All across America, millions of crashes occur each year. Far too often, these collisions involve large commercial vehicles that can cause severe and catastrophic injuries. It’s vital to recognize just how dangerous a truck accident can be for you on the road, as well as understand some of the hazards that can lead to a crash.
Truck accidents led to 4,951 fatal injuries in 2018. Even more people suffered catastrophic and lifelong debilitating injuries. These numbers go to show just how dangerous it is for all drivers when someone in the trucking industry is negligent. Below, we’ll discuss some of the dangers that exist in the trucking industry and how it affects someone in the aftermath:
- The combination of size and speed
- Violations of FMCSA regulations
- Seasonality dangers
- Bad weather conditions
Call us today at (801) 900-4681 if you suffer an injury because of someone else’s negligence in a trucking accident.
The Combination of Size and Speed
The biggest issue about large commercial vehicles is their combination of size and speed. They can often weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and some highways allow them to travel upwards of 55 miles per hour. When you combine the two, it becomes much more difficult for the truck to stop when approaching traffic or encountering an issue on the road.
Even more dangerous, the combination of size and speed is what makes collisions so catastrophic when they do happen. The amount of force stemming from larger commercial vehicles onto smaller passenger vehicles can cause the smaller car’s frame to collapse. The blunt force trauma can lead to head injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and other very serious problems.
Unfortunately, many trucking companies encourage higher speeds if it means delivering more cargo and making more money. The decision to put profit over safety is what most often leads to collisions, and those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.
Violations of FMCSA Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides regulations that, when followed, should keep those in the trucking industry and other drivers safe from harm. However, many truck drivers and trucking companies violate these regulations to meet deadlines, carry more cargo, and get more deliveries completed faster.
Multiple parties can commit violations of FMCSA regulations, including the following:
- The owner of the trucking company
- The truck driver
- The employees who are responsible for loading the cargo
In any instance where a truck accident occurs, it’s essential to recognize just how severe violations of regulations can be. If a collision occurs, not only does the FMCSA work to enforce their regulations, but our firm works to provide strong legal counsel.
Seasonality Dangers
Different seasons present dangers that can lead to significant collisions. Of course, the time around the holidays can prove to be significantly dangerous as more commercial vehicles are on the road to make countless deliveries. It can also lead to heavier trucks, many pushing the limits set forth by industry regulations.
When a trucking company tries to put their profits first, it can result in some of the most dangerous problems on the road. No matter the season and the push for more profits, it’s crucial for trucking companies and drivers to follow any laws on the road to prevent an accident from occurring.
Bad Weather Conditions
Countless states experience heavy rains and snow during the winter months, and these weather conditions create significant problems. Terrible weather makes it even more dangerous when truck drivers speed, fail to stop in time, or otherwise make it dangerous for others on the road.
Another issue that can arise in terrible weather is when the truck’s tires don’t have adequate tread. Without tread, tires lose traction, and any patch of ice or a puddle of water can cause hydroplaning, which can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle quickly.
In bad weather, it’s essential for truck drivers to drive even slower and avoid stopping erratically. Truck drivers must ensure they’re giving themselves enough room in front of them to stop should they approach traffic. If they don’t, a rear-end collision can occur, and the faster the truck is, the more dangerous it can be.
We know there are plenty of negligent drivers on the road, and any driver can cause harm. However, with truck accidents, they lead to more catastrophic injuries more often. When this happens, it’s important to know when you suffer an injury that you have the rights to hold negligence accountable and pursue compensation for your damages.
At Lowe Law Group, we prioritize your rights. Our main focus is to go above and beyond on your behalf to provide you with the strong legal counsel you deserve. We know that this is one of the most difficult times for you, and the aftermath of a truck crash can be confusing. As such, we go to work immediately to focus on your legal rights while you pay attention to your recovery.
Our truck accident attorneys are here for you every step of the way. It helps to have someone in your corner who is tenacious, aggressive when needed, and compassionate to your needs. You can trust us to be your voice in the most challenging of times because you deserve it most.
We offer free consultations to help answer any questions you may have. We are here for you when you need us. Call our firm today at (801) 900-4681 to discuss your rights and options moving forward.
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