Typical Reasons Semi-Truck Accidents Occur

Large trucks such as semi-trucks, big rigs, tractor-trailers, or other commercial vehicles present a unique danger to smaller passenger vehicles. Extra caution should always be used when driving near a semi-truck or similar large vehicle. A seemingly minor driving error such as failing to signal before changing lanes can become catastrophic when an eighteen-wheeler is involved, especially at high speeds. The following are some typical reasons semi-truck accidents occur that you should be aware of to help avoid a semi-truck accident.

When the Semi-Truck Accident is Caused by Passenger Vehicles

Frequently, drivers of passenger vehicles are to blame for semi-truck accidents. The most common reason for unsafe acts committed by car drivers has to do with ignorance of a truck’s abilities. For instance, being able to stop quickly or visibility. The following are more common unsafe acts committed by car drivers that often lead to a semi-truck accident.

• Abruptly changing lanes in front of a large truck.
• Misjudging a truck’s speed and turning in front of the truck.
• Driving in the truck driver’s blind spots.
• Failing to slow down or speed up when a truck is changing lanes or merging onto the roadway.
• Unsafe passing.
• Driving between two or more large trucks.
• Merging improperly into traffic and causing the truck driver to maneuver or brake quickly.
• Failing to get a stalled vehicle completely off the highway.
• Pulling in front of a truck and failing to accelerate sufficiently.

When the Semi-Truck Accident is Caused by the Truck Driver

Semi-truck drivers are trained to be safe on the road. They are typically skilled and patient drivers for the most part. However, semi-truck accidents are still caused by the fault of the truck driver for the following reasons.

• Inadequate truck driving training. Such as driving techniques, safety concerns, and defensive driving techniques.
• Driving more hours than would normally advisable or safe.
• Systems of compensation that encourage the truck driver to drive at unsafe faster speeds.
• Unrealistic schedules and expectations from trucking companies that encourage drivers to hurry despite safety risks.

When Should I Contact a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?

Never hesitate and never wait to hire an experienced personal injury attorney when you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck. Semi-truck companies are required by federal law to keep documents about their trucks and their drivers but after a period of time, they may destroy those documents. You need to hire a semi-truck lawyer immediately after a truck accident who can preserve evidence that can be used to demonstrate that the trucking company and its driver were negligent. An attorney can protect your rights by sending a special letter called a spoliation letter to the trucking company. After receipt of the letter, the trucking company will be forced to preserve the documents. If the documents show a pattern of willful and reckless behavior, you may be entitled to recover punitive damages.

Do not hurt your chances of obtaining a full recovery by waiting to hire a semi-truck accident lawyer. Waiting too long might result in the trucking company destroying valuable evidence that you could have used to prove your case. Call our law office now for a free consultation. Our law firm can help take the stress out of the claim and make sure you get every penny you are owed. You pay nothing until your case is settled.