Big Rig Accidents
Big rigs are a popular means of transporting goods across the continental United States and according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) constituted 3% of all vehicles on the road in 1997. However, the same report found that big rig accidents made up 9% of all fatal crashes and 4% of those accidents which resulted in personal injury or property damage only. The cause of many big rig accidents can be traced back to irresponsible trucking practices on the part of the driver, company responsible for maintenance or parties who loaded the truck, or it may be the result of a passenger car driver miscalculation.
Runaway trailers can result in a fatal crash unless proper measures are taken to secure it correctly. Injury attorneys across the United States have dealt with cases involving wrongful death due to a runaway trailer which was attached improperly or not maintained regularly. One of the most common factors resulting in a runaway trailer is a failure to secure the coupler tight, resulting in the trailer becoming disconnected from the truck. Additionally, all parts should be routinely checked for worn or rusted parts, cracks and overall signs of wear and tear. Care should also be taken to ensure all parts are lubricated properly to decrease the overall mechanical stress and wear. Those involved in a runaway trailer big rig accidents involving property damage, personal injury or death may be able to successfully recover damages if it is proven that failure to take all necessary safety precautions was the cause.
Overloading trucks is another common cause of big rig accidents resulting in injury or fatalities. Overloading a truck raises its center of gravity, making a rollover more likely in the event of sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Additionally, weight limits on trucks are set according to how much weight the truck can haul while still maintaining optimal braking ability. Another report by the NHTSA shows that a loaded big rig requires 20-40% more stopping distance than a car. Exceeding the maximum limit while loading a tractor trailer increases the risk of a serious accident, as even tire blowouts become more likely due to under inflated tires or too much heat generated due to weight of the load. Responsibility of ensuring that a truck’s load does not exceed the recommended maximum is on the part of not only the company who loads it, but the driver who is responsible for transporting the load while maintaining public safety. Occasionally, unsecured loads may pose a hazard as well.
Driver error and fatigue is also a common contributor to big rig accidents each year. Federal regulations allow truck drivers to drive up to sixteen hours a day, but many ignore this rule when faced with financial or time deadlines. Driver fatigue can lead to decreased reaction time, visual hallucinations or even falling asleep at the wheel and losing control of the tractor trailer. Additionally, drug and alcohol use on the part of the driver has obvious consequences and is a threat to overall public safety. In some cases where the driver was shown to have a blatant disregard for the common good, criminal charges may be levied in addition to any civil suits filed by victims wishing to recover damages.
Similarly, there may be error on the part of passenger car drivers when passing or approaching a big rig. No matter which side of the accident you are on, it's a very good idea to contact an experienced big rig accident attorney in case of a trucking accident.
|
Accidents 
