Truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents that can happen on the road. They can weigh up to 30 times as much as a regular car, making it the largest vehicle on the road. Trucks are more difficult to control than smaller vehicles are because of their massive size and weight. If a truck driver is not careful, accidents can happen and cause very serious injuries or even death to other people on the road. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to consult with an attorney.
Types of Accidents
There are several types of accidents that may happen at the expense of a truck on the road. Accidents may occur between a truck and a smaller passenger vehicle or even another truck. The outcome of a truck accident may depend on the size of the other vehicle it collided with. Some accidents may include:
- Head-on collisions
- Rollover accidents
- Blind spot accidents
- Jackknife accidents
- Underride accidents
Causes of Accidents
There are many dangerous factors that may lead to a truck accident. Some factors may include:
- Reckless driving: If a truck drives unsafely, it can be more difficult to fully control the vehicle and bring it to a complete stop. The average truck needs the length of about two football entire fields in order to come to a complete stop. If a truck driver is driving irresponsibly, it can be difficult to navigate the truck in a safe manner.
- Safety regulations: Truck drivers may fail to follow safe road regulations if they partake in improper lane changes or passing of other vehicles. This is also the case if they follow too closely behind other vehicles.
- Poor visibility: Because of their weight and size, trucks have limited visibility and cannot see every spot on the road. These blind spots often result in accidents by trapping smaller vehicles.
- Drowsy driving: Truck drivers are limited by law to the amount of time they are able to spend on the road. Drivers are allowed to work 11 hours within a 14-hour work day, allotting them no more than 70 hours of driving a week. If a driver breaks these laws, they may cause an accident by drowsy driving.
- Mechanical problems: Trucks sometimes crash as a result of mechanical issues. This may include tire blowouts, brake issues, breakdowns, and more.
Proving Negligence
Like any personal injury case, an individual is required to prove the negligence of another party if they wish to hold them responsible for their injury. Many trucks on the road contain a “black box” that records the speed of the vehicle before the accident occurred. After an accident happens, it is important to make sure the truck company secures this information before it may be deleted. In Maryland, a truck accident may be impacted by “contributory negligence.” This means that an individual’s entitlement to compensation correlates with the degree of which they are at fault for the accident.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know has been injured as a result of a truck accident and seek legal representation, contact the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi today.
The legal team at Markey & Orsi has proudly represented clients who have been injured throughout the state of Maryland due to the negligence of another party for nearly 30 years. If you require strong legal representation, contact Markey & Orsi today to schedule a consultation.
