Drivers share the road with semi-trucks on a daily basis. These big rigs are large and heavy, and they can lead to serious crashes if one of them strikes a smaller passenger vehicle. Victims of these crashes can suffer from very serious injuries, some of which can be catastrophic.
A person who’s struck by a semi-truck needs to focus on medical care first. Once that’s taken care of, they may need to consider seeking compensation. One major step in this is determining who’s liable for the crash. There are several possibilities for this.
Trucker Error
Semi-truck drivers are professionals, but this doesn’t mean that they are above making errors. Driving while distracted, fatigued, or impaired are some of these. Driving aggressively is another error that they may make.
Improper Load Securement
Loads that aren’t secured properly can shift the weight and balance of the rig, which can cause the trucker to lose control of the vehicle. It’s also possible that the load can come loose from the truck and become a hazard on the roadway. The item may even slam into another vehicle.
Other Drivers on the Road
Other drivers on the road can cause a semi-truck to slam into a vehicle. This is often the case if a driver cuts the semi-truck off. All drivers on the roads should be sure that they avoid driving in the “no-zones,” which are on both sides of the big rig, as well as in front and back of it. These are areas where the trucker can’t see so they can’t react to dangers.
Lax Maintenance
Proper maintenance is critical for big rigs. Imagine what a huge hazard it would be if the brakes didn’t work in the middle of traffic. While some truckers handle their own maintenance, many turn to others for this. Ensuring that it’s all done properly is critical, but there’s also a risk of components failing even if they’re installed properly. A defective component may lead to a product liability lawsuit.
Poor Management by Logistics Company
Poor management by the logistics company can lead to a trucker trying to push their limits. These trucking companies are responsible for setting realistic deadlines for pick-ups and deliveries. Some become so focused on profits that they forget that empowering the truckers to put safety first has to be the standard company culture.
When you’re injured in a semi-truck crash, visit this website to learn more about your options for seeking compensation. One of the most important things for you to do is to determine what parties to hold liable in your legal claims. This must be done quickly because you only have a limited time to make this happen. The state’s statute of limitations sets a strict time limit for how long you have from the day of the crash to get your claim filed in court. Working with someone who’s familiar with state laws, as well as the regulations of the trucking industry, can help to make this process easier.
