Lexington Truck Accident Lawyer
Car accidents can be serious and cause severe injuries to those involved, but truck accidents can be even more devastating due to their large size. Trucks are considerably larger than normal-sized cars, and when they collide with one, the passengers in the car will usually fare worse than the driver of the truck. For this reason, truck accidents tend to be more deadly than accidents involving regular vehicles.
If you were injured in a truck accident, you may be wondering how you will pay your bills and maintain the standard of living you are used to. Fortunately, with the help of a Lexington truck accident lawyer, you may be able to hold the at-fault party accountable for the accident. To begin discussing the details of your case, schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney today.
Causes of Truck Accidents
There are numerous causes of truck accidents, and some are more common than others. Truck drivers have a duty of care to other drivers, and since they are specially trained, they are held to higher standards than regular motorists. In other words, if they do not fulfill their duty of care, they can be held liable by anyone they injure and their Lexington truck accident lawyer.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Trucker fatigue
- Tailgating
- Failure to inspect truck parts
- Distracted driving
- Drugs and alcohol
Trucker Fatigue
Trucker fatigue is a serious problem on American roadways. Truckers are often required to work long hours so they can meet deadlines and complete their routes. There is nothing wrong with working long hours, but truckers are legally required to take regular breaks and get a reasonable amount of sleep.
Unfortunately, many truck drivers attempt to forgo sleep so they can finish their routes quicker. This is immensely dangerous to other drivers, and truck drivers who are fatigued are far more likely to cause a serious accident than those who are alert and refreshed. To make matters even worse, many truckers are encouraged to engage in such behavior by their employers.
Hazards Posed by Large Trucks
As previously stated, trucks are massive compared to passenger vehicles, and they pose specific risks to other drivers. Since trucks are difficult to maneuver and they are so massive, they often take up multiple lanes when turning. Taking up multiple lanes is a common practice, but in reality, it is illegal. When a truck makes a wide turn and takes up two or more lanes, they are putting other motorists at risk.
Trucks also have blind spots. Due to the size of their vehicles, truck drivers are unable to see cars immediately next to them. This inability to see other cars can be a major issue on the highway, especially during heavy traffic.
Trucks are also prone to jackknifing. Jackknifing occurs when the cabin of a truck turns either left or right and becomes separated from the truck. Jackknifing accidents often occur during inclement weather, and when a truck speeds on the ice, it is more likely to lose control and jackknife.
Get in Touch With a Lexington Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a truck crash, you may be wondering who to hold responsible. Depending on the nature of your crash, you may be able to hold the driver, trucking company, loading company, and even the truck manufacturer liable after an accident. An attorney can help you decide what parties should be held responsible for your injuries.
Get in touch with a Lexington truck accident lawyer at your earliest convenience.
