Truck accidents can lead to some of the worst injuries on our highways. Many trucks, especially tractor trailers, are so large and heavy that the impact during a crash is far more significant than a comparable crash between two cars.
Not all truck accidents are due to the negligent driving behavior of truck drivers. Some are due to poor maintenance of the vehicles, defective parts and components and other causes such as negligent driving by someone else altogether. However, statistics compiled by the National Transportation safety board (NTSB) show that by far the most common reason for tractor trailer accidents is driver error.
What Should You Do If Injured In a Car Accident With a Tractor Trailer?
In many truck accidents, you may not be able to do much initially if you have been seriously injured. However, even if you think your injuries are not too serious, you should make sure you get medical attention as a priority.
There are good reasons for doing this. One of them is that some auto accident injuries may actually get worse over time or not appear until a few days after an accident. Whiplash is a good example of this. Another reason is that if you decide to file a personal injury claim against the truck driver or the truck company you will need evidence of the severity of your injuries and how much it is going to cost you for treatment.
If you can obtain on the scene evidence after the crash, do so. Eye witness statements or at least their contact details could help you if filing a claim. Photos of the crash scene, damage to the vehicles and their position as well as your own injuries are useful.
Note whether there were any security cameras in use as video footage replayed could be of use. Your own cell phone can be used to take photos at the scene of the crash.
Common Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents
Most tractor trailer accidents are caused by the same factors as any other auto accidents. It is the severity of the crash that is greater. Typical reasons for tractor trailer accidents include:
- driver fatigue;
- speeding;
- reckless driving e.g. over aggressive behavior, passing when unsafe, tailgating;
- distracted driving e.g. use of cell phone or eating while driving;
- use of alcohol or drugs that can cause impaired driving;
- truck component malfunction, e.g. faulty brakes, steering and lights;
- overloading or poorly fastened loads;
- poor vehicle maintenance;
- use of cheap spare parts which fail too quickly.
Road conditions are sometimes also the cause of some tractor trailer accidents, but truck drivers should modify their driving to suit the conditions. Rarely, an accident is out of the control of a driver or the truck company. Examples might include swerving to avoid an unexpected hazard such as another vehicle out of control, sudden earthquake, bridge or highway collapse, etc.
Speak With a Car Accident Attorney
Tractor trailer accidents are some of the worst on our highways. If you have been the victim of a truck accident and it was the fault of the truck driver, the truck company or someone else, you should consider filing a personal injury claim. Fill out a Free Case Evaluation today to get in touch with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website.
