Truck Accident

Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are often caused by the negligence of the truck driver. Some typical causes of truck accidents include:

• Reckless driving, including tailgating, hazardous lange changing or failure to observe traffic signage
• Fatigue or exhaustion due to unrealistic expectations from trucking firms, who prioritize deadlines and profits over safety
• Impaired driving, often under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications to stay alert
• Improper large vehicle training or certifications
• Improper maintenance of vehicles
• Drowsiness due to sleep apnea, a common condition among truck drivers
• “Highway hypnosis,” a condition in which drivers grow less attentive and reactive after driving long hours.

Types of Truck Accidents

Some of the most common truck accidents include:

• Head-on collisions: Often caused by negligent driving or extreme fatigue/underlying health issues on part of the driver, these are considered some of the most disastrous truck accidents.
• Rear-end accidents: These are very similar to head-on collisions in terms of causes and complications.
• Rollover accidents: Often the result of sudden swerving at high speeds, trucks can roll over into neighboring vehicles.
• Jack-knife accidents: When a semi truck slows faster than its large trailer, often in response to bad weather, the trailer can swing and collide with nearby vehicles.
• Tire blowouts: While it may seem like a small malfunction, a tire blowout can lead to the truck swerving out of control. It is up to the driver and owner of the vehicle to properly maintain tires to avoid such disasters.
• Spills of trailer load: Cargo that spills out of the truck and on to the road can be a serious hazard for other vehicles.
  

The Advantage of Working with a Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to work with a lawyer that has experience with trucking accidents and a track record of favorable resolutions.

Trucking firms are typically well-protected by high end lawyers. By not retaining a qualified truck accident attorney as soon as possible, you are positioning yourself at a disadvantage.

A lawyer with experience in large vehicle accidents understands the ins and outs of the legal system specifically pertaining to these types of cases. At Qualified Counsel, we will help you find a lawyer that is well-equipped to pursue your case and meet your client-specific needs.