The roadways of America are filled with large semi-trucks. These trucks are designed to make getting products from one side of the country to the other in a relatively short amount of time. Not only are these trucks essential to the American way of life, they are also dangerous. Over 500,000 trucking accidents occur in this country each year.
Being involved in one of these accidents can lead to lots of injuries and damage to your vehicle. If you are curious about what usually causes these types of accidents, check out the useful information below.
Lack of Truck Maintenance Can Be Problematic
A number of different components have to work properly for a truck to get down the road safely. As time goes by, various components like brakes and tires will start to wear out. If these elements are not maintained or replaced when needed, it is only a matter of time before a trucking accident occurs.
If a truck driver does not have properly working braking components, they will be unable to stop in a hurry when needed. Worn out tires will also lead to a reduction in stopping power. If you are involved in a trucking accident that was caused by negligent maintenance practices, you may be able to sue the company that owns the truck. If you think you have a case worth pursuing, consulting with a legal professional is a good idea.
The Dangers Caused By Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers that operate their vehicle while fatigued can cause a lot of damage. If a truck driver is not getting the proper amount of rest because they want to get the job done ahead of schedule, they will be putting themselves and other motorists at risk. Drivers that are running on little to no sleep will have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel.
There are a number of laws on the books that require drivers to get rest while on the job. In most cases, truck drivers will keep a log that shows when they stop and rest. However, there are cases when these logs are altered to reflect rest times that didn’t actually happen. Getting to the bottom of problems like this will be much easier with a lawyer on your side. Most lawyers use top-notch private investigators to find out what caused a trucking accident. This why hiring a legal professional following a trucking accident is so important.
Distracted Driving is Very Common
Millions of people in the United States own smartphones. One of the main problems associated with these devices is distracted driving. If a truck driver is looking down at their phone instead of at the road, they are probably going to eventually wreck. Some people fail to realize just how much damage a large semi-truck can cause, even at low speeds.
Do You Need Legal Advice?
If you have been involved in a truck accident, the team at Joey Gilbert Law can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us now to schedule a consultation.
