I was recently driving home from out of state on I65 northbound somewhere near Nashville when a giant cement truck entered into my lane running me off the highway and onto the shoulder. I was able to react quickly enough to avoid an accident, but it was a very close call.
After calming down, I realized that few forces on the road can match the powerful impact of a commercial truck…especially a truck loaded with cement. These trucks present a real danger to other vehicles simply because of their massive size. Even a slow-speed crash can have a catastrophic outcome for those traveling in passenger vehicles.
There are several conditions that are common causes of commercial truck collisions. If you were injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, request a free, no obligation consultation and speak to a qualified lawyer at Carl Brizzi Law, LLC about your legal options today.
In my situation, the cause of the “almost” collision was simply driver error. Often, an inexperienced truck driver may make dangerous mistakes behind the wheel. Driving a large truck while hauling a load requires specialized skills and extensive training. These vehicles need more space to come to a stop and it is much more difficult to correct an error in a commercial truck than in a traditional passenger vehicle.
In bad weather, truck drivers should reduce their speed when traveling. If weather conditions become too dangerous, truck drivers may need to get off the road to keep other drivers safe. If a truck driver does not take these steps and continues to operate the truck when weather conditions are too dangerous, his or her actions may be considered negligent and he or she could be held liable if an accident happens.
Fatigue is also a big safety factor in commercial truck driving. Drivers are pushed to deliver loads quickly, so the company can keep things on schedule and not lose money. When a driver is fatigued, he or she may fall asleep at the wheel or have difficulty concentrating on driving.
To combat this danger, the government has strict requirements on the amount of rest drivers need before operating a commercial truck and drivers are required to keep logs of this time.
However, when running on tight deadlines, trucking companies may push their drivers to break these rules and continue driving when they should not. If the rules are broken, the driver and/or trucking company may be held liable for negligence if it results in an accident that causes injuries to someone else.
If f you were injured in a wreck with an 18-wheeler, Carl Brizzi Law, LLC is here to help. We work to hold negligent parties accountable for the damages suffered in truck accidents, and work hard to pursue maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call today for a free consultation.
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