It is understandable that you may have a fear of being struck by a semi-truck while driving. It does not help that movies and television shows feed on people’s fears by showing horrific accidents involving large trucks. The truth is, a majority of the large trucks on the road are being operated by responsible and competent drivers. However, when a collision does occur, the injuries can be catastrophic or even fatal.
Large truck accidents can also be a legal nightmare since there are multiple parties involved, as the truck is often owned by a company, and the driver may have been working at the time of the collision. If you or a loved one were injured due to the negligence of a semi-truck driver, you should not attempt to pursue a claim on your own. You need to speak with an experienced Illinois truck accident attorney who can help ensure your rights are protected.
Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents
Just the sheer size and weight of these trucks make them more dangerous in the event of an accident when compared to most of the other vehicles around you on the road. Some of the more common causes of large truck accidents include:
- Driver Error: Driver error is the most common cause of large truck accidents. There are a number of situations that can fall under the category of driver error. Perhaps the truck driver deviated from his or her lane and into yours, was distracted, or was intoxicated. Another real risk is fatigue. Some truck drivers are pushing through long shifts to cover vast distances, and that means they are fatigued and even falling asleep at the wheel.
- Load Too Heavy or Loaded Incorrectly: Another common cause of large truck accidents is the truck is overloaded or improperly loaded. Items that are improperly loaded can fall off, striking other vehicles and even pedestrians in some cases. Imagine a large truck carrying logs or boards that were improperly loaded: The truck hits a bump, and next thing you know, these items are flying toward you. A truck that is overloaded or imbalanced can cause the truck to jackknife or rollover, contributing to the driver losing control in an accident.
- Equipment Failure: If there is an equipment failure on a large truck, it can cause a major accident. If the truck’s brakes fail going down a hill, the truck will lose control and strike other vehicles, houses, people, or whatever is in its path. Failure to properly maintain the vehicle could result in things like tire blowouts, as well.
Contact an Illinois Truck Accident Attorney
Injuries resulting from a large truck accident can cause you to need medical treatment and/or physical therapy for months. You may not be able to work, either. This is why you need an Illinois truck accident attorney on your side. Contact Brassfield, Krueger & Ramlow, Ltd., to schedule your initial consultation.
