There are many vehicles on that road at any given time of the day. Unfortunately, sometimes accidents may occur between different kinds of vehicles. Truck accidents are one of the most dangerous to occur on the road due to their massive size. Because they can weigh up to 30 times as much as a regular passenger car, trucks can be much more difficult to control and bring to a stop. If a truck driver does not handle the vehicle in the best way possible, accidents may cause very serious injuries or even death. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney if you have been involved in a truck accident.
Types of Accidents
There are several types of accidents that may occur with trucks on the road. These can be collisions with between two trucks or between a truck and smaller vehicles. The result of truck accidents may depend on the weight and size of the vehicle it collided with. Some possible accidents may include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
Causes of Accidents
There are many factors that can lead to truck accidents. One factor that may lead to a truck accident can be reckless driving. If a truck is driving unsafely, it is more difficult for the driver to control the vehicle. Due to its size and weight, an average truck needs the length of about two football fields to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is driving recklessly, it may be more difficult to safely stop the truck.
Another common reason for truck accidents is the failure to follow safety regulations. This may include improper passing, unsafe lane changes, and following another vehicle too closely. Due to their size, trucks have very limited visibility and often cannot see the entirety of their surroundings. Drivers have large blind spots that have the potential to trap smaller vehicles, leading to an accident.
A truck driver’s job is not easy, as it requires many hours on the road. Drivers are limited to a specific amount of time on the road before they are required by law to stop. These laws are in place so that drivers do not drive while exhausted. Federal law restricts truck drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour work day. This allows them no more than 70 hours of driving a week. Unfortunately, drivers sometimes break these laws, resulting in accidents due to drowsy driving.
While some accidents are avoidable by drivers, others may be out of their control. Trucks may sometimes succumb to mechanical problems that lead to accidents. This may include tire blowouts, brake issues, breakdowns, and more. Sometimes liability of these accidents may fall on the truck company, while other times defective parts require a product liability case.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a truck accident and seek legal representation, contact the Law Offices of Timian & Fawcett, LLC. today.
If you are in this situation, it is important to discuss this situation with an attorney. The attorneys at Timian & Fawcett, LLC provide effective legal services to clients in Prince George’s County, Washington, D.C. and all of Maryland. Our firm is dedicated to our clients. If you need our help, we are ready to serve. Contact Timian & Fawcett, LLC.
