Truckers provide a vital service to this country, but it comes at a cost. These professionals must operate their vehicles with safety in mind. Any errors they make can have catastrophic results for those who are traveling in front, behind, next to or otherwise around them.
Victims of semitruck crashes may opt to pursue a compensation claim if they have suffered harm as a result of another’s negligence. In order to do this, they must know the cause of the crash so they can name the appropriate party or parties as defendants in the matter. There are several causes that are particularly common in these cases.
Trucker’s actions
The trucker’s actions may play a primary role in a crash. Distractions, impairment or fatigue can all have a negative impact on the trucker’s ability to operate the rig safely. Aggressive driving, such as speeding or weaving between lanes, can result in the semitruck slamming into another vehicle.
Company policies
The trucking company’s policies may play a role in a crash. Truckers often face tight deadlines for pick up and delivery, but that takes away their ability to put safety first. Truckers forced to push the limits of the Hours of Service regulations, which are maximum driving times between pre-set breaks, may be too drowsy to drive safely. Those tight deadlines can also encourage them to speed and drive in unsafe manners.
Improper securement
All loads on semitrucks must be secured in accordance with applicable regulations. Anything not properly secured can cause the rig to shift unexpectedly or come off the semitruck and become a hazard to other drivers.
Lax maintenance
Maintenance on semitrucks is critical for safety because unsafe components can cause catastrophic crashes. Think about how dangerous a semitruck is if its brakes fail or the hitch doesn’t work properly.
Semitruck crash victims will likely need considerable medical care, which can be costly. They may opt to pursue a compensation claim to help cover those expenses and others related to a wreck caused by another’s actions or inactions. Seeking assistance from a legal representative who can provide information about how to proceed and help move a case forward is, therefore, generally wise in the wake of an injurious collision.