Alexandria Truck Accident Lawyer
Driving trucks can be a difficult job, but luckily for motorists around the country, most truckers take this job very seriously. Sadly, each year, countless individuals are killed and injured in truck accidents that could have been avoided. If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may be feeling overwhelmed and confused.
This is normal, but with help from an Alexandria truck accident lawyer, it is possible to obtain financial compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses. Truck drivers and trucking companies have a duty to ensure the safety of other drivers to some degree. A capable personal injury attorney knows that if they fail their duty of care, they could be held liable in the event of an accident.
Understanding the Dangers of Tractor Trailers
Trucks are significantly larger than other types of motor vehicles, and even a minor crash between a passenger car and a fully-loaded truck can be devastating. Large trucks are also more likely to be involved in crashes for the following reasons:
- Trucks often carry harmful or flammable substances and materials that can ignite or disperse during an accident.
- Trucks have a much longer stopping distance, especially when the road is wet.
- Truckers have much larger blind-spots to contend with.
- Truckers often forgo rest in hopes of saving time and completing routes. This makes them more prone to fatigue.
Trucks also have longer acceleration times and some trucks veer into other lanes when making wide turns.
How do Trucking Companies Handle Safety Regulations?
The overwhelming majority of trucking companies take safety very seriously, and they are usually happy to follow laws and regulations regarding truck safety. Sadly, some companies and truck drivers do not take safety seriously, and they have no problem risking the lives of their drivers and other motorists to save time and money.
Trucking companies have a moral and legal obligation to ensure they only hire the best drivers who have been adequately trained and licensed. They also have an obligation to ensure any truckers who routinely violate safety regulations are punished or discharged.
Trucks should be properly inspected before and after loading to ensure cargo does not become detached from the truck. Companies should also be sure their drivers understand the value of rest and adhering to traffic laws.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Accidents happen – this is a basic fact of life. Accidents can also be deadly or cause life-threatening injuries, especially when they involve large trucks. There are many different causes of truck accidents, but the following causes are some of the most common:
- The truck is traveling at an unsafe speed.
- The truck is following a vehicle at too close of a distance. This means they do not have enough time or space to make abrupt stops.
- The driver of the truck is distracted.
- The driver of the truck loses control due to inclement weather conditions.
- The truck driver fails to check the other lane before merging or turning.
Irresponsible truck drivers have also caused crashes after taking illegal drugs or consuming too much alcohol. If an irresponsible truck driver causes a crash, the injured drivers should contact an Alexandria truck accident lawyer.
Reaching Out to an Alexandria Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and emotional distress. Irresponsible truck drivers pose a threat to everyone on the road, and if they cause an accident, they should be held financially and legally accountable in court. Reach out to an Alexandria truck accident lawyer if you are ready to discuss your case.