Automobile accidents involving a commercial truck can be especially traumatizing. Commercial trucks, such as semis, tractor-trailers, and 18-wheelers, are significantly larger than most vehicles on the road and what might be a minor accident for the truck can be devastating for anyone in a smaller vehicle. Commercial trucks have a much longer stopping distance due to the extreme weight of the vehicle, which is a dangerous combination with many larger blind spots in the driver’s field of vision.
The aftermath of a commercial trucking accident can be devastating, resulting in serious or even fatal injuries, heavy debt, medical bills, loss of income due to injuries, as well as the financial implications of repairing or replacing your vehicle. A commercial truck accident is painful and stressful and it can be difficult to know what steps to take immediately following a serious accident.
Here at Warren & Migliaccio, we have experienced truck accident lawyers ready to step in and guide you through the best course of action, from securing the scene of the accident, communicating with the commercial truck owner or commercial trucking company, and ensuring that you receive the best representation possible in a devastating situation.
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks are especially vulnerable to being involved in a serious accident due to the long hours on the road, and the financial pressure to deliver a load as quickly as possible. Long-haul trucking companies often enforce long hours on the road that may contribute to resulting accidents, but there are often a number of other factors at play:
- Human error
- Mechanical failure
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Fatigued driving
- Equipment that is unmaintained or needs servicing
- Failure to yield
- Inclement weather (rain, sleet, snow, etc.)
- Driver inattention or distraction
- Following too closely
The federal government has passed commercial trucking regulations to enforce a limited number of hours on the road, with federally-mandated sleep breaks specifically designed to keep truck drivers from overworking themselves and endangering other drivers on the road. However, pressure from commercial trucking companies, as well as the allure of a paycheck upon delivering their load means that many long-haul truckers often spend dangerously long hours driving without a break. In recent years, there has also been a surge of many commercial truck drivers using stimulants or other drugs to stay awake longer than normal.
If you have been involved in a commercial trucking accident, you should seek immediate medical attention, whether or not your injuries are apparent. After a serious motor vehicle accident, injuries may surface days or even weeks after the accident, and it’s imperative to talk to a medical professional on the record. The next step is to contact a commercial trucking accident attorney as soon as possible. We can help preserve any evidence left on the roadway after the accident, and get witness statements from other drivers.
Talk to an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer About Your Case
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident with a commercial truck, contact Warren & Migliaccio today. We will answer your questions and guide you through the complicated legal procedure that follows a major commercial trucking accident, and we will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation for your pain, suffering, and damages. Call today for a free consultation.
