Truck Accident Lawyers

Causes of Truck Accidents

A truck or tractor trailer accident can occur in multiple ways. Depending on the size of the vehicle and the speed prior to the collision, the outcome varies. Various factors contribute to truck crashes. The most common causes of Pennsylvania and New Jersey truck accidents are:

• Safety regulations: By not following the basic rules of the road, a truck driver is operating their vehicle dangerously. This noncompliance with safety regulations can include improper lane changes, passing other vehicles unsafely, exceeding speed limits, following too closely behind vehicles, and more.
• Reckless driving: Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and need the length of about two football fields to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is careless or speeding, it will be difficult to control or stop the vehicle on time.
• Poor visibility: Due to their size, truck drivers have limited visibility, including large blind spots that can cause an accident. Truck drivers need to pay attention and take proper precautions to not run cars off the road.
• Mechanical issues: Like all other vehicles, trucks can experience mechanical issues if they do not receive regular maintenance. However, some issues are simply unavoidable.
• The nature of the job: Truck drivers are limited by federal law to drive 11 hours with a 14-hour workday. This limitation allows them a maximum of 70 hours of driving a week to protect truck drivers and others from dangerous drowsy driving. Unfortunately, this law is not always enough to prevent an accident.
• DUI: Although truck operators must adhere to strict regulations regarding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, accidents can still result from the abuse of these substances.
• Driver error: Even the most careful and conscientious truck driver can make a mistake that leads to a serious accident. Drivers must be careful to follow all laws and do their best to protect the people around them.
• Improper loads: An accident may result from an overloaded truck or an imbalanced load. These loads can fall off the truck or cause the vehicle to tip.
• Distracted driving: Drivers’ focus and concentration can waver during long hours on the road. A cell phone call, the radio or even another driver can divert their attention and cause a crash.

Not only are trucking accidents devastating, but the legalities surrounding a truck crash are complicated, so an initial consultation with a truck accident lawyer would be prudent. Following any motor vehicle accident, remember to complete the post accident checklist, which can be critical to your injury claim. A link to that checklist is below.

Post Accident Checklist

What Types of Crashes Does a Truck Accident Attorney Handle?

A truck crash attorney can represent you if you are the victim of any of these accident types:

• Jackknife: This accident occurs when the truck folds on itself and the cab forms a 90-degree angle with the trailer.
• Rollover: The operator loses control and the truck tips over onto its side.
• Wide turn: The driver swings the truck to the left while making a right turn without being aware of the surroundings.
• Blind spots: The operator changes lanes without checking for “hidden” adjacent vehicles.
• Underride: An accident resulting from a smaller automobile sliding underneath the trailer, trapping the driver.
• Lost load: Occurs when poorly balanced or improperly secured cargo falls from the trailer.
• Runaway: The driver loses control when descending a steep grade due to excessive speed, brake failure or other conditions.
• Rear-end: These accidents happen when a truck follows another vehicle too closely and can’t stop in time.