Sharing the road with large commercial trucks is a common experience for most drivers. While most trucking companies prioritize safety, there are instances where their actions or negligence can endanger other motorists. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a truck, consulting with experienced truck accident lawyers at Steven A. Bagen & Associates, PA, can help determine the cause and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Here are some common ways trucking companies’ actions can put other drivers at risk:
- Violating Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations: Federal regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers can operate a vehicle without a mandatory rest period. Fatigue is a major contributor to trucking accidents, and companies that pressure drivers to exceed HOS regulations are jeopardizing the safety of everyone on the road.
- Improper Truck Maintenance: Trucks require regular and thorough maintenance to ensure they are operating safely. Companies that neglect to properly maintain their vehicles or who allow drivers to operate vehicles with known safety issues are putting everyone at risk of a serious accident.
- Overloaded Trucks: Trucks have weight limits for a reason. Overloading a truck can significantly impact its handling and braking capabilities, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Trucking companies that prioritize profits over safety by overloading their vehicles are acting negligently.
- Improper Cargo Loading and Securing: Trucks carrying unsecured cargo pose a significant danger. Cargo that falls or shifts during transport can create road hazards or cause accidents if it strikes other vehicles. The responsibility for ensuring cargo is properly loaded and secured falls on the trucking company.
- Untrained or Inexperienced Drivers: Operating a large commercial truck requires specialized skills and training. Companies that hire unqualified drivers or fail to provide adequate training are putting everyone on the road at risk.
- Incentive for Breaking Rules: Unfortunately, some truck drivers engage in aggressive driving behaviors like speeding, tailgating, or making unsafe lane changes. They do this because trucking companies set unrealistic goals and offer incentives for achieving them.
These are just some of the ways trucking companies’ actions can endanger other motorists. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a truck, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options. Consulting with a qualified truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case and hold the responsible parties accountable for your injuries.
Seeking Compensation After a Truck Accident
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, leaving you with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens.
If you believe a trucking company’s negligence contributed to your accident, seeking compensation can help alleviate some of that stress. Here’s a brief overview of the process:
- Evidence Collection: Truck accident cases often involve complex evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, and data from the truck’s black box recorder. An experienced truck accident lawyer will know how to gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case for your injuries.
- Understanding Liability: Determining who is liable for the accident can involve multiple parties. The truck driver, the trucking company, a third-party maintenance provider, or even the company that loaded the cargo could all be potentially responsible. Your lawyer will investigate the cause of the accident and identify the liable parties.
- Negotiation and Litigation: In many cases, a truck accident lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement with the trucking company’s insurance provider. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court.
The process of seeking compensation can be lengthy and complex. Having a qualified truck accident lawyer by your side can ensure your rights are protected, maximize your chances of a successful outcome, and help you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
