Big Rig and Semi Accident Causes

Large commercial trucks travel across the US daily transporting all sorts of products while sharing the road with other motorists. Unfortunately when big rig and semi accidents occur the result is often serious injuries and sometimes even death for the passengers in the smaller vehicle. If you are involved in a truck accident, it is crucial that you know how to protect yourself legally since trucking accidents are often caused by multiple factors. An experienced truck accident attorney will work diligently to determine who is responsible (negligent) for the accident. Contact the law offices of Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. by filling out our form or calling TOLL FREE at 800 - 773 - 6770 so we can discuss your options with you.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (http://www.nhtsa.gov) releases data each year regarding roadway accidents. The NHTSA claims that although big rigs and semis are only involved in 3 percent of all auto accidents each year, these trucks are still responsible for 5,000 fatalities and 130,000 injuries. Not only do commercial truck drivers need to practice caution because of the large vehicles they are driving, but also other motorists sharing the road need to exercise caution in their presence. Although most commercial truck drivers are skilled and patient drivers, because of the dangers inherent in the mass and weight of the trucks used in commercial transportation and shipping, what might be insignificant driving errors in smaller vehicles can become catastrophic for an eighteen-wheeler.

It would be helpful if motorists of smaller vehicles became more knowledgeable about performance capabilities, including limits associated with a large truck's ability to accelerate, brake, and see other vehicles. On the other handsome truck drivers have inadequate training as to driving technique, safety concerns, and defensive driving. Truck drivers also have to often deal with unrealistic schedules and expectations of trucking companies that encourage them to hurry, despite safety risks involved. Although there are numerous federal and state safety rules in effect, the trucking industry and its drivers don't always follow them to the letter.

Causes of Big Rig and Semi Accidents

The list below includes some of the most common causes for big rig accidents on US roadways today:

• Inclement weather
• Construction zones
• Driving while intoxicated
• Fatigue
• Faulty equipment
• Improper loading and tie downs
• Talking on the cell phone
• Animals
• Driver distractions
• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Runaway trailers
• Overloading trucks
• Worn or rusted parts
• Brakes not working properly
• Driver error

Liability and Damages

Liability and damages are different when it comes to a big rig and semi accident then liability and damages in a regular passenger vehicle accident. The majority of damage involved in a big rig accident is typically inflicted upon the smaller motor vehicle involved in the crash and not the truck because the truck's mass and weight which is 40 times heavier than the passenger car. Liability in a big rig or semi accident case may include not only the driver of the truck, but also the trucking company itself. The majority of truck accident cases, when it comes to liability, deal with negligence. The truck driver defendant is considered negligent if he or she did not exercise reasonable care under the circumstances and the plaintiff’s injuries were caused by that negligence. The lawyer of the plaintiff who was injured in a big rig or semi accident case must prove the following to win the case:

• The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty to exercise reasonable degree of care to avoid injury, which is typically easy to meet, because all drivers have this responsibility towards one another.
• The defendant failed to honor this duty to the plaintiff or breached the duty of reasonable care.
• The cause of the injury to the plaintiff is a result of the defendant’s failure to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle.

Compensation for Injuries Incurred

Victims of big rig and semi truck accidents can acquire compensation for one or more of the following:

• Medical bills
• Hospital bills
• Loss of consortium
• Damages incurred
• Loss of wages
• Future loss of wages
• Repair costs
• Legal fees
• Court fees
• Punitive damages

Obtaining Legal Help

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a big rig or semi truck accident, contact the lwa offices of contact the law offices of Gordon & Elias, L.L.P. and speak to one of our truck accident attorneys.