It’s no secret that large trucks are a crucial part of our nation’s economy, as they help transport goods around the country. Though they are critical, driving near large tractor-trailers can be scary. These vehicles are incredibly large, and one wrong move can have a catastrophic outcome. Unfortunately, this fear is well-founded, as trucking accidents are not uncommon. As such, understanding the common causes of these collisions is critical to protecting yourself and pursuing compensation with the assistance of Baltimore County truck accident attorneys. Keep reading to learn more about these devastating circumstances.
What Are the Most Common Reasons Trucking Accidents Happen?
In Maryland, understanding why trucking accidents occur is critical to helping your case if you wish to file a lawsuit against the negligent party.
One of the most common causes of trucking accidents is due to fatigue. Truckers have regulations from the Department of Transportation in relation to how many hours they can travel in a day. In most instances, this is a maximum of eleven hours. Additionally, drivers must take a thirty-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving. However, many logistics companies will push drivers to fake their hours to maximize how far they are traveling. Drivers unfortunately can become tired, leading to blurry vision, poor decision-making, slower reflexes, and falling asleep behind the wheel, all of which can contribute to accidents.
In addition to fatigue, drivers who do not pay attention to the road can cause collisions. Driving can be monotonous, and truckers may take their attention away from the road. In many instances, this involves using a phone, daydreaming, fiddling with the radio, or looking at the GPS.
You may also find that improper maintenance of vehicles can lead to a collision. Drivers are given a checklist of things to check prior to their trips. Failure to check and remedy issues can lead to accidents. However, some issues may be reported to management, who ignore the problem to save money and keep trucks on the road. As a result, issues can arise, leading to a collision that could have been prevented with proper maintenance.
Can an Attorney Help Me Recover Compensation?
When you are injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, connecting with an experienced attorney is essential to recovering the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, many are unaware of their rights in these matters and accept a subpar settlement from the logistics company responsible for hiring the driver or failing to perform maintenance on the vehicle. However, many companies will severely undervalue your injuries to save money. Working with an experienced attorney can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
The injuries sustained in truck accidents can be catastrophic and life-altering. As such, it’s imperative to receive justice. At the Law Offices of Marky & Orsi, our team is ready to fight for you. Connect with us today if you were injured by a negligent truck driver and their employer to learn how we can assist you.
