Car Accident Lawyer
Many drivers can attest to just how intimidating it can be to find themselves driving side by side on a highway with a tractor-trailer or some other large commercial truck. Commercial trucks are massive in size and weight, which is why accidents involving these trucks are often catastrophic for smaller passenger vehicles. Truck accidents are responsible for the deaths of more than 4,000 people each year. More than 100,000 people are seriously injured, often left with permanent disabilities. When these trucks are transporting an overweight load, the risk of a truck accident becomes even direr.
Unfortunately, overloaded trucks are a reality on all roads, not just highways. The destination of the majority of commercial trucks brings them to companies located in cities and towns – meaning they have to drive through municipal streets to get there.
Dangers of Overloaded Trucks
Operating a massive 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other massive truck takes training and skill. This is why truck drivers must have special licenses to operate. But when a truck is overloaded, even the most skillful of truck drivers can have difficulty. All it takes is one small issue on the road to trigger a catastrophic event that can result in the deaths of vehicle occupants and pedestrians.
Some of the most common factors in overload truck accidents include:
Too much weight on the truck causes it to flip over as the driver attempts to maneuver. Many times a rollover truck lands on a nearby vehicle, crushing it.
The overloaded cargo causes the truck driver to have a difficult time making a turn. It is already difficult for truck drivers to take these turns, but an overweight truck can make it deadly.
Due to the types of brakes they use and their size, it takes a truck much longer to slow down than it does a passenger vehicle. Having too much weight on a truck increased that slow-down time even more. If an overweight truck has to make a sudden stop, the extra weight may make stopping in time impossible.
When a Truck Accident Happens
Victims of truck accidents usually suffer terrible injuries that end up requiring long-term medical care. This leads to high medical bills and no income because they cannot work while they recover from their injuries. Many victims are left with permanent disabilities. These financial losses are recoverable under state law.
In addition, the victim may also be entitled to noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and permanent disability. If the victim dies from their injuries, their family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault parties.
A truck accident lawyer can assist in any legal action, dealing with the trucking company and their insurance company in any settlement negotiations, as well as litigate the case if a fair and just settlement amount cannot be reached.
Thanks to our friends at Wandres Law, P.C. for their insight into personal injury lawsuits.