Blog

Big rigs are a necessary part of life, but when they collide with cars, the results can be disastrous.

The Serious Danger of Trucking Accidents

Unlike accidents between two noncommercial vehicles, accidents between trucks and passenger vehicles have a high potential for serious injuries, and even death.  This is due to the disparity in size between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.  A fully-loaded large truck can weigh over 80,000 pounds, while a typical passenger vehicle weighs approximately 3,000 pounds. Common sense tells us that in a collision between vehicles of such different sizes, there is a high possibility of critical injuries and even fatalities.   Because the injuries suffered in trucking accidents are typically very serious, it is all the more important that you hire an attorney with expertise in trucking accidents to handle your case.

Why Trucking Accidents Are So Common

Although the risks of significant injury or death are high in trucking accidents, the incentives offered to many truck drivers may lead to greater numbers accidents between trucks and passenger vehicles.  Many trucking companies have set up systems of compensation that encourage truck drivers to get to a destination as fast as possible.  This may lead to drivers traveling at unsafe speeds or driving for more hours than advisable in order to deliver goods on time or early. Trucking companies may set unrealistic schedules for their drivers, impelling them to bypass safe practices in order to meet these expectations. Trucking companies may not train their drivers properly when it comes to driving techniques, including defensive driving tactics and safe operation of these large vehicles.  These practices may lead to even more trucking accidents, as drivers disregard safety in favor of meeting the goals set by their employers. A skilled truck accident attorney will examine all aspects of your case, including the possibility that the policies of the trucking company may have led to the accident.

Taking Truck Accident Cases to Trial

Trucking accidents cases can be particularly complicated to litigate.  There may be multiple parties responsible for the accident, including the truck driver and the trucking company, the equipment or vehicle manufacturer, other negligent drivers and government entities.  Depending on the facts of each case, there may be additional parties who can be held liable for a trucking accident, such as the manufacturer of a hazardous material being transported in the truck involved.  Alternatively, some of these parties may escape liability depending on the specific situation.  For example, if the truck driver is classified as an independent contractor rather than an employee, the trucking company may not be responsible for his negligence.  There are also complex state and federal regulations that govern trucking.  You will need an attorney who is knowledgeable about these laws and regulations, and who has the resources and knowledge to investigate your claim properly.  A good truck accident attorney will examine every aspect of your case, including the trucking logs, the equipment maintenance schedule, and witness accounts, to present a strong argument for compensation for your injuries.

When it comes to trucking accidents, you need an attorney who is familiar with all of the laws and regulations involved, as well as the unique issues that often arise in these cases.  At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have the expertise to successfully represent victims in trucking accident cases.  Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free initial consultation about your truck accident case.