to injury accidents involving nearby vehicles, usually with devastating results.
What are some common causes of truck accidents?
There are many factors that may lead to an injury accident involving a commercial truck. Some relate directly to the driver’s behavior and training, while others relate to pressures placed on the driver by those who pay them. Common factors that may contribute to truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue
- Intoxication
- Illegal drug use
- Speeding
- Unsecured loads
- Faulty equipment
- Poor training
- Adverse weather conditions
In many cases, a combination of these factors may be found to contribute to the accident. An experienced truck accident attorney can identify all the root causes and hold those responsible into account.
Who may be found liable for damages in a truck accident?
The driver is obviously the single most responsible party in any vehicle accident. However, many other people may also be found responsible either directly or indirectly for contributing to a truck accident. Additional parties may include:
- The trucking company
- A load crew
- Maintenance crew
- Equipment manufacturer
The trucking company who pushes their drivers to meet unrealistic quotas and fails to follow safety rules put thousands of people in danger every day and should be held responsible for the injuries they cause.
What do I do in the event of a truck accident?
The first thing you need to do is notify the authorities and seek medical attention right away. In most large accidents emergency crews will be on had to assist you, but if not, get yourself checked out in order to detect any injuries as soon as possible. Keep a record of the accident and write a narrative so you can recall details. Over time you will likely forget some of the details of the accident. Take pictures with the camera feature of your phone if possible and never admit to anybody any type of culpability on your part, even if you think you may have been partially responsible, the defendant’s attorney will latch onto this fact and may decrease the amount of damages you can collect.
The next thing you should do is find an experienced truck accident attorney to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. A truck accident familiar with all the nuances in a truck accident case will increase your chances of a successful outcome.
Please contact us today to help you find an experienced truck accident attorney in your area.
