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Semi-tractor trailers have multiple blind spots and "no zones"
Truck accidents that involve negligence can cost commercial trucking companies millions of dollars in liability, and they know it. These kinds of accidents can be complex, and the companies have resources to put on these cases, and fight them tooth and nail. If you’ve been involved in an accident with a semi-truck trailer, you have options for how to best approach what happens next. The trucking company, rest assured, will have a team of lawyers backing them. What about you?
The challenges of a wrongful death claim against a trucking company
A vehicle accident is scary, frightening, and awful. When that wreck results in the death of your loved one, it is one of the hardest things in life to go through. If it’s because of a truck driver or company’s negligence, it’s unconscionable. While you might want to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties, the thought of that might feel insurmountably difficult. You know it will be a long, uphill battle, and will take lot of mental and emotional preparation. Truck companies can be ruthless in dealing with accident victims, and will be trying to discredit you or simply fluster and frustrate you when you’re grieving, and just trying to stay afloat after a loved one’s death. Is your best option to simply take what the trucking company offers you in a wrongful death claim?
When a truck's trailer becomes a runaway, collisions can be devastating
If you’ve spent any time traveling along Washington mountain highways, you have most likely noticed them: runaway truck ramps. These are provided for trucks that get into a very scary situation: when the trailer begins to go faster than the tractor to which it’s attached. Situations like this are extremely volatile, and all it takes is seconds for catastrophe to occur. Trailers can become detached, and will take out all that’s in front of it until it comes to rest. Imagine more than 80,000 pounds barreling at you. Assuming you can survive being in its path, you will have experienced a terribly traumatizing event, not to mention the property damage that resulted. These are some of the most horrific kinds of wrecks one can imagine. For more information on commercial trucks and runaway trailer accidents click here.
Certain vehicles have a higher likelihood of rollover
The higher the center of gravity, the higher the likelihood that a vehicle will rollover. Accidents and sudden turns can sometimes prove to be too much for trucks and SUVs to handle, which can result in one of the scarier – and deadlier – kinds of crashes. If a vehicle rolls, common results are that occupants are ejected and/or the roof is crushed. Catastrophic injuries may occur such as multiple fractures, back or spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries. And in the worst case scenarios, fatalities may result. For more info on rollover crashes, factors that contribute to rollovers, and what to do, click here.
Overweight truck accidents occur increasingly often
Though semi tractor trailers are designed to carry heavy loads, they can be overloaded. When a truck carries more than it is supposed to, major, catastrophic wrecks can occur. These wrecks, as they tend to happen on interstate highways at high speeds, can happen on any road. It’s a sad fact that many trucks are overloaded typically, on any given day. Truckers and their companies are under pressure to maximize each trip, and sometimes this means trucks are loaded too heavy, or too quickly so they are not properly balanced. If you or a loved one were hit by a commercial truck, it would be hard to tell if overweight or improper loading contributed to the wreck, or increased its severity unless you know what to look for. If this is a factor in your accident, then someone you love, or yourself, was hurt from negligent behavior. Were you hit by an overloaded truck? Learn more.
How do accident victims receive financial compensation? [VIDEO]
There are a few categories in which accident victims are awarded compensation after an accident:
- Medical bills from a motor vehicle crash: At fault drivers are responsible for paying all medical expenses incurred. Also, they must pay all future medical bills that are likely to be incurred.
- Lost wages: This includes past wage loss from the accident, as well as future wage loss, i.e. future physical therapy visits that require time off work.
- General damages: Includes pain and suffering, mental anguish - all the things you can't put an exact price tag on. A good lawyer will make insurance company see how the accident has effected the client.
For more information, please see this video on how accident victims are compensated after a collision with an at-fault or partially at-fault driver.
When a semi jackknifes: how it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if you're in an accident with one
Most likely you’ve seen the harrowing pictures in the media, as these are usually significant, scary accidents. When a truck jackknifes, it’s a big deal. Jackknifing means that the trailer skids up and folds against the tractor at a very acute angle. You can think of it like a pocket knife partly opened. Any other vehicles nearby are vulnerable to being hit by the trailer as it swings around, and, as you can imagine, worst case scenarios can happen in the blink of an eye. A car can be smashed in between the tractor and its trailer, or it can be hit at any angle by the trailer as it swings out of control. Often in these accidents, especially since they tend to occur on highways at fast speeds, fatalities and serious injuries occur. If you or a loved one has been involved in a wreck with a semi tractor trailer that jackknifed, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages and losses.