For many people, truck driving is a way of life and a livelihood. You may not like being too close to 80,000 pounds, so you try to pass them, or just stay out of their path. A commercial truck accident can be much more lethal than a car accident, and you need to be sure you’re covered as the driver.
You see trucks on the roads, transporting the goods we all take for granted. The Oil & Gas industry has improved, increasing the number of trucks on West Virginia roads.
The Trucking Industry
Drivers and their companies are, by law, held to a higher safety standard than passenger drivers. Every journey requires recordkeeping, including maintenance and repair records.
Operators of commercial trucks have extensive training before getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL) as well as a system of regulations to follow behind the wheel. The shortage of qualified drivers, coupled with new electronic logging device mandate (ELD) means drivers may be more stressed than before. Some companies have tired drivers to drive longer, take heavier loads, or drive faster to get a shipment on time, contributing to a devastating accident.
It’s bad enough to be in a wreck with another car. But it’s a lot more complicated with a truck. Your injuries are likely to be more severe, but their legal teams and insurance companies will try to push you to agree to a quick—and inadequate—settlement. Don’t settle. Contact a lawyer who can help you navigate a commercial truck accident case.
Braking
We don’t think about our brakes unless they’re making noise or not stopping correctly. But for large trucks, braking is a process. Braking is immediate when you touch your car’s brake pedal. But for a semi, the air brakes take a full 1.5 seconds to engage, taking two to three times longer to stop—and more if the load is heavy.
Exercise Caution Driving Near Big Trucks
It’s sensible to be extra careful around a semi, even when everything works properly. Other ways to stay safe around trucks include:
- Leaving more than adequate distance between you and a truck behind you after you pass
- Allow big trucks the room to make right-hand turns adequately, since they have to turn from the left or middle lane to avoid jackknifing
- Passing only on the left, never on the right, where they have a “blind spot” and the driver can’t see you
- Don’t pull in front of a truck, where they can’t slow or stop quickly.
Inadequate Maintenance And Other Factors
Most companies are fastidious about maintenance, compliance, and keeping their employees as well as other motorists safe. But failures do happen, and some of the reasons accidents happen include:
- Driver fatigue
- Driver distraction (texting, etc.)
- Inadequate equipment maintenance
- Driver not following pre-trip checks and other company policies
- Impaired driver (alcohol/drug use)
- Company negligence
Be Careful Who You Talk To
Trucking companies have their own insurance companies and law firms to assertively defend them against claims and lawsuits.
They may call you after your accident, asking for a statement, which will likely be recorded. Don’t give them one—refer all questions to your truck accident lawyer. These teams work hard to discredit you and do anything they can to avoid responsibility. You could say something benign that will be used against you, and possibly deny you any kind of settlement.
They may also attempt to convince you to accept a quick settlement for your medical bills. Again, refer these calls to a qualified truck accident lawyer. Accepting their first settlement may leave a lot of money on the table that you’re entitled to for your injuries.
Don’t Let Time Slip By
While you’re recovering from injuries, you may be unaware of the time limit you have to file a claim. You’ll have just two years to file a lawsuit against the driver, the company, and their insurance companies to help you recover. Medical bills, lost wages, and other incurred costs are part of the compensation you need to move forward.
Insurance claims should be filed right away, as soon as you are able. If you (or your attorney) can’t reach a settlement, you’ll have time to file a lawsuit if necessary.
Don’t Give Up Your Rights—Fight!
If you’ve been hurt by a negligent truck driver, or due to the negligence of a trucking company, we’re here to help. A truck accident case calls for aggressive representation to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you need.
We’re experienced in handling truck accidents of all kinds, and we understand how complicated it can be. Call us today at (304) 344 5683 for a confidential and FREE consultation. You can reach also reach us by filling out our online form.
Your consultation is free, and we only collect after we win your case and get you the settlement you need. Don’t wait!