Driving a truck is one of the noblest professions in our country. Not only do our people depend on them to deliver our goods, but they are also handed a tremendous amount of responsibility. Many truckers drive their 80,000-pound vehicles for up to 70 hours a week. This is quite obviously no small thing. Additionally, truck companies place a huge amount of pressure on their drivers to make every stop on time. Unsurprisingly, all these factors contribute to truck accidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a truck accident, here are some of the questions you may have:
What are some of the most common causes of truck accidents?
As stated earlier, trucks are simply massive. Some are 45 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Additionally, trucks are notorious for their blind spots, meaning they very often cannot see other smaller vehicles, such as cars, around them. Here are some of the most common causes of truck accidents:
- Employer negligence
- Driver negligence
- Defective truck parts
- Defective truck design
- Dangerous or negligent road design
What are the different types of driver negligence?
Some of the most common types of truck driver negligence are as follows:
- Traveling at excessive speeds
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Texting while driving
- Eating, smoking or navigating directions while driving
- Driving while drowsy or fatigued
- Reckless driving
- Driving too fast for the current weather conditions
- Ignoring traffic lights and signs
- Disregarding other rules and regulations of the road
If you were injured in a truck accident, there is a good chance the injuries you have sustained are severe. On top of hiring an experienced attorney, you may help prove your personal injury claim by obtaining photographic or video evidence of the incident, witness testimony, or medical documentation regarding the extent of your injuries.
Can a truck employer be held accountable for a truck accident?
Fortunately, if you are trying to recover compensation, a truck employer may also be considered negligent if:
- He or she improperly trained or negligently hired an employee
- He or she neglected the necessary truck maintenance requirements
- He or she improperly loaded or instructed others to improperly load vehicles before their departure
Contact our experienced Maryland firm
If you have been injured in an accident and wish to speak with an attorney about your best course of action, contact the Law Offices of Albers & Associates today.
Albers & Associates is comprised of experienced personal injury, criminal defense, and family law attorneys. Our firm is proud to serve clients in Baltimore, Maryland. If you require strong legal representation that will fight to protect your future, contact the attorneys at Albers & Associates to schedule a consultation.