When going about your daily activities, chances are that you will come across a commercial truck. Like any other vehicle, trucks have become part and parcel of our lives. From the food we eat to the gasoline at the fuel pump, the importance of these tractor-trailers is immeasurable. They have revolutionized the ability for goods to reach their destinations safely and efficiently.
Unfortunately, accidents involving these trucks are in most cases very serious. Apart from the loss of lives, an 18-wheeler wreck can cause life-threatening and permanent injuries that require specialized care. As a result, the lives of victims take a sudden turn, making them dependent on their families and friends. Luckily, you may recover compensation for your damages. However, you will be required to prove fault, and the major basis of doing so is understanding how the accident occurred. An experienced truck wreck lawyer could help you determine the cause of the accident and establish the fault of the other parties, saving you time and money in the process. Call our firm to talk to an attorney about the common causes of truck accidents in Pearland.
Most trucking accidents occur because the driver was not paying proper attention. When commercial vehicle drivers are not paying attention the road around them, they may follow too closely, travel too fast, or fail to see a slowdown in traffic. When this happens, the consequences are often significant.
Operating any machine while under the influence of alcohol or hard drugs is a recipe for disaster. Like any other drivers, truck drivers are expected to maintain high standards of discipline when operating their trucks. This means that they are not supposed to indulge in activities that would undermine their sense of judgment such as drinking alcohol and driving at the same time. If it’s established that the truck driver was drunk at the time of the accident, he or she will be directly held liable for causing the accident and paying damages.
Truck drivers cover thousands of miles delivering cargo to different parts daily. They are under obligation from their employers to deliver cargo within schedule and using the least time possible. As such, they do not budget enough time for breaks and rest. Fatigue may result in the driver falling asleep while driving. In the end, they become a risk, not only to themselves and their cargos but to other motorists as well.
Unlike other vehicles, most trucks are designed to brake using pressurized air. This braking system is designed to bring the truck to a halt in about 100 feet at a speed of at least 40mph. But when this air brake system malfunctions, the truck becomes a deadly force, crashing other vehicles, properties, and pedestrians on the road. When auto parts are the cause of the tractor-trailer wreck, you might pursue a claim against the manufacturer.
Each truck has certain specifications on the amount of weight it can carry at any given time. But when the trailer is loaded beyond these limits, the weight of makes it difficult to control the vehicle. The center of gravity may suddenly change, causing the truck driver to get into an accident.
Trucks have the largest “no zone” areas of all types of vehicles. A blind spot is the area around the truck or vehicle where the driver cannot observe directly. Blind spots in a truck are in its right and left sides as well as directly behind them. In such a scenario, the truck driver is unable to spot any other motorist or pedestrian. These no zones are the cause of many semi-truck crashes in Pearland.
Driving in poor weather conditions makes it difficult for the trucker to have maximum visibility. Fog and mist make it difficult for the driver to clearly determine what’s in front as well as in their blind spots. Worse still, icy and wet road surfaces can cause the tractor-trailer to jackknife during braking.
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, our law offices at Lone Star Injury Attorneys can help you file legal claims for compensation. Regardless of where or how you were injured, our lawyers will work closely with investigation officers and expert witnesses to establish the cause of the semi-truck collision. In your accident case, you will battle the truck driver, insurance company and the trucking company, and given that you may not be aware of how such cases play out, you should hire a skilled Pearland truck accident attorney who understands the legal process.
There are many common causes of truck accident in Pearland, but it is not always crystal clear at the time of the crash. Our skilled lawyers at Lone Star Injury Attorneys understand the valuable input that expert witnesses such as accident reconstructionists possess. We will work with them to ensure that we narrow down the cause of your tractor-trailer wreck. Talk to us today for a free consultation.
