Truck accidents often result in severe property damage and serious injuries. Generally, any accidents that involve trucks are more dangerous compared to car accidents. Some truck accidents can even lead to fatalities. While most drivers understand that trucks are dangerous, they are not certain about the legal proceedings of a truck accident claim or lawsuit. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you should consult with an experienced truck accident attorney to provide the legal support you need.
What Makes Truck Accidents More Dangerous?
A primary reason why trucks are so much more dangerous than cars is the immense weight and size of the truck. The larger mass means that the truck impacts greater force on anything that it collides with. The consequences are particularly devastating if the other party is a small car, pedestrian, or bicyclist.
The weight and size of the truck also impact its stopping distance. Even if the driver reacts quickly to stop or maneuver the truck, it takes time for such a large mass to stop or turn. The momentum of the truck makes avoiding collisions more challenging. If the truck is carrying cargo, it makes it even more difficult to maneuver or stop the truck. The cargo also poses other risks as improperly stored cargo can spill or shift during transit. This is another reason why trucks are significantly more dangerous compared to cars.
Large trucks also have a higher center of gravity which makes them vulnerable to rollover, which can cause potentially catastrophic injuries and fatalities. The dangers posed by a truck also depend on the type of truck. The large 18-wheelers, armored trucks, and car carriers are heavier and pose the greatest threat.
A truck requires more maintenance compared to a car. The negligence of the trucking company can also increase the dangers posed by the truck. For example, if the truck is not maintained properly, it can increase the threat posed by the truck. Trucking companies also have a responsibility to properly train the drivers to handle the challenges of truck driving. In addition, they need to ensure truck drivers have the rest they need for safe driving. Driver fatigue or driver distance is the top cause of truck accidents.
Who Is Liable for Truck Accidents?
There are multiple parties that can be held liable for a truck accident. The most common liable party is the truck driver or the drivers of the other vehicles involved in the accident. The operation of a truck is far more challenging than a car. This means the driver must have a certain level of skills and training to handle the requirements of truck driving.
The truck company can also be held liable if there is negligence in the maintenance of the truck or overburdening the truck drivers with work. In some cases, the truck manufacturer can also be held liable if the plaintiff can prove that the accident happened due to a manufacturing defect. While it is not as common, there are several cases where victims of truck accidents have won cases in truck manufacturers.
Other potentially liable parties include truck maintenance companies, parts manufacturers, cargo loading companies, government agencies, or any other company that is responsible for causing the accident. According to wattelandyork.com, there are some accidents that are more challenging to prove liability, such as hit-and-run accidents. You may benefit from hiring an experienced attorney for your case.
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