When fully loaded, a tractor-trailer may weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Tractor-trailers come in various forms, such as semi-trucks, 18-wheelers and big rigs. These large trucks are vital to our nation’s commerce and transportation. Although these trucks play a major part in our country’s transportation industry, they are also the cause of severe injuries and damages when involved in an accident.
Commercial truck drivers must undergo extensive training in order to responsibly and safely operate these machines on open roads and manage these bulky loads. In fact, drivers of tractor-trailers must obtain special commercial drivers’ licenses in order to operate such vehicles. Unfortunately, despite extensive training and safety techniques, accidents involving tractor-trailer trucks occur far too often.
When it comes to accidents involving tractor-trailer trucks, the victims who are more severely injured are not the drivers of the trucks, but the drivers and passengers of the smaller vehicles also involved in the crash.
Tractor-trailer accidents can result in severe and even fatal injuries. Truck accident victims often find themselves burdened with damages such as short-term and long-term disabilities and injuries, costly medical expenses, missed work and lost wages, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and property damage.
Tractor-Trailer Accident Causes
Approximately 90% of all commercial truck accidents are caused by human errors. Among the most common causes include driver’s fatigue, which occurs when drivers opt to forego safety regulations and drive, even when tired. Some drivers opt to do this because their employers pay them per mile that they drive or on a quota basis. Other truck drivers operate their trucks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, resulting in serious accidents.
Some truck accidents are caused by drivers who do not receive the proper training from their employers, and who may not have the necessary skills to operate these heavy commercial vehicles. Other truck accidents are caused by drivers who knowingly commit violations and who choose to disregard public traffic laws.
At times, truck accidents also occur due to causes other than human error. Some examples of these causes may be bad weather conditions, poor road conditions, mechanical failure or defective equipment, improper loading procedures, or lack of visibility. If you or a loved one is injured in a tractor-trailer accident, contact a truck accident attorney from Grossman Law immediately.
Hiring a tractor-trailer attorney from Grossman Law
At Grossman Law, we provide our clients with utmost legal representation. We will thoroughly investigate the details of your accident to determine if you have a legitimate claim, and we will do so free of charge. We work on a contingency basis, meaning that we will only get paid if we win your case.
Our tractor-trailer accident lawyers at Grossman Law are committed to working tirelessly to fight for the rights of our clients. Our attorneys will always have your best interests in mind.
If you have been involved in a tractor-trailer truck accident, call Grossman Law at 1-877-996-5529 as soon as possible.