Too many Americans are injured in vehicle accidents with big trucks. One of the main reasons is the disparity in size between a truck and a passenger vehicle. Indeed, a big rig is 20 times heavier than a car. Consult a truck accident attorney in Waldorf, MD if you are injured. Victims deserve to be compensated fairly for pain and suffering.
Why So Many Trucks?
Passenger vehicles have to share the road with tractor-trailers because trucks haul most of the freight. Over 16-million trucks are registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The freight industry is booming and, unfortunately, drivers and owners are taking shortcuts.
The government mandates that drivers sleep for several hours between loads. However, owners may offer incentives for them to keep pushing and take more loads. It’s not surprising that 90% of trucking accidents are blamed on human error. Sleepy or distracted drivers are unsafe drivers.
Causes of Trucking Accidents
Many accidents are caused by mechanical failure. Unscrupulous owners try to save money by neglecting the trucks. The fleet needs to be inspected periodically to ensure that brakes and tires are in good shape. Other accident causes include driver inexperience, speeding, reckless driving and bad road conditions.
Truck Accidents Are Different Animals
Claims for auto accidents and truck accidents are handled differently. That’s because more than one person or entity may be liable for a truck accident. First, the owner of the truck may be liable if the driver is at fault. On the other hand, the driver may be an owner/operator. A truck accident attorney in Waldorf, MD knows how to find out who owns the big rig and is responsible.
It is not uncommon for the freight owner to be liable. Frequently, workers move too fast when they load trucks, and the load can shift. Consequently, the shifting load causes the truck to swerve and a vehicle may be hit. The attorney wants to make sure clients are compensated fairly, especially if there are permanent injuries. Additionally, victims have a right to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and simply having to go through the accident. Get legal assistance with your accident claim today.
