The Dangers and Causes of Semi-truck Accidents
Semi-truck accidents are incredibly dangerous, especially to much smaller passenger vehicles. A car accident lawyer can help those who have been injured in a semi-truck accident increase their settlement and receive fair compensation.
Sean M. Burke and Jason N. Argos help victims of semi-truck accidents in and around Irvine, CA, get the compensation they deserve for their injuries and other damages. If you have been injured in an accident, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
The Dangers of Accidents with Semi-trucks
Semi-trucks are massive vehicles with many stretching as long as 72 feet and weighing around 40 tons. Because of their incredible size, it’s common for accidents with semi-trucks to lead to serious injuries to drivers in smaller vehicles.
In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 71 percent of those killed in large truck crashes were not large truck drivers or their occupants but were drivers and occupants of others involved in the crash.
Semi-truck Accidents Caused by Truck Drivers
Semi-truck accidents in Irvine may be caused by a semi-truck driver or the driver of a passenger vehicle. When the semi-truck driver is responsible, it may be due to one or more of the following causes:
- Driver fatigue: Although there are regulations regarding how long truck drivers can drive on a shift, it’s not uncommon for truck drivers to forgo necessary breaks and rests to meet delivery deadlines. When drivers are fatigued, they are more likely to make errors that can cause dangerous accidents.
- Distracted driving: Truck drivers spend long hours on the road so it’s not surprising that their minds may wonder or they may try to multitask while driving, for example, checking a map on GPS or daydreaming. These are examples of distracted driving, or diverting attention from driving. When truckers are distracted while driving, they may miss a traffic sign or hazard and cause an accident.
- Failure to properly pack loads: It’s necessary for loads to be packed in a semi-truck in such a way that the weight is properly distributed. When loads aren’t packed in the right manner, it can affect a semi-truck’s center of balance and increase the likelihood of an accident.
- Speeding: Semi-truck drivers may speed in order to meet delivery deadlines or in response to other pressures of the job. Speeding can lead to accidents as a result of semi-truck drivers losing control of their truck or coming upon a stop light or hazard without enough time to brake.
- Driving under the influence: Truck drivers who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including certain prescription medications, may be unable to safely maneuver their truck.
- Lack of training: The demand for truck drivers is high, leaving some trucking companies short-handed and in need to get new drivers on the road as soon as possible. Sometimes this results in poorly trained drivers who are at greater risk of causing an accident.
Seeking Compensation for Injuries
Individuals who have been injured in an accident with a semi-truck may be eligible to recover compensation from the driver, their employer, or the company responsible for maintaining the semi-truck.
Many semi-trucks are commercial vehicles that are owned by a business or company. If the accident was caused by a failure on the owner’s part, it may be possible to hold them liable for the accident and recover further damages.
Contact Our Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in an accident with a semi-truck and would like to learn about your options for recovering compensation for your injuries and other damages, call our Irvine law firm at (949) 644-3434 to schedule a consultation.