A trucking accident can be a traumatic experience. Even if you are in an SUV, your vehicle cannot match the mass of a commercial truck. These trucks are giants, and when you add speed and rolling inertia to the mix, they can be a deadly force to reckon with.
This is why trucking accidents almost always end in traumatic injuries. If a truck hits you, it is game over for your vehicle. You can also sustain serious injuries, and it can be a terrible situation to be in. The best-case scenario when it comes to a trucking accident is when you hit a truck. In that case, injuries can be minor.
There are a number of myths that circle around the subject of trucking accidents. In today’s discussion, these myths will be debunked to provide you with a clearer picture of reality.
Trucking Accidents Rarely Happen
It is a common perception that trucking accidents happen only when there is bad weather or the road conditions are terrible. However, the reality is that trucking accidents happen daily when the weather is clear and the road conditions are perfect.
There are a number of factors that lead to trucking accidents, and one cannot attribute only the weather to being the common cause of trucking accidents. Things like rash driving, mechanical issues, and driver fatigue all play a crucial part in trucking accidents.
A trucking-related accident can happen at any time, and it can be hard to predict the exact moment or place that it will happen. It could be the freeway, or it could be a busy intersection; when there is a lack of due care, accidents can happen.
The Trucker is at Fault in Rear-End Accidents
It is easy to think that a trucker is always at fault in rear-end collisions, but there can be many factors at play. Usually, rear-end collisions happen due to the trucker not paying attention, or if the trucker is breaking the speed limit, it can be hard to stop a truck in time.
However, there can be external factors that can cause a trucking accident. It could be that a truck driver was brake checked, which led to the rear-end collision. Once a collision happens, it can become hard to control a vehicle, and that can result in a multi-car pile-up.
Most trucks nowadays come equipped with dash cams, which can help isolate the party at fault. The footage can also show if the trucker was speeding or not.
You Can Handle the Legal Battle Without Help
A trucking accident can leave you with significant medical bills. Your vehicle can be totaled, and you can end up with lifelong injuries. The rehabilitation process can be long and painful, and you can lose a lot of income while you recover. There is a possibility that you can lose the ability to work altogether.
All of this can add up to be a great financial burden for you, and dealing with insurance companies can add salt to your wounds. This is why it can be beneficial to hire a Trucking Injury Law Group. By hiring lawyers who specialize in trucking accidents, you will be able to make the best of a bad situation.
With the help of your lawyers, you will be able to get compensation for your medical bills as well as other expenses. If you are left unable to work, you can claim compensation for lost wages as well. This can make the situation slightly better for you.
Insurance Companies are Looking Out for You
A common misconception that people have is they think their insurance provider is looking out for their best interest. It is only fair for you to expect that since you pay a premium to your insurance provider regularly.
However, the truth can be far from the reality. Your insurance provider is only looking out for their bottom line. The job of an insurance adjuster is to assess the damage and pay you the least amount of money possible for the damages to your vehicle. This is why having a lawyer can come in handy; they can fight for you to get fair compensation.
All Drivers Adhere to the Safety Regulations
It should be the norm for all drivers to adhere to the safety regulations put in place for them. However, there can be some individuals who can consider themselves above the law. Common violations of safety regulations can be being over the weight limit.
Similarly, some drivers can try to work longer and take fewer breaks. For this purpose, they can try to tamper with the log books. This can be hard nowadays due to the integration of technology, but it is still possible.
Every Company Trains Their Drivers Equally
Driving a commercial truck is a huge responsibility, and having the expertise to handle such a machine is a necessity. You might think that all truckers are experienced drivers, and they start slow and work their way up the ladder.
However, in reality, some major companies, in their attempts to make the most profit, send undertrained drivers on the road as well. These drivers might be capable of driving a truck, but they lack the knowledge needed to navigate tricky situations.
It can be common for these inexperienced drivers to end up in jack-knife accidents. Similarly, they can struggle to handle icy conditions on the road.
All Trucks are Safe to Be on the Road
There is also the mechanical factor that needs to be considered. It can be that the driver was not at fault for the accident, but rather, the machine failed the driver. Mechanical failures can result in substantial accidents.
The common wear items on a truck, such as the tires and brakes, are key components in minimizing the risk of accidents. If these items are not replaced regularly, a truck can lose control and pile into the traffic on the road.
Similarly, suppose the driver is inexperienced or does not perform the safety checks regularly. In that case, they can end up missing obvious signs that can indicate imminent failure, which will inevitably result in an accident.