If you are a regular road user or a truck driver, then there is a strong possibility that you could be involved in a truck accident at some point in your life. If you do find yourself in this position, it is essential that you have at least a basic idea about what to do, including getting in contact with a truck accident lawyer. To help prepare you for this potential incident, we have compiled a list of the most important things you need to know about truck accidents.

1 - Trucking Accidents Can Be Devastating

The first thing to know about truck accidents is that they can have devastating aftermath. Unlike most road traffic accidents, a large, heavy vehicle is in the mix when a truck is involved. The average tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds when carrying a full load. As you can imagine, this means that the severity of the injuries and the level of damage left behind is much greater than it would be for an accident involving a couple of standard cars. With this increased likelihood of personal injury and extensive property damage, working with an experienced truck accident lawyer is essential to help work through the ensuing lawsuit a truck accident is likely to raise.

2 - There Are Different Types of Truck Accidents

No two truck accidents are alike. Various things can cause a truck accident, from weather conditions and mechanical failures to driver errors. Similarly, there are different types of accidents, each with unique challenges. Some of these accident types include rollovers and jackknifing. Because of the complex nature of truck accidents, you will need to enlist an experienced truck accident lawyer to help you navigate all of the legal ramifications, including any claim for compensation that might be owed. If you are the truck driver and are being sued for damages by the other party, you will also need a truck accident lawyer to represent you.

3 - Driver Error is a Major Cause of Truck Accidents

When it comes to pinpointing the cause of a truck accident, your truck accident lawyer will use all available evidence to prove who or what is at fault. This could be a single individual, or there could be shared liability, depending on the circumstances. One of the most common causes of truck accidents is driver error. Don’t assume that this means the truck driver is the one making the mistakes - in more cases than you might think; the fault actually lies with the driver of another vehicle who has not made allowances for the size and weight of the larger vehicle and cut out in front of them or failed to leave room for them. Driver error can cover various things, including breaching the legal allowances for driving hours, making poor decisions, speeding, and reckless driving, among others.

4 - Many Truck Accidents Should Have Been Preventable

Nobody plans to have an accident, so it might seem strange to say that many truck accidents are preventable. However, it is undoubtedly true. There are many measures in place that trucking companies and truck drivers should take to reduce the likelihood of truck accidents. Unfortunately, these are sometimes neglected, leaving the trucking company liable for any accidents that occur as a result. For example, a trucking company must ensure its fleet is regularly maintained, including regular inspections of components like tires, brakes, and safety features. If this is neglected, it can increase the risk of mechanical failure resulting in an accident. One of the common causes of truck accidents is a tire blowout. The risk of these can certainly be reduced with the appropriate maintenance and safety checks. Other safety measures include ensuring truck drivers get the appropriate training and abide by regulations such as hours of service. A truck accident lawyer will look at these safety measures and determine whether they have been followed appropriately.

5 - Don’t Disregard Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is another major contributor to truck accidents that occur yearly. This is not just feeling a little sleepy; it is something that needs to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, some truck drivers feel under pressure to meet increasingly tight deadlines, and as a result, they may push themselves to drive for longer with fewer rest breaks. This results in fatigue, which can affect decision-making and reaction times. One of the first things that a truck accident lawyer will look at is whether or not there is any evidence of driver fatigue.

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Butler, Vines and Babb is a leading law firm in Knoxville, TN, with extensive litigation experience in Medical Malpractice Law, Birth Injury Law, Trucking Accident Law, Personal Injury Law, and Business Law. Contact us today at www.bvblaw.com or call 865-637-3531.

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