Though they are essential to the nation because they transport goods, semi-trucks can be intimidating to drive near. Unfortunately, accidents involving these vehicles can be catastrophic, often leading to life-altering, if not fatal, injuries for those involved. As such, understanding the common causes of these trucking accidents is critical to protecting yourself on the road and after an accident. The following blog covers these causes in more detail and explores why you need a Broward County truck accident lawyer to help you through these complicated times.
Why Do Trucking Accidents Happen?
Trucking accidents are unfortunately common, as there are several causes. Unfortunately, one of the most prevalent reasons these vehicles cause collisions is driver fatigue. Truck drivers have a challenging job. Though it is not manual labor, driving for hours at a time can be exhausting, as you must constantly be on alert to changing traffic conditions and other drivers. Additionally, many truck drivers face pressure from their employers to ignore the hours of service regulations in place, meaning they are driving for longer periods than allowed by law to help prevent drowsy driving. As such, a fatigued driver can cause a collision due to blurry vision, micro-sleep, slowed reflexes, clouded judgment, and falling asleep behind the wheel.
Another common cause of truck accidents revolves around distracted driving. As mentioned, driving can be monotonous, and drivers may succumb to distractions on the road. Generally, any time a driver takes their mind off driving, eyes off the road, or hands off the wheel, they are distracted. This includes daydreaming, texting, eating, looking at scenery, and adjusting navigation systems.
Finally, drivers may be involved in accidents due to improper maintenance on their vehicles. When a driver alerts their employer to an issue, the trucking company must remedy it. If they continually ignore or postpone maintenance and scheduled repairs to optimize how many trucks are on the road, mechanical errors can lead to a preventable collision.
Am I Entitled to Damages?
If you have sustained injuries because of a negligent truck driver or their employer, you may be entitled to compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to hold the driver and their employer liable for damages.
Generally, you can seek economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages represent monetary losses you have suffered because of the accident, like medical expenses and the cost of repairs for your vehicle. Non-economic damages represent subjective losses, such as pain and suffering or a loss of enjoyment of life.
Being injured due to a negligent truck driver or their company can cause considerable pain and suffering. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an attorney from the Finizio Law Group who can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Connect with our team today to discuss your circumstances with a member of our dedicated team today.
