Unfortunately, the driving public is sometimes placed at risk when truck drivers and trucking companies do not follow regulations that limit the number of hours a truck driver can be behind the wheel. Excessive driving, without proper breaks, can lead to difficulty concentrating and may result in truck accidents.
Because of their ize and weight, truck accidents commonly lead to catastrophic injuries and death for victims. Factors that can lead to truck accidents include truck driver fatigue; distracted driving; poor weather conditions or visibility and the failure of the truck driver to adjust to the conditions; poor truck maintenance; intoxication and additional factors as well. Poor road conditions and construction areas, and the failure of truck drivers to properly respond to those circumstances, can also result in truck accidents.
In some ways, the legal framework around truck accidents is the same as for car accidents, but in others it is very different. Depending on the circumstances, both truck drivers and their employers may be liable to injured victims and their families for the damages they have suffered. It is important to understand the relationship between the truck driver and trucking company, as well as the circumstances of the accident and the conditions of the road at the time to better understand liability for damages following a truck accident. Victims and their families may be able to recover medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost earnings and pain and suffering damages, as well as other types of damages, depending on the situation.
It is important for victims of truck accidents, and their families, to protect their rights to recovery following a truck accident. Truck accidents can result in unthinkable harm which is why the legal process provides resources for truck accident victims and their families. For more information, see our truck accidents page.