Commercial trucks are one of the primary factors behind many fatal vehicle accidents throughout the United States. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there was more than 4,000 deadly truck crashes in 2017 alone. The number of injury crashes is even higher, as the FMCSA identified approximately 344,000 injuries resulting from these devastating crashes.
It is impossible to undo the damage of a truck crash. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to hold the at-fault party accountable. If successful, your injury claim could help you return to the quality of life you enjoyed prior to the accident.
If you were struck by a commercial vehicle, a Mesa truck accident lawyer will advocate for you. A team member from Ben Crump Law, PLLC looks forward to discussing your case with you. Call (844) 430-1030 to schedule a free consultation.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are not uniform. They can occur for many reasons, including driver error or dangerous natural hazards. Understanding how a truck accident could happen is an important first step in any injury case.
- Lane blocking accidents. In some cases, commercial drivers will lose control of their vehicles. In the process of reasserting control over the vehicle, some drivers come to a stop while blocking one or more lanes of traffic. Other drivers traveling in those lanes might not be able to stop without colliding with the truck.
- Rollover accidents. Truck drivers that lose control of their vehicles also face the potential of a rollover crash. These accidents occur when a truck turns sideways while traveling, causing the truck to roll onto its side or roof.
- Underride accidents. These accidents are unique to commercial trucks. Given the height of these vehicles, many smaller passenger cars can slide underneath the truck.
- Head-on crashes. The most devastating type of truck accident involves head-on collisions. These are commons when a truck operator drifts into the wrong lane.
- Cargo accidents. Sometimes, these collisions do not involve a crash with the truck itself. Instead, loose cargo or items could fall from the truck and cause an accident.
- Jackknife accidents. Another common truck accident involves a commercial vehicle losing control and jackknifing. A truck jackknifes when the truck and trailer travel in separate directions, causing the vehicle to fold in on itself.
- Rear-end collisions. Like with passenger vehicles, commercial trucks are frequently involved in rear-end collisions.
Any of these accidents have the potential to result in severe bodily injuries. If you find yourself in any of these types of crashes, do not hesitate to hire a Mesa truck accident lawyer today. The team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can discuss your case with you. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation with a truck accidents lawyer serving Mesa, call (844) 430-1030
How Truck Accidents Happen
A host of factors could combine to cause a truck accident. While these accidents are unique, many truck crashes involve a similar set of circumstances. Some of the primary causes of truck accidents include:
Driver Error
The most common factor in truck accidents is driver error. These errors can take many forms. In many cases, truck driver negligence is no different from the careless actions that cause many personal vehicle accidents. Truck drivers can speed, fail to yield the right of way, or follow other motorists too closely. When they take these careless actions, they increase the chances of a crash.
Some truck accidents result from circumstances that are unique to professional drivers. For example, there are different regulations that truck drivers must comply with. The most prominent of these are the hours of service requirements set out by the FMCSA. These requirements limit the amount of time a truck driver can operate their vehicle in a day or week without taking a rest. These regulations exist to limit the frequency of fatigued driving that is common among commercial drivers.
Trucking Company Negligence
Truck accidents can occur due to the careless or negligent actions of the truck owner. For example, trucking companies that negligently hire dangerous or unqualified drivers could face liability for any wrecks these drivers cause. The company could also face liability for any loading or cargo errors that occur. When a truck is overloaded or top-heavy, accidents are likely.
Trucking companies might also face liability for the failure to inspect vehicles to ensure they are in proper working order. Likewise, the failure to repair these vehicles following an inspection could also be evidence of negligence.
Defective Equipment
Some truck accidents only occur due to defective equipment or unsafe designs. These defects could impact a single part or the vehicle as a whole. For example, defects in the braking system could cause a large truck to lose control and crash into another motorist. Defective lights could make it difficult for other drivers to see the truck while traveling at night. Some of the most common defects affect:
- Tires
- Braking systems
- Headlights
- Steering wheels
- Powertrain
- Suspension
When a defect results in a truck crash, you could have a viable claim for compensation against the manufacturer. Pursuing a case against a manufacturer might seem daunting, but they can result in your obtaining financial recovery.
Mesa Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (844) 430-1030
Discuss Your Case with Legal Counsel
The hours, days, and weeks that follow a truck accident can be excruciating for anyone that suffered a serious injury in the crash. In addition to the pain and suffering that comes with an accident, you could be entitled to recover other forms of compensation for your medical bills or lost wages.
If you want to file a lawsuit, make sure you abide by Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 12-542. It dictates that you have two years to bring a personal injury lawsuit in the State of Arizona. Make sure you act fast. Otherwise, you may not be able to collect awards for your injuries and losses.
A Mesa truck accident lawyer at Ben Crump Law, PLLC can help you evaluate your case and identify the compensation you deserve. With the help of our team, you can hold a negligent trucking company responsible for their carelessness. Call (844) 430-1030 today.
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