4 Common Causes of Truck Accidents | Truck Accident Lawyer Wheaton MD
When drivers are looking for a truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD trusts, one of the most common reasons they’re seeking legal counsel is because of an accident-related injury. When accidents involve commercial trucks, the effects can be especially traumatic. Occupants in passenger cars are more likely to experience property damage and personal injuries when the accident involves a commercial truck than when accidents involve only passenger cars.
No one can say that they are the “best” truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD has to offer, but the legal team at Cohen & Cohen is constantly striving for excellence. We understand that these traffic accidents can be difficult for all drivers and passengers who are involved; even family members of those who are injured can be facing tough times.
Financial compensation can go a long way for anyone who has experienced a traumatic injury in a truck accident. Understanding how the accident happened can be just as important, as any experienced truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD can provide will attest; knowing exactly what caused your accident may give you a better understanding of how your personal injury claim can be settled.
1. Driver Inexperience
Truck drivers who are well-prepared for their jobs usually undergo a great deal of training and instruction before they begin. However, trucking companies that are in need of more workers or are trying to save money may put newly-trained drivers on the roads before they have received enough training.
Inexperience is one common cause of truck accidents. Operating a large commercial truck is not the same as operating a regular passenger car, truck, or SUV; good commercial truck drivers will understand all of the risks involved and they will take adequate safety precautions.
Accidents caused by driver inexperience can be very traumatic — although it’s usually the occupants of surrounding vehicles who experience the greatest amount of damage and injury.
2. Distracted Driving and Cellphone Use
Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents today, as any seasoned truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD residents trust will attest. The U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) specifically states that commercial truck drivers across the country are prohibited from using their cellphones while operating large vehicles. This ban on cellphone use applies to talking on the phone, texting, or using any other app that takes the driver’s attention away from the road.
Many states have also passed their own legislation on cellphone restrictions banning truck drivers from using cellphones while driving. Quite simply, anyone who is operating a bus or large commercial vehicle is often carrying a much heavier load than other passenger vehicles on the road; a small mistake could potentially lead to an accident. Furthermore, buses and large trucks are often transporting groups of people or large quantities of materials that could be hazardous.
Despite these strict laws, as any experienced truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD can offer will tell you, truck drivers may still use their phones. Distracted driving is something that many drivers do without even thinking about it; texting on a cellphone while driving is just one type of distracted driving.
Other common habits that may fall under the category of distracted driving could include:
- Eating or drinking
- Using any portable electronic device, including a GPS
- Changing radio stations
- Reading a map
- Talking with other passengers in the car
- Applying makeup
- Searching for something in the passenger seat or back seats
Truck drivers may be especially susceptible to distracted driving due to the long periods of time that they are on the road. In these cases, drivers may seek entertainment to help keep themselves occupied; in the process, they become distracted.
3. Weather Conditions
When weather conditions are poor, large commercial trucks often pose a greater threat on the road than other passenger vehicles do. In a place like Wheaton MD, winter weather conditions can have a big impact on road safety. Inclement weather — especially snow and ice — can affect commercial trucks more than any other vehicles on the road.
Even when a driver is operating a large commercial vehicle carefully, slippery road conditions are especially dangerous for large trucks because they cannot stop as quickly or change directions are quickly as passenger cars. If a truck driver is not operating the vehicle safely under poor weather conditions, a good truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD residents trust may be able to win a personal injury settlement for other parties who were injured in an accident.
4. Truck Equipment Failure
Truck equipment failure and improper loading of a truck may be to blame for an accident. In these cases, the truck driver will likely not be held accountable for the accident — although the driver may be liable to a certain extent if he or she ignored clear warning signs that something in the truck’s infrastructure or cargo hold was out of place.
Equipment failures can be very diverse; accidents may be caused by mechanical failures, such as tires that have worn down too much, or by design and manufacturing failures, such as new tires that are defective. When an equipment failure causes a truck accident and other people are injured, it may be possible for a Wheaton MD truck accident lawyer to win a settlement from a party other than the truck driver.
Depending on what happened to cause the accident, it’s possible that the injured victim could collect damages from the trucking company, from a mechanic, or from the truck manufacturing company. Each case is different and therefore it’s important for injured victims to work with a good truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD can offer.
Contact A Truck Accident Lawyer Wheaton MD Trusts
When you need a truck accident lawyer in Wheaton MD you can really trust, Cohen & Cohen is here to help. Our team of lawyers has handled many truck accident injury cases. We know that injuries resulting from truck accidents have the potential to create long-term effects, and accident victims may struggle to find the finances needed for medical treatment.
Regardless of what happened to cause the accident, our legal team may be able to work with you on an injury claim for financial compensation. To request a free consultation and case evaluation with a truck accident lawyer Wheaton MD depends on, contact Cohen & Cohen today.
Understanding Truck Accident Cases
A Wheaton, MD truck accident lawyer to protect your rights knows that truck accidents can be devastating, leading to severe injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s essential to seek the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer from Cohen & Cohen to protect your rights and seek compensation. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore key aspects of truck accidents and how legal assistance can make a difference.
Types of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can take various forms, including:
- Rear-End Collisions: When a truck crashes into the rear of another vehicle.
- Jackknife Accidents: The trailer swings out at a sharp angle to the cab.
- Underride Accidents: When a smaller vehicle becomes trapped beneath the truck’s trailer.
The Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to tired and distracted truck drivers.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Improper Maintenance: Neglected maintenance can lead to brake failures and other mechanical issues.
- Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can make roads treacherous for large trucks.
Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in severe injuries, such as:
- Whiplash: Neck and spine injuries are common due to the force of impact.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Head injuries can have long-lasting effects on victims.
- Fractures: Broken bones are a frequent outcome of truck accidents.
- Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding or organ damage.
Seeking Compensation
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical Bills: Covering the costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of damaged vehicles.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to injuries.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
The Role of a Truck Accident Lawyer
A skilled Wheaton truck accident lawyer can provide invaluable assistance by:
- Investigating the Accident: Your attorney will gather evidence and witness statements to determine liability.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: They will handle communications with insurance companies to ensure fair compensation.
- Filing a Lawsuit: If necessary, your attorney will file a lawsuit to seek damages in court.
Contact Our Firm for Legal Assitance
It’s essential to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim. In Maryland, the time limit is generally three years from the date of the accident. Consulting with a truck accident lawyer promptly is crucial to meet this deadline.
Truck accidents can have life-altering consequences, but seeking legal assistance from a Wheaton truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in your recovery. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact our team at Cohen & Cohen for expert guidance and support. Your well-being and compensation for your losses are our top priorities. Let us help you navigate the legal process and secure the justice you deserve.
