New Port Richey Truck Accident Lawyer
Any motor vehicle crash can be a serious one, but crashes involving tractor-trailers are especially dangerous. The massive size and weight of these trucks can cause massive damage to a regular passenger car – and the occupants inside.
Collecting for damages from a truck accident can also be more difficult because – depending on what caused the crash to happen – you may be dealing with multiple parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or truck manufacturer.
This is why it is vital to have a New Port Richey truck accident lawyer representing your interests in a truck accident injury claim.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 350,000 truck accidents every year in the U.S. Each year, 4,000 people are killed and another 95,000 seriously injured because of a tractor-trailer crash.
Although there are many factors that can contribute to a truck accident, studies reveal that there are several common factors that can be blamed on the crash time and time again.
Mechanical Failure
So many tractor trailers on the road travel hundreds of miles every day, placing a lot of wear and tear on the mechanics of the vehicle. Trucking companies need to be vigilant in their inspections of the vehicles in their fleets and make sure that all parts are in good working order before that truck heads onto the road. A New Port Richey commercial truck accident lawyer will know best how to proceed in pursuing a suit against the trucking company on the injured party’s behalf.
Truck drivers should also do a thorough walk-around inspection every time they get into their vehicle to make sure there is nothing amiss.
Brake failure is often found to be the reason for a tractor trailer crash. In one federal study, the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS), it was cited as the number one reason for all truck crashes which happened over a two-year period. Other common reasons are steering and transmission failures.
Fatigued Truck Drivers
There are tractor trailer drivers on the road who are under intense pressure to get their load to its destination within an often unrealistic delivery schedule. It has become the norm for a truck driver to push his or her own physical limits, staying on the road even when they are exhausted. Many take shorter break times than they should or skip them all together. A truck accident lawyer in New Port Richey can determine who is liable – the trucking company, driver, or both to obtain proper financial compensation for your injuries.
Many drivers turn to medication which will help them stay awake, leading to an increase in drug abuse among truck drivers. Drivers are fatigued and less alert on the road, leading to driver errors which can be deadly.
Speeding
That unrealistic delivery schedule also leads to many truck drivers rushing to get to their destination before deadline. Ignoring those speed limits puts everyone on the road at risk.
Due to the massive weight and size of tractor trailers, it takes longer for them to slow down and come to a stop when the brakes are applied.
Aggressive Representation for Victims
Injuries from truck accidents are often more serious than other crashes. The rehab and recovery – along with the high medical expenses and loss of income – can be devastating to a family. Trucking companies are notorious for trying to get out of compensating victims for the damages they deserve.
A skilled New Port Richey truck accident lawyer will advocate for you and get you the compensation you should have for your pain and losses. Contact our office today for a free consultation.