Trucking Accidents

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

The most common causes of truck accidents are rooted in negligence on the part of the truck driver. Specifically, these causes include:

• The truck driver does not have the proper qualifications or training
• The truck driver is speeding
• The truck driver is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• The truck driver has not received enough rest in between shifts and is fatigued or drowsy
• The cargo is not loaded or secured properly
• The weight of the cargo load exceeds the maximum capacity
• The weight of a liquid cargo load does not exceed three quarters of the maximum capacity (the load on a tanker truck cannot weigh any less or else the liquid is likely to shift and the truck becomes much more difficult to control)
• The tires and brakes were not properly checked beforehand
• The trucking company or driver neglected to install blind-spot mirrors and the driver’s visibility is therefore limited

Additional truck accidents causes include:

• Defects in the road
• Cargo that is improperly loaded
• Faulty equipment

The outcome of a commercial vehicle accident is usually devastating, regardless of who is at fault. With offices in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, our trucking accident lawyers can help resolve your case.

Potential Trucking Accident Defendants

In some truck accidents, third parties may be held liable for the damages that are caused. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, the lawyers from the Locks Law Firm have the experience and knowledge to help determine liability. Our experienced, compassionate lawyers are skilled at proving which parties were responsible for truck accidents and obtaining full restitution from them. Examples of third party dependents include the truck driver, the trucking company, manufacturers, contractors, shippers, and highway departments.

By holding all liable parties accountable for their actions, the truck accident lawyers at the Locks Law Firm can help ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve.

Special Considerations

Trucking accident lawsuits are unique because truck accidents often involve factors that don’t exist in other types of traffic accidents. The trucking accident lawyers at the Locks Law Firm understand the idiosyncrasies of these types of claims and can apply this knowledge to your case if you or a loved one has been injured.

• Jackknifing – Jackknifing refers to an accident in which a truck has lost control and flipped over onto its side. These accidents are often caused by driver negligence. Victims in jackknifing accidents are often seriously injured when their passenger vehicle strikes the overturned truck. Truck drivers receive special training to learn how to avoid turning over and can be held responsible when this type of accident occurs.
• Turning Accidents – Due to its large size, the turning radius of an 18-wheeler is much larger than that of a typical passenger vehicle. In some instances an 18-wheeler may make too wide of a turn and end up striking vehicles in other lanes. Truck drivers and/or truck companies can be held liable for accidents that result from the driver’s negligence in turning or the company’s failure to post proper warning signs.
• Rollover Accidents – A rollover is a type of trucking accident in which the truck turns completely over, often resulting in catastrophic injuries to the driver or occupants of passenger vehicles. Early investigation is important in these types of accidents to determine whether the vehicle rolled over due to driver recklessness or negligence or whether the cargo was not properly loaded.
• Trucking Regulations: Our trucking accident lawyers are skilled at determining whether the truck driver or trucking company violated state or federal regulations. Our lawyers will investigate whether the driver was attempting to drive more hours than allowed, the trucking company failed to properly maintain the vehicle, or if other laws were broken. By proving that the party responsible for the accident violated a trucking regulation, our lawyers can substantially increase the amount of compensation that the victim is eligible to receive.

At the Locks Law Firm – serving Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey – our trucking accident lawyers have the experience and knowledge needed to tackle the complicated and unique aspects of your truck accident lawsuit. We are committed to helping your family and you obtain the compensation that you are entitled to.