Truck Accident Lawyer

Why Do Truck Accidents Happen?

Statistics show that less than 10% of truck accidents have anything to do with the weather or external factors. Most truck accidents are due to driver errors like speeding, fatigue, driving under the influence, improperly loading a trailer, and failure to maintain the truck. We see it often the following factors that are responsible for truck accidents:

• Distracted driving-Holding phones, putting on makeup, or eating and driving are illegal. Distracted driving takes away the driver’s full attention from the road. This action is even more dangerous when dealing with vehicles, like trucks, that are much heavier than passenger vehicles.
• Speeding-Due to their size, trucks cannot stop as fast as a car. It takes trucks longer to stop, so if another vehicle were to pull out or swerve in front of a truck the reaction time is significantly less. This makes trucks prone to accidents, especially if speeding truck drivers run into a traffic jam.
• Driving under the influence-Professional truck drivers with a CDL has a different set of procedures when it comes to driving while intoxicated. CDL truck drivers are prohibited from having a BAC higher than .04%.
• Fatigue-Depending on what state you reside in or drive there are certain laws that determine how long a truck driver may be on the road. These laws are in place to protect truck drivers, however, some still feel pressure to try and meet unrealistic or unreasonable deadlines by the company they either work for to make deliveries. Just like with speeding, when a truck driver is not properly rested, their reaction time slows down significantly.
• Improperly loaded truck In this case, truck drivers aren’t necessarily responsible for loading or securing the trailer. If a trailer is not loaded or secured properly the load will shift which can cause the trailer to roll or propel the cab of the truck to continue moving forward which would entail an accident.
• Failure to keep up with a maintenance-Another area in which truck drivers are not necessarily responsible has to do with truck maintenance. This is why it is essential for truck drivers to be in constant communication with the trucking company or mechanic assigned to the vehicle to ensure safety.

If you were injured in an Edmonds truck accident call Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys Offices for legal representation.

As a frequent driver on the roadways, you have probably seen your fair share of accidents. You could have witnessed the accident firsthand or you could have seen the aftermath. Regardless, the results leave all those involved with injuries and a lot of bills. Whether you are the one who caused the accident or not, you need to know and protect your legal rights.

You can do so by contacting Russell & Hill – Injury & Accident Attorneys, We will put you in contact with our finest Edmonds truck accident attorney who will fight for your case. It is important to act fast after you seek the necessary medical attention to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Call us now at 800-529-0842.