Do you need an El Cajon semi-truck accident lawyer?
As a culture, we rely heavily on truck drivers. Without this profession, commercialism and the current standard of living we have grown accustomed to would not exist. Trucking provides many jobs throughout the country and is the primary way we get goods from point A to point B in a reasonably fast way. Estimates indicate that there are over 3.5 million semi-truck drivers in the United States at any given time, and countless others employed in various other ways in the trucking industry.
Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks
Unfortunately, if you or a loved one has been negatively impacted by an accident involving a semi-truck, you are not alone. Traffic incident reports and statistical organizations conclude that accidents involving large trucks such as semis take the lives of at least 5,000 people per year and seriously injure over 110,000 people. The very nature of larger vehicles such as semi-trucks makes them drastically different than standard cars and trucks that occupy our roadways. The information below covers some factors that can come into play in accidents that involve semi-trucks, and how drastically different these factors are from standard cars and trucks.
Common Factors in Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks
The average semi-truck can weigh as much as thirty times more than a traditional vehicle such as a passenger car or truck. This is merely taking the weight of the vehicle into account, not necessarily what the truck weighs when it is fully loaded with merchandise. The following factors can affect the likelihood and severity of an accident involving a semi-truck.
* Semi-Trucks Cannot Stop Quickly
Many people drastically underestimate the power of a large truck such as a semi. With all that weight behind them, especially when fully loaded, a semi-truck takes much longer to reach a complete stop than a standard vehicle. If someone darts out in front of a truck of this type, they are much more likely to be hit from behind.
* Semi-Trucks Have Larger Blind Spots
Due to their sheer size, semi-trucks have much larger blind spots. It is easy for an entire passenger car or truck to be inside the blind spot and completely invisible to the truck driver for a period of time. In this manner, the truck may not be aware of the other vehicle’s presence and can hit it from the side while switching lanes.
* Semi Drivers Can be Overburdened
Driving a semi-truck is a difficult job in many ways. Truck drivers spend enormous amounts of time away from their family and may drive for extended periods of time without rest or sleep. While many states have laws in place to protect truck drivers from being overworked, these are not always easy to enforce. A sleepy driver is more likely to make minor mistakes that can lead to disastrous accidents.
* Semi-Trucks Can Carry Volatile Materials
Depending on the truck in question, semis often carry volatile materials that can burst into flames during an accident. This presents a serious hazard to the truck driver, any other cars that may be involved, and even the environment overall.
Common Injuries from El Cajon Semi-Truck Accidents
Accidents involving semi-trucks can result in serious injuries from the smallest impacts. Broken bones, head injuries, coma, and death can be very common occurrences in accidents of this type. A small vehicle doesn’t stand much of a chance against a truck of this size.
How is Fault Determined in El Cajon Semi-Truck Accidents?
As with other vehicle accidents, law enforcement officials will attempt to determine who was at fault in an accident involving a semi. This can involve analyzing skid marks, directionalities of each party involved, cell phone records, and even testing each party for drug or alcohol influence.
When the Semi Driver is at Fault
As a semi driver, it can be a frightening experience if you are the party at fault when involved in an accident. If you are involved in an accident that brings forth a lawsuit, this can be particularly traumatizing. Bearing the guilt involved is enough, but securing proper legal representation can assist you in getting the help you need during this trying time.
When to Contact a El Cajon Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving semi-trucks are often far more complex than those involving standard vehicles. If you or a loved one has been affected by an accident of this type, please reach out to our office for a consultation. Whether you are the driver of the semi or the driver of another vehicle involved in the accident, obtaining proper legal counsel is essential. Contact an experienced El Cajon semi-truck accident lawyer to find out how we can help you in moving forward.
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