If you have been in an accident with a big rig or semi-truck, you know how frightening that situation can be. And, if you have sustained injuries, you could have grounds for a truck accident lawsuit. Read these frequently asked questions below to find out about your legal rights.
What causes contribute to truck accidents?
Truck drivers often speed or otherwise violate driving laws because they are under pressure to deliver the load on time. They are sometimes careless when tying down the load or securing cargo inside the trailer. Sometimes the driver forgets that he is driving a vehicle that weighs tens of thousands of pounds and is difficult to maneuver even under the best of conditions. Seeing those small cars can be difficult, but the driver must share the road.
How does driver fatigue contribute to truck accidents?
Most often when a truck driver causes an accident it is because they are fatigued. Fatigue is the biggest contributing factor to driver-related truck accidents, and is a known problem among distributors and drivers. Even the new laws which limit the number of hours a driver may operate the vehicle have not done enough to curb the number of accidents. Driver fatigue could be enough grounds to file a truck accident lawsuit.
When do most truck accidents occur?
Surprisingly, most fatal truck accidents happen during the day on weekdays. Most fatal car accidents happen at night on the weekends. Fatal truck accidents are also more likely to occur in rural areas and not on the interstate.
Does intoxication play a role in truck accidents?
Unfortunately, drug and alcohol use by drivers does play a role in some truck accidents, especially ones which are fatal. A study by the National Transportation Safety Board found that one or more drugs were detected in the blood of 67 percent of truck drivers killed in an accident.
Always consult with an experienced attorney who is familiar with the type of lawsuit you would like to bring. An attorney will help you navigate the confusing legal process to get you the compensation you deserve. To learn more, speak with skilled truck accident attorneys, wrongful death attorneys, medical malpractice attorneys, and personal injury attorneys in Pennsylvania.