Different types of vehicles can be seen on the road at any time of the day. When drivers do not follow the rules of the road and operate their vehicles unsafely, they can cause severe accidents. Trucks weigh more than 30 times as much as a regular passenger car, making it the largest vehicle on the road. Because of their size, they can be very difficult to control while on the road. This is why truck accidents are the most dangerous kind that can happen. If you were involved in a truck accident, an experienced Montgomery County attorney can help your case.
Types of Accidents
Truck accidents can happen in many different ways. Each outcome can be different from another depending on the size of the other vehicle it collides with in addition to both vehicles’ speeds. Accidents can occur between two trucks or a truck and a passenger car. Some examples of truck accidents may include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
Causes of Accidents
Accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, an accident can happen because of poor road or weather conditions. There are other cases in which an accident may be due to negligent driving. Some examples of driver negligence can include:
- Safety regulations: Truck drivers violate the rules of the road if they change lanes or pass other drivers in an unsafe manner. This is also the case if they are following too closely behind another driver.
- Reckless driving: In order to come to a complete stop, truck drivers require the length of about two football fields. If a truck is being driven too fast or dangerously, it can be difficult to navigate and bring to a complete stop.
- Poor visibility: Because of their massive size, truck drivers are not able to see the entire road. They usually have large blind spots that can trap smaller cars and cause an accident.
- Drowsy driving: Federal law limits truck drivers to the number of hours they are able to drive. The law allows them to work 11 hours within a 14-hour work day, giving them a maximum of 70 hours of driving a week. If they drive longer than what they are allowed, an accident can happen due to their drowsy driving.
- Mechanical problems: All vehicles can experience mechanical issues at times. It is possible for trucks to have tire blowouts, brake issues, breakdowns, and more than can contribute to causing an accident.
Negligence
When someone is injured in a truck accident, they often wish to hold the driver responsible for negligence. In order to do so, they must satisfy the burden of proof with evidence that shows the driver caused the accident and their injuries due to negligent behavior. Often times, trucks contain a “black box” that holds a record of the speed of a truck before an accident that can be used as evidence. It is important to secure this information from the truck company or an insurance company after an accident before it can be deleted.
Contact our Firm
Friedman Schuman is an experienced and dedicated legal resource for clients throughout Pennsylvania. We proudly serve clients facing a wide range of legal matters. If you require the services of an effective attorney, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation.
