Why are truck accidents more catastrophic than motor vehicle accidents?
Tractor-trailer accidents are more catastrophic because of the size and weight of commercial trucks. Tractor-trailers usually weight over 10,000 pounds. When a passenger vehicle collides with a 10,000 pound truck, the results are bound to be catastrophic.
What are some causes of tractor-trailer accidents?
Tractor-trailer accidents are caused by many different factors. Some examples are:
' Driver fatigue. Driver fatigue is actually the number one cause of tractor-trailer accidents. Drivers are on very tight schedules and often drive for long periods of time without rest.
' Alcohol or drug use. Just like the drivers of passenger vehicles, truck drivers are found to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol on some occasions.
' Speeding. Truck drivers sometimes drive too fast in an effort to deliver their loads on time.
' Heavy trailers. The trailers on tractor-trailers have a weight limit, but sometimes those limits are ignored in order to deliver more merchandise. These heavy trailers can cause the tractor-trailer to roll over.
What should I do if I have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident?
If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer it is imperative that you get the medical attention you need. Next, you should obtain contact information from any other drivers involved and also from any witnesses. You should also contact an attorney. Even if you are partly at fault, you may be entitled to receive compensation. Only an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney can properly advise you of your rights.
What sort of injuries have tractor-trailer accidents caused?
Tractor-trailer accidents have resulted in a number of different injuries including:
' Traumatic brain injuries
' Spinal cord injuries
' Paralysis
' Broken bones
' Burns
' Death
If I have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, do I really need an attorney?
Yes. The laws governing truckers are different from those that govern drivers of passenger vehicles. Even if you are partly at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. Trucking companies and their insurance companies are business and their goal is to pay you as little as possible. Trucking companies also have accident investigators on their staff in order to protect both their company and their drivers. You should always contact an attorney after being involved in a tractor-trailer accident and let the professionals fight for you to receive the compensation you may deserve.
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If you or a loved one has been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, please contact the experienced tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Carr & Carr today.
