No matter how careful and observant you try to remain on the road, there is a chance that at least one driver at any given time could be violating some traffic regulations that could directly or indirectly impact you. Blatant violation of traffic laws results in road traffic accidents that can result in serious physical injury or death. While most injuries acquired during traffic accidents can be treated with good medical and surgical care, some forms of injury can have lasting medical consequences, including temporary or permanent incapacitation, loss of function, adverse impact on one’s quality of life, and more.
If you or your loved one got involved in a truck accident, you might be able to sue the negligent driver to obtain financial compensation for your damages. One of the most important steps to protect your legal rights is to contact a skilled lawyer immediately after your accident. Your attorney will guide you through the complicated process of filing a lawsuit and help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injury.
Why Truck Accidents Are Dangerous
Although no one accident is better than the other, and all can cause serious physical and emotional harm to a person, truck accidents are by far the most dangerous form of traffic accidents throughout the United States. Much of the added danger is attributable to the larger size and higher momentum of trucks compared to smaller vehicles like cars and motorbikes. These accidents also cause more injuries more severe compared to other vehicular accidents. A few lucky individuals survive a catastrophic truck wreck, with survivors acquiring injuries that can take decades to heal and even prove fatal.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Most truck accidents result from violations of traffic regulations, which can take the form of:
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often must work long shifts with little or no breaks. Longer shifts mean less time to sleep, a habit that can prove fatal for other drivers on the road. Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the United States and sleeping behind the wheel accounts for most deaths resulting from truck crashes.
Overspeeding
Large vehicles like trucks possess a greater momentum, which means that unless a driver puts on the brakes several moments before it is necessary, the truck will most likely crash into another vehicle in its path. Of all the vehicles on the road, trucks are the ones that can afford to make mistakes like overspeeding the least.
Substance Use
Another major cause of truck crashes is their drivers’ substance use. The use of illicit drugs or alcohol before or during driving can impair a driver’s ability to think clearly and react to traffic movements timely, which can result in unfortunate vehicular accidents.
Conclusion
Trucks are heavy-traffic vehicles that can cause catastrophic damage if they crash into other vehicles on the road. Due to their considerably higher momentum, larger size, and less room for error, truck crashes are more likely to cause more damage. Overspeeding, substance use, and driver fatigue are the top reasons for truck crashes in the United States. If you or your loved one was involved in a truck accident, you should consult an attorney to pursue legal action against the driver responsible for the incident.