Massive trucks, sometimes called semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, commercial trucks, and tractor-trailers, are disproportionately huge, heavy, and oversized compared to typical passenger cars. In the same way that a truck can shield the truck driver from harm in an accident, a passenger car cannot withstand the forceful impact of a truck. Because of this, many truck drivers flee from collisions that seriously hurt or kill the occupants of other vehicles involved.
The reasons for truck accidents might vary, but pinpointing the precise cause is crucial if you want compensation for your injuries. Truck accidents that endanger the lives of people in smaller passenger automobiles include the following all-too-common scenarios:
Truck driver negligence
Some truck drivers make mistakes due to a lack of experience, while others act recklessly and carelessly. Here are some instances of truck driver errors:
- Driving too fast and recklessly
- Driving while intoxicated
- Distracted driving, such as texting and driving
- Driving while drowsy or exhausted
- Not checking for blind spots
- Driving too fast for the circumstances
- Making an unsafe turn or maneuver attempt
- Exceeding the quota for truck drivers’ safe driving hours.
You can hold the truck driver accountable for an accident, provided you can prove it. Depending on the circumstances, you can also sue the trucking business. In this case, engaging a Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, is advisable.
Mechanical issues
Commercial trucks operate far more frequently and for longer distances than family-owned cars. They often travel at highway speeds while towing large loads. Unsurprisingly, they require significantly more maintenance, particularly concerning their brakes and tires. Despite the frequent inspection requirements for vehicles, mechanical issues remain a major factor in Indianapolis truck accidents.
Risky road conditions
A truck accident may result from hazardous road conditions such as potholes, crumbling pavement, missing dividers, and poorly planned roads. Inadequate signage and road construction errors can also contribute to crashes. It is possible to sue a government body or contractor for a truck accident if a hazardous road condition contributed.
Shoddy cargo loading.
Trucks have a carrying capacity of many pounds. These items must be adequately packaged and secured for the highest level of safety. Rollovers and jackknifing can occur during transport if the cargo is unbalanced or shifts. Consequently, the load could fall off the vehicle and cause serious safety problems and accidents.
Faulty parts
A faulty truck component may occasionally be a factor in a truck accident. For instance, the driver might be unable to escape a collision if the brakes or a tire malfunctioned. Product liability laws may hold truck and part makers accountable if a defective part results in a crash.
Inexperienced or untrained truck drivers.
According to studies, novice or inexperienced truck drivers are involved in an excessive number of truck accidents in Indianapolis. This makes logical given that they are merely unaware of the risks associated with commercial trucks. Employers of truck drivers should confirm the trucker’s driving history and ensure they have a commercial trucking license.
A key takeaway
Truck accidents are not easy to deal with, so your success in such a claim may depend on your ability to select the best Indiana truck accident attorney.