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Do You Need A Truck Accident Injury Lawyer – Personal Injury Law

If you are a victim of a truck wreck, you know that you should immediately contact a truck accident injury lawyer for help. But where do you begin, and how can you know that you’re choosing the right lawyer for your case? More information here

A truck accident injury case is not like an auto accident injury. It requires attorneys who know how to handle complex cases. And, while there are many fine truck accident injury lawyer groups handling trucking cases across the country, it is important that you make sure your getting the truck accident injury lawyer that will fight the hardest and that understands this type of case. Got Injured In An Accident – CALL SHAW
First, the laws that govern 18-wheeler, tractor trailer or semi-truck accident procedures were designed to protect innocent citizens who have been wrongfully injured in truck or tractor-trailer accidents. However, these state & federal laws are often complex and difficult to interpret. A quality truck accident injury lawyer can interpret these regulations and help you earn the compensation that you or your loved one deserves.

After a tractor-trailer, 18 wheeler or semi-truck accidents occur, the trucking and commercial insurance companies will immediately begin to investigate the scene according to their own policies and procedures. These commercial insurance companies and their attorneys will attempt to build a defense as soon as possible.

While the state will conduct an investigation of their own, an expert truck wreck lawyer can accompany the accidents investigation and help determine the cause of the crash. Some common causes for tractor-trailer accidents include:

Driver fatigue at the time of the tractor trailer, 18 wheeler or semi-truck accident
Unqualified truck drivers
Poor tractor-trailer maintenance
Distracted driving or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The sheer numbers of people who die every year due to tractor trailer, 18 wheeler or-semi truck accidents is a cause of worry. Simi-Trucks, 18 wheelers or tractor trailers are big machines which are driven on the road solely for commercial purposes. They are huge, carry heavy loads and are often uncontrollable by the drivers. Traffic enforcers claim that a majority of the trucking accidents are due to malpractices by the drivers who drive under the indulgence of alcohol. Some also say that the owners of these vehicles overburden the drivers by paying them in terms of the distances driven thus forcing them to drive continuously and get tired. All in all, the general public suffers with an estimated one million people dying all across the world due to this menace. To address the claims of the victims who suffer from these events, a semi-truck accident injury lawyer is always ready to lend a hearing hand.

Most Common Causes of Truck and 18-Wheeler Accidents

When you think about truck and 18-wheeler accidents, several factors likely come to mind, but are you aware of how critical driver fatigue can be? It’s not just about the size of the vehicle; a momentary lapse in attention or mechanical failure can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Poor weather and improper load securement also play significant roles, but understanding the underlying causes is essential for improving safety on our roads. What might surprise you, though, is how these issues intertwine and what steps can be taken to mitigate them.

Injured in a truck accident? Call The Echavarria Law Firm in San Antonio and South Texas. We’ll protect your rights and secure your compensation. Call 210-320-5633 or visit us online for a free case evaluation.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a significant factor that can lead to serious accidents on the road. When you’re behind the wheel for long hours, exhaustion can creep in before you even realize it. It’s essential to recognize the signs of fatigue, such as frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, and difficulty concentrating. Ignoring these signals puts not only you but also other road users at significant risk.

You might think you can power through the tiredness, but that can be a dangerous mindset. Your reaction times slow down, and your decision-making abilities diminish. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake, it’s better to pull over safely and take a break. Even a short nap can help rejuvenate you for the journey ahead.

Additionally, it’s crucial to plan your trips and schedule regular rest breaks, especially on long hauls. Staying hydrated and eating well can also keep your energy levels up.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of truck and 18-wheeler accidents, as even a momentary lapse in attention can have devastating consequences. When you’re behind the wheel of such a large vehicle, the stakes are incredibly high. Your focus needs to be on the road, but distractions can come from various sources.

Texting or using your phone while driving is a significant hazard. You might think you can quickly check a message, but that brief glance diverts your attention away from crucial tasks like monitoring traffic or road conditions. Other distractions, such as eating, adjusting the radio, or even talking to passengers, can also impact your ability to react quickly.

Moreover, the longer it takes for you to regain focus, the greater the risk of an accident. Remember, it only takes a second for a situation to change. Staying aware of your surroundings is vital, so eliminate distractions before you hit the road.

Mechanical Failures

Mechanical failures rank among the top causes of truck and 18-wheeler accidents, often leading to catastrophic outcomes. When you’re sharing the road with these massive vehicles, understanding the importance of vehicle maintenance is crucial for your safety. Components like brakes, tires, and engines must be in peak condition to ensure safe operation.

