What You Should Know About Commercial Vehicle Accidents
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that thousands of individuals die and even more are injured every year in collisions and wrecks involving commercial vehicles, including passenger buses, tractor-trailers, flatbeds, and big rigs.
The drivers of these large commercial vehicles must generally possess a commercial driver’s license, pass periodic medical evaluations, and comply with laws and regulations with which the average motorist need not contend. These additional requirements are meant to make commercial drivers safer and decrease the likelihood of a commercial vehicle accident: however, these requirements are not able to prevent all commercial vehicle accidents from occurring.
When you or a loved one are injured because a commercial driver sped, disregarded commonly understood rules of the road, or engaged in other careless or reckless acts that led to a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to compensation for the monetary value of your losses and expenses.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
A considerable number of commercial motor vehicle accidents in the United States are the result of negligent or careless behavior committed by the driver of one or more of the vehicles involved in the crash. Private citizens and commercial drivers are equally capable of committing an act of negligence that leads to a crash, such as:
- Texting while driving or reading e-mails or social media posts while behind the wheel, or otherwise driving while distracted;
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, even if the drugs are over-the-counter