Trucking accidents are extremely scary and happen far too often. If you or someone you love has been in a trucking accident, you might feel overwhelmed with questions and information, so here are some of the most common questions–and answers–around trucking accidents. As with any legal issue, the best way to get information for your particular situation is to contact a truck accident lawyer.
- What are the most common causes of truck accidents? Truck accidents happen for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes it is the truck driver’s fault and sometimes it is the driver of the other vehicle, but the most common causes are largely the same. Often, distracted driving by either party–texting, changing the song, fiddling with the air conditioning, facetiming–is the root cause. Other frequent causes include the weather conditions, reckless driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Issues particular to the truck driver can include negligence or improper training by the trucking company or simply driver fatigue.
- What can I do to avoid truck accidents? The best way to stay safe is to avoid the accident in the first place. If you are driving a vehicle near a truck practicing good driving techniques is the best way to keep yourself and your passengers safe. Good practices include using your turn signals to indicate when you are passing, giving the truck extra space when possible, avoiding tailgating, and making sure you are not using your bright lights. It is also a good idea to pay attention to the truck’s blind spots. If you cannot see the driver in the mirror, chances are, they cannot see you.
- What do I do if I am in a truck accident? The safety of all parties is the first priority. If you are able, move out of the road and away from oncoming traffic. Next, call 911 to report the accident immediately. Give as much detail as possible about where the accident occured, how many people are injured and the severity of the injuries. If you are injured and in a safe location, stay put until help arrives. If you are not badly injured and can take pictures of any evidence, do so. When help arrives, be truthful and explain the facts of what happened, but do not admit fault. As soon as you are able, contact an attorney with expertise in truck accidents for a free consultation to discuss your options and next steps.
Truck accidents are scary, life-altering events. If you have already been in an accident, it is important to try to get some type of compensation for any physical, psychological or economical injuries you suffered as a result. Even if your case seems straightforward, a lawyer can assist you in calculating exactly how much compensation you deserve, making sure to take into account future expenses as well.