More About Semi Truck Accidents
Did you know that every 16 minutes a person is killed or injured in a truck accident? Did you know that big rig truck accidents continue to increase? Even with these frightening scenarios and statistics, powerful trucking industry lobbyists continue to call for the weakening of truck safety rules and regulations to reap a higher profit.
Munley, Munley & Cartwright accepts Semi Truck accident cases nationwide. We are Semi Truck Accident and Injury Lawyers. Our firm has been handling complex trucking injury litigation since 1980. We have obtained many settlements and verdicts worth millions of dollars. Our lawyers are Board Certified and our firm is listed in the Best Lawyers in America.
Due to the size and weight of Semi Trucks, accidents with them frequently result in the most serious injuries. All truck drivers are required to undergo specialized training and experience to operate these large motor vehicles because negligent operation of trucks can lead to deadly circumstances.
In addition, the trucks have large blind spots at the front, back and sides of the truck. When a car is in the blind spot, the driver cannot see it. If the truck tries to make a right or left turn, it would likely crush any automobiles in its path.
Other dangers of Semi Trucks include:
- Squeeze Play – Semi Trucks need to swing wide to the left in order to negotiate a right turn. When truck drivers make wide right turns; they are often unable to see smaller vehicles directly behind or beside them. When a car cuts between the truck and a curb, the car can be caught in a squeeze, and a serious accident can occur.
- Stopping Distance – Big rig trucks need a greater stopping distance than other cars and other vehicles. If there is not enough stopping distance between an automobile and a large truck, the car risks being involved in a rear-end collision.
- “Off-track” – Occurs when a truck turns at high speed and swings into an adjacent lane unexpectedly. Unlike passenger vehicles, transport trucks require up to 40 percent more space to stop. Following too closely results in inadequate stopping distance between large trucks which then rear-end vehicles in front. It is not difficult to imagine the devastating results that occur when a car, van or SUV is hit from behind with over 10,000 lbs. of moving metal.
When there are fatalities, the majority – nearly 80 percent – are innocent drivers and passengers, just like you. Among the most common causes of Semi Truck accidents are:
- Fatigues, sleepy or tired driver; driving too long and too many hours without rest.
- Inadequate driver training
- Overloaded trucks
- Oversized trucks
- Poorly maintained truck brakes
- Driving in conditions of poor visibility or traction
- Speeding
- Running off the road
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Aggressive driving behavior
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Dangerous or reckless driver with a long record of wrecks and fatal traffic accidents
- Unsafe safety systems, reflectors, lights and other warning devices
If you’ve been injured in a Semi Truck accident, you should file a claim as soon as possible. In Pennsylvania, such a claim must be filed within two years of the date when the injury occurred.
Your Choice of Lawyer is Important. So CHOOSE CAREFULLYTM -- The Family of LawyersTM at Munley, Munley & Cartwright -- to protect your rights.
Please contact us for a free claim evaluation.
