The Danger Brought by Big Rigs

By: Mesriani Law Group | Posted: 15th March 2010

Big rig accidents can be more deadly compared to an ordinary road accident. Due to the size and weigh disparity between this kind of truck and an ordinary car, a collision involving the two is more likely to cause severe or fatal injuries.

In pursuing a claim, the primary thing that should be done is to identify the possible defendants. In a number of cases, a big rig driver may not be the only one liable for the plaintiff’s injuries. Contractors, trucking companies, insurance companies, and employers may also be required to provide compensation to the injured victim.

Using Gadgets as a Cause of Big Rig Accidents

The presence of big rigs and other commercial trucks on the roads may be considered as unusual because these roads are often occupied by passenger vehicles. The responsibility of being aware regarding this unique situation is attached to both truck and passenger vehicle drivers.

Many cases of big rig accidents happened because the truck driver was using gadgets while driving. In fact, a well-known auto safety group is asking U.S. officials to prohibit truckers from using computers, laptops, CB radios, mobile phones, or other kinds of gadgets while they are driving.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) was asked by the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety to curb or ban bus, tractor-trailer, or large van drivers from using gadgets for texting, and talking, among others.

Other Causes

Aside from using gadgets while driving, big rig accidents also happen due to:

• Speeding- Speeding plays an important part in the frequency of road accidents. Drivers know that they should follow the required speed limits but some still choose to ignore it. The main reason for ignoring the required speed limits is to deliver their cargos quickly.

• Dangerous driving- Some actions that are done by drivers to make them guilty of unsafe driving include failure in respecting weather conditions, failure in yielding right of way, and driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

• Securing load improperly- If the load of a big rig is not properly secured, it can shift while the vehicle is moving causing a rollover to happen. If the vehicle is carrying loose cargos that are held by an unsecured tarp, debris may be showered on the road itself or on other vehicles behind the big rig.

Filing a Big Rig Accident Claim

If you were injured in a big rig accident, you may receive compensation for any financial, emotional, and physical losses you suffered as a result of it. However, you should first have a strong claim against the other party.

A personal injury attorney can help you in presenting and assessing your claim by considering every aspect of loss and harm the accident caused you. By doing this, you will have a bigger chance of receiving compensation from the negligent person or party.

To help you deal with issues involved in big rig accidents, consult with our skilled personal injury attorneys. Visit our website and avail of our free case analysis.
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Tags: weather conditions, insurance companies, disparity, road accident, fatal injuries, passenger vehicles, road accidents, using computers, trucking companies, speed limits, tractor trailer, commercial trucks, big rig, vehicle drivers