The Danger of Semi Truck Accidents
The average car weighs 3,000 pounds, while the average semi truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. Add heavy loads combined with heavy equipment and you’ve got some of the most potentially damaging conditions for an accident. Semi trucks often have higher clearance beneath them, allowing a passenger car to slip beneath the truck during a crash, resulting in even more serious injuries. To make matters worse, truck drivers often have less roadway visibility than passenger vehicles.
It’s important to remember that truck drivers are often some of the most experienced and responsible drivers out there, and accidents are often not the results of any lack of care or driving skill. But like any time someone gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, accidents can happen due to negligence – either by the driver or by fault or the company the driver works for.
Types of Negligence in Semi Truck Accidents
AllLaw explains that in legal terminology, negligence refers to a duty of care, and the “breach” of that duty.
- Truck maintenance
Truck drivers and companies have a responsibility to ensure that drivers are fit for the road, including making sure that all parts and equipment are in working order.
- Breaking Laws
Most commercial truck companies are subject to laws requiring drivers to maintain up-to-date break logs and to undergo regular medical screenings. Many commercial laws are in place for the purpose of regulating truck weight limits, equipment maintenance, and vetting of drivers. When these laws are ignored or disobeyed, negligence occurs.
- Driver Functionality
Companies by law must have rules about when their drivers take regular rest breaks. Drivers are also not permitted to operate a truck under the influence of certain prescription drugs, or of course, alcohol and other intoxicating substances.
- Putting the Company’s Bottom Line Over Road Safety
Both federal and local laws regulate truck drivers and their companies. Unfortunately, sometimes truck companies place their bottom lines over the safety of the general public—with tragic results. Often companies put pressure on drivers to complete routes in a certain amount of time, or to save time in general by skimping on the regulations and requirements. This kind of pressure is illegal and may result in drivers being drowsy on the road, or trucks being unsafe due to excessive weight, faulty equipment, or outdated maintenance.
The Injustice of Personal Injury Claims Involving Semi Trucks
Truck companies and drivers usually carry high insurance policies to protect them in the event of an accident. Large companies have the power to fight tirelessly against your claims in order to protect themselves. That’s why you need an attorney prepared to fight back successfully.
What You Can Do
If you or your loved one has been involved in a personal injury accident involving a semi truck, it’s time to fight back for the full compensation you deserve! Make sure you choose a lawyer who has extensive experience dealing with personal injury cases involving semi trucks. Don’t risk losing the justice you deserve because your attorney isn’t willing to fight for you. At The Downs Law Firm, we have the dedication and experience it takes to protect your rights! Contact us online or give us a call today!
The Downs Law Firm
Monroe Office
517 North Washington Street
Bastrop, LA 71220
Tel 318-284-8551
Fax 318-605-4283