Why Do Tractor-Trailer Crashes Happen?
There are many regulations in place to help avoid tractor-trailer accidents. This is essential, as these huge vehicles can be incredibly dangerous when a crash occurs. Because the weight of tractor-trailers is often between forty and eighty thousand pounds, severe damage, fatalities, and lifelong injuries can result from semi crashes.
But there are, unfortunately, situations that result in tractor-trailer crashes. Learning what you can do to avoid collisions is helpful, but there are times when accidents with commercial vehicles happen for reasons beyond your control. If you are interested in learning how to file a claim or move forward with a personal injury lawsuit following a commercial semi collision, connect with a Delray Beach personal injury attorney.
Breaks, Cargo, and Recklessness
The process of applying the brakes to slow and stop a vehicle is not the same in a passenger vehicle and a tractor-trailer. That is one of the reasons why semi operators are trained on how to correctly and safely drive a tractor-trailer. Slowing an immense vehicle to a complete stop takes a longer period of time than it does for a smaller vehicle. Because of this, unexpected dangers can be particularly problematic for large trucks. If they can’t avoid the risk, an accident could follow.
Some of the cause of semi accidents:
- Driver error or fatigue
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Braking issue leading to a rear end collision
Cargo that is not loaded properly can be hazardous as it can shift the weight of the vehicle unexpectedly. Then, the truck operator may have a difficult time regaining control. Or, regaining control may be impossible if the semi begins to tip and overturn.
Avoiding Truck Accidents When Possible
Of course, avoiding an accident with any other vehicle is in your best interests, and there are things you can do that could assist you in avoiding a semi crash. For instance, giving tractor-trailers the space they need to safely maneuver, recognizing they will need more time to slow and stop than smaller vehicles. Also, make an effort to stay clear of truck operators blind spots and follow all traffic rules, such as signaling when you will be changing lanes or merging.
And if a crash does occur, contact a Delray Beach personal injury attorney. Commercial trucking companies have legal teams ready to handle all of the paperwork after a tractor-trailer crash. It is possible an initial amount offered will be the minimum amount the company is required to offer. You need an attorney on your side, someone to push back on lowball offers.
Do you have questions after a semi accident? Securing a settlement from a commercial trucking company is often a complex process, the knowledgeable attorneys at Earnhart Law in Delray Beach can handle all of the negotiations and will keep you informed throughout the process. Then, if an amount can be secured through a settlement negotiation, filing a lawsuit can be discussed. Earnhart Law can help, we have been handling personal injury cases for over 30 years. To get started, call 561-265-2220 or contact us online.
