Here in the United States, thousands of commercial truck drivers travel on the roads each day to deliver their cargo. Commercial trucking is a massive industry nationwide, and it is an integral aspect of interstate commerce. However, due to the sheer number of semi-trailer trucks on the road, accidents and collisions are inevitable.
When a commercial truck driver collides with a standard motor vehicle, the injuries suffered by drivers and passengers are often incredibly severe, and in many cases, they are fatal. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 4, 700 Americans were killed in motor vehicle collisions involving commercial trucks in 2017. If a member of your family suffers injuries in a commercial trucking accident, you may be entitled to significant injury compensation.
Identifying Negligence in Truck Accidents
Just like in any other car accident case, in a motor vehicle collision involving a commercial truck, the victim’s attorney must be able to prove that the other party’s negligence ultimately led to the collision. However, a commercial trucking accident may differ from other car accident cases in that negligence does not only have to come in the form of driver error.
Trucking companies are required to comply with safety standards set and regulated by federal and state governments. Failure to adhere to these standards can result in dangerous or fatal collisions. For example, improper loading of a truck’s cargo, which can range from failure to properly secure cargo or overloading the vehicle, can cause a driver to have difficulty controlling or stopping their vehicle. Improperly secured cargo can result in debris on the road that can cause collisions. People may also be seriously injured when a vehicle is struck by cargo that falls from a truck.
In other cases, a commercial trucking accident may be directly caused by a driver’s negligence. Due to the long, grueling hours that drivers must stay on the road, they may suffer from driver fatigue. Recognizing this, trucking regulations ensure that truck drivers are only allowed to drive for 11 consecutive hours. If a driver falsifies their driving logs in order to drive for longer hours, they are operating their vehicle negligently. Other forms of truck driver negligence that would likely make a truck driver liable for damages include driver inattention, speeding, erratic lane changes, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Contact an Appleton Commercial Trucking Accident Lawyer
If you have been significantly harmed in a tractor-trailer truck accident, or if your loved one has been fatally injured in a motor vehicle collision, you may be able to recover financial compensation. At Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., we are prepared to aggressively represent the victims of commercial trucking accidents. Through thorough investigation and aggressive litigation, we are confident in our ability to represent your best interests. To schedule a free initial consultation with a skilled Green Bay personal injury attorney, call us today at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/safety/data-and-statistics/452366/ltcbf-2017-early-release-3-13-2019.pdf