Imagine driving alongside a semi when suddenly its brakes fail. The driver could lose control, potentially causing a multi-vehicle collision. Regular inspections and maintenance checks are essential to prevent such scenarios.

You should also be aware that some mechanical failures can stem from Truck driver negligence. Overloading a truck or ignoring warning signals can put tremendous strain on the vehicle, increasing the risk of mechanical breakdowns.

In many cases, the trucking companies may prioritize profits over safety, leading to inadequate maintenance. This negligence can have dire consequences, impacting not just the truck drivers but also everyone on the road.

Poor Weather Conditions

Poor weather conditions can drastically reduce visibility and traction, making it crucial for truck drivers to adjust their driving habits to stay safe on the road.

When rain, snow, or fog rolls in, you need to be extra cautious. Slow down and maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead of you. This extra space gives you more time to react if something unexpected happens.

When driving in rain or snow, your tires can lose grip, so avoid sudden movements. Smooth steering and gentle braking can help prevent skids. If you find yourself in low visibility, consider using your low beams instead of high beams, as high beams can reflect off moisture and make it harder to see.

Always stay updated on weather conditions before hitting the road. If you know a storm’s approaching, it might be wiser to delay your trip.

Improper Load Securement

While navigating challenging weather, it’s just as important to ensure your cargo is properly secured to prevent accidents caused by shifting loads.

When you load your truck, double-check that everything’s in place. Improper load securement can lead to serious accidents, not just for you but for everyone on the road.

You need to use appropriate tie-downs, straps, and tarps to keep your cargo stable. Make sure to distribute the weight evenly across your trailer. If the load shifts even slightly, it can affect your vehicle’s handling and braking, especially in adverse conditions.

Always inspect your load before hitting the road and make adjustments if necessary. If you’re unsure whether your cargo is secure, take the time to stop and check. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the most common causes of truck and 18-wheeler accidents can help you stay safer on the road.

By being aware of driver fatigue, distracted driving, mechanical failures, poor weather conditions, and improper load securement, you can take proactive steps to avoid these hazards.

Whether you’re driving a truck or sharing the road with one, staying informed and vigilant is key to preventing accidents and ensuring everyone’s safety.Truck Accidents – Most Common causes

This Blog was brought to you by the Laredo’s 18 Wheeler Accident lawyer The Carabin Shaw Law Firm, Principal Office in San Antonio

18 Wheeler Accident Attorneys

The attorneys at our Personal Injury Law Firm handle all types of motor vehicle accidents in Texas, including collisions involving trucks and other cars or motorcycles. Truck traffic is constant throughout Texas on the various interstates. As a result, Texas roads see well over a thousand crashes each year involving commercial motor vehicles. In 2017 in the US there were 4,761 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.

Dangers of Truck Traffic
The immense size and weight of a semi-truck combine to make any collision likely to result in serious injury or death to the occupants of the smaller, lighter vehicle. The weight of a fully-loaded tractor-trailer also means that the driver needs increased stopping distance and reaction time to respond to a rapid lane change or sudden stop in the lane ahead, a fact not always fully appreciated by an inexperienced trucker or those who share the road with these behemoths. More info on this website

Another consequence of a truck’s large size is the creation of several blind spots for the driver and for other vehicles. These blind spots extend in all directions around the truck and extend across multiple lanes. It is just as important for other vehicles to drive with care in the vicinity of trucks as it is for the truck driver to be constantly aware of the traffic and road conditions in his or her vicinity.

Truck Driver Error
Truckers are under enormous pressure to deliver their cargo to its destination as quickly as possible. To accomplish this, many truckers stay on the road longer than they should and do not stop to rest when they are fatigued. Others use artificial stimulants to stay awake, which have been shown to decrease alertness, heighten distraction, and mask the dangerous cumulative effects of fatigue and sleep deprivation. Even a fresh, alert driver may still drive recklessly or aggressively in an attempt to stay on or ahead of schedule. Any combination of these factors can lead to a crash with the negligent truck driver at fault.

Trucking Company Negligence
The trucking companies also bear some responsibility to make sure their drivers are adequately trained and that their vehicles are properly serviced and maintained. Cargo loading and balancing is an important safety factor which may be the responsibility of the driver or other workers on the loading docks. The condition of the truck and other factors should be considered when investigating and evaluating a truck crash.

Experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyers
The federal government regulates the trucking industry, including how long truckers can be on the road and how often trucks must be inspected and serviced. As experienced truck accident lawyers, our attorneys know when and how these regulations apply and how to determine whether the driver or the company were out of compliance, such as by reviewing schedules and log books. Trust us for Justice. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a Texas truck accident, contact our Personal Injury Law Firm for experienced and effective representation.