Tractor trailers
A collision with an 18-wheeler can cause a wide range of consequences for drivers of all kinds. Drivers who are tired or unable to concentrate on their job could be more likely drive under the tractor-trailer. Distracted driving is a common reason for truck accidents, including distractions like texting and driving posing an increased risk to all drivers. Distracted driving also includes other common distractions, such as reading maps or using a cellphone. The truck drivers must be aware of road hazards such as potholes or uneven pavement.
These massive trucks typically transport goods across the country, and accidents that involve them can be deadly. To avoid accidents, drivers need to remain alert and focused. However, they may become tired or lose focus. The results of these accidents could be devastating for innocent drivers and passengers. Accidents involving 18 wheelers can cause massive damages to property and cause traffic delays. By retaining an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer, victims can be compensated for their injuries and lost wages.
Jackknife accidents occur when a large truck's articulated joints take a sudden turn. The trailer can swing outward and hit cars in the vicinity. If the truck is jackknifing it could also strike pedestrians or boat injury attorney accident lawsuit vehicles. It's hard to manage a jackknife accident but the speed of the jackknifed truck causes it to crash into other vehicles, resulting in serious injuries and deaths.
Conditions for poor weather
It is common knowledge that weather conditions that are not ideal can cause trucking accidents. While bad weather can be risky however, truck drivers have a duty to use extreme caution when conditions aren't the best. Truck drivers could be held responsible for injuries suffered if they do not stop in hazardous areas. A truck accident lawyer can determine if the weather played a role in the crash.
A truck driver is accountable for ensuring a proper braking distance. However snow and ice can increase the likelihood of a collision. Inclement weather can affect visibility and reduce the reaction time of truckers and result in collisions. In the end, drivers must slow down to avoid an 18 wheeler accident. Therefore, they may have to increase their travel distance to avoid an accident.
Truck accidents can also be caused by negligence by a driver in a passenger vehicle. A truck driver might be partly responsible for the accident however, a car driver may be at fault. Truck accident attorneys will utilize these factors to prove truck driver's negligence. Truck accident attorneys can assist you in obtaining the compensation that you deserve if you have been hurt by a driver's carelessness.
Truck driver's employer
You might be thinking that an accident involving an 18-wheeler was caused by the truck driver. To determine who is responsible for the incident it is important to understand the connection between the company that employs the truck driver and the commercial driver. While some drivers are directly employed by the company they work for, some are independent contractors who are under the direct control of a commercial vehicle. Based on the company, a driver could be dismissed for violating the safety regulations of the company or for breaking a regulation regarding their employment.
The legal doctrine of respondeat superior says that employers can be held liable for the actions of their employee, if those actions were committed in the course of employment. This law is applicable when a driver is operating a truck during work. This rule is difficult to apply if a driver isn't acting within the scope of their employment when an incident occurs. An motorcycle injury attorney that specializes in Memphis truck accidents can help you determine the proper parties to mention in your lawsuit.
In addition to the truck driver's employer, the other driver's employer may be liable for the accident. A shipping company may be held accountable for any damages caused by negligence by the employer of the other driver when they trusted their employee with an item. The employer of the driver may be held accountable for medical expenses and wages replacement benefits.
Driver distractions in trucks
A truck accident caused by a distracted driver can be a devastating incident. Distracted driving can cause severe injuries, including damaged spinal cords or broken bones, head trauma or disfigurement, death and even brain trauma. Truck drivers and truck accident commercial truck companies could be fined for sloppy driving. You could be eligible for compensation if you are the victim of a collision with a truck.
The first step in determining the root of an 18 wheeler collision is to determine the cause of the distraction. Truck drivers who are distracted can fall asleep behind a wheel or close their eyes for a few seconds. These distractions can lead to an accident that causes death due to their inability to recognize the mistake of another driver or aren't aware of the speed of an oncoming vehicle. Another contributing factor may be the truck driver's companion animal or co-driver.
Distractions can be in the form of manual or cognitive. Drivers could be distracted by talking to or eating customers. Visual distractions may include watching billboards or television advertisements, or changing the radio. Cognitive distractions may include contemplating a fight in the near future or daydreaming. In the same way, a truck driver might be distracted by noise inside the truck cabin. This is a major contributor to the accident that results.
Unsealed cargo
You may not even be aware that your passenger vehicle was struck by an unidentified truck. The truck driver is accountable to secure cargo in a proper manner, even if he did not load it himself. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict guidelines for cargo security. Risks of accidents can be dramatically increased if cargo isn't properly secured. Unsealed cargo is particularly dangerous and should be secured prior to transportation.
The loader, originator or the driver of the truck are all responsible for loading cargo in a safe and efficient manner. The person who started the cargo is also accountable for complying with the state and federal regulations, as well as the applicable regulations. An accident with a truck can happen due to cargo shift and other reasons. To prove that the cargo was secure, it must be maintained records from all parties.
Additionally, cargo that is not secured is a risk to other drivers. It could fall off the truck and crash into other vehicle and cause damage, as well as creating dangers for drivers. The cargo could hit other vehicles directly if it is thrown off the truck. This could cause injuries to the driver and the passengers. This means that the driver is more likely to commit mistakes when driving. Additionally, speed plays a huge part in trucking accidents. If the driver fails to keep a close eye on speed the driver could be held responsible for the auto accident lawyer.
Truck driver's negligence
Although it may be difficult to prove the negligence of a truck driver There are methods to make it easier. First, you must prove that the truck driver's negligence caused the accident. Negligence is the legal cause of an accident, regardless of the truck driver's negligence or poor driving. A court won't be able find someone who did not follow federal or state laws as being negligent, but it will be able to determine that the truck driver was negligent and is liable for their actions.
Truck drivers often make the common error of driving too fast or too far in order to avoid road conditions. When these circumstances are present truck drivers can end up crashing their vehicles, which in turn causes an accident. Truck drivers might also fail to take the required breaks, transport unsafe loads, or operate while under the influence or alcohol. Truck driver negligence could result in serious accidents. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Another error that a truck driver makes is not keeping the correct record of his the hours of driving. Many truck drivers are fatigued and may pull into the side or shoulder of the road. This could result in the truck tipping over or jackknifing. This could cause injuries to others. If the truck driver does not follow the warning markers, then they could be held accountable in an 18 wheeler accident lawsuit wheeler crash.
