Common Causes of Truck Crashes and What They Mean for Your Case
The fact that several major trucking and freight corridors run through the Greensburg area means that truck traffic is heavy and that truck accidents are not uncommon. Often, truck driver negligence is the direct cause of these extremely dangerous crashes, but fault can also lie with the trucking company and the truck manufacturer. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a truck accident, our experienced Greensburg, PA, truck accident attorneys at Stine & Associates are standing by to help.
Truck Driver Negligence in Greensburg
Truck drivers represent the first line of defense against truck accidents. They are held to strict federal and state laws that address safety and the immense risk associated with the incredible size and weight of these massive vehicles. Truck drivers are also responsible for monitoring their rigs for the signs that tend to indicate there’s a safety concern and for regular maintenance.
The most common causes of truck crashes when the trucker themselves are the direct cause include all the following:
- Failure to adequately check blind spots – Blind spots spread across all four sides of tractor-trailers, and changing lanes without checking them can prove deadly.
- Excess speed – 18-wheelers require far longer stopping distances than other vehicles do, which makes both speeding and tailgating that much more dangerous
- Impairment – The law is very clear about having zero tolerance when it comes to impairment and the trucking industry.
- Failure to adequately account for curves – When truckers fail to take the degree of a curve into account, it can lead to life-threatening rollovers and to jackknife accidents.
- Distraction – Operating a semi safely requires considerable skill and focused attention to the road ahead. Any form of distraction puts everyone on the road at risk.
- Failure to account for the load – How the trailer is loaded is a key safety concern, and shifting is not uncommon. Truckers who fail to pay attention are far more likely to cause accidents.
Turn to a seasoned truck accident lawyer for the help you need.
Negligence on the Part of the Trucking Company
Trucking companies bear a serious responsibility to safety, and those that cut corners in this arena can be directly responsible for truck accidents. To begin, trucking companies must hire safe and reliable drivers who hold the necessary credentials. Further, they must refrain from pushing their drivers beyond the limits of safety, must implement and require regular maintenance checks, must maintain a safe fleet of rigs, and so on.
Negligence on the Part of the Truck Manufacturer
Sometimes, truck accidents are the result of a faulty truck or truck part. Manufacturers can be held legally liable for accidents caused by faulty design, faulty manufacture, and inadequate instruction or warning.
Discuss Your Claim with Our Experienced Greensburg Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Our dedicated Greensburg truck accident attorneys at Stine & Associates appreciate the significance of your case, and we will unleash the full force of our experience and legal insight in pursuit of a favorable resolution on your behalf. Learn more about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 724-837-0160 today.