What Makes a Big Rig So Dangerous?
There are many reasons why big rig trucks are so dangerous. The significant size of the vehicles makes them more challenging to maneuver for even the most experienced truck driver.
When cargo loaders do not adequately secure loads, the truck’s freight can cause the weight in the trailer to shift, and ultimately the driver could lose the load or cause a jackknife accident.
If trucking companies fail to make necessary repairs and ensure the tractor-trailer receives the necessary maintenance the truck requires, these collisions could prove fatal.
Who’s At Fault in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
One of your 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers’ top responsibilities will be determining who is at fault for your damages. To do this, they must start by investigating the cause of the accident. Here are some liable parties for 18-wheeler accidents and reasons why:
- Negligent truck drivers are commonly found responsible for causing commercial truck crashes when they drive drunk, distracted, impaired, drowsy, aggressively, recklessly, or in any other type of unsafe manner.
- Dram shops could be sued for truck accident damages when they are found to have served alcohol to a truck driver already under the influence.
- Trucking companies can be held accountable for the actions of their truck drivers if they fail to conduct background checks, force truck drivers to violate Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) trucking regulations, or fail to ensure the truck receives safety inspections and maintenance repairs.
- Government agencies and authorities such as the city of Hobbs, the New Mexico Department of Transportation, and other parties could share blame if their failure to maintain the integrity and safety of the roads contributes to your accident.
- The truck’s owner could be responsible for your damages if a mechanical failure or defect contributed to the accident.
- Cargo loaders and other trucking company employees can be sued for failing to properly secure the cargo contained within the commercial truck.