Truck Accidents Caused by Passenger Vehicle Drivers

It is an obvious fact that, if you are involved in a trucking accident with a passenger vehicle, you will probably end up with serious damages either to your car or physically to yourself. The truth is, trucking accidents are often found to be deadly if they are severe enough, which is why it is especially important for these experienced drivers to take the most precautions possible when sharing the roadways with smaller vehicles. However, trucking accidents are always the fault of truck drivers; no, sometimes the drivers of passenger vehicles are also at fault. What unique dangers do passenger vehicle drivers pose?

• Many drivers tend to drive in truck driver’s “no-zones,” which are the areas beside a commercial truck where the driver has no visibility of the smaller vehicle. Doing this can certainly cause accidents.
• A driver makes a lane change too quickly in front of a truck.
• A driver merges improperly into traffic, which causes a truck to maneuver or brake too quickly.
• A driver passes unsafely when they are unable to.
• A driver chooses to drive between large trucks, either following too closely or maneuvering in-between them when there is not enough space for them.
• The driver fails to get a disabled vehicle completely off the highway and onto the shoulder.

It is, of course, not unheard of that a truck driver causes the major trucking accident. For the most part, commercial truck drivers are careful and patient because they are trained to be. However, there are huge size differences between trucks and passenger vehicles as well as the fact that truck drivers can pose safety issues of their own when they are not properly trained. Here are some ways accidents can still occur:

• Truck drivers do not receive adequate training on driving technique, safety concerns, and defensive driving.
• Truck drivers follow systems of compensation that call for fast vehicle speeds, more hours on the road, and less sleep than would be advisable.
• Truck companies encourage unrealistic schedules even with safety risks considered.

Given the fact that semi trucks can weigh anywhere from 16,000 to 20,000 pounds, many things should be taken into consideration. Truck drivers and passenger vehicle drivers have a duty of care that they owe to one another when sharing the roadways. For instance, it is a truck driver’s duty of care to follow federal regulations like knowing how to correctly maneuver and park the vehicle. They also have a duty of care to watch out for other drivers, just as passenger vehicle drivers owe to other drivers. This involves looking out for each other, complying with applicable traffic laws, and using all reasonable means necessary to avoid an accident.

What Can I Do In the Event of an Accident?

When a collision occurs, driver negligence usually comes into play to determine fault. No matter what, becoming injured in a trucking accident is a traumatic experience. You must understand how to use specific laws to support your injury claim, know how to establish proximate cause, and prove negligence to obtain the damages you deserve! If you need help with your case, call Maggiano, DiGirolamo & Lizzi today. We will work with you to help you get the compensation you deserve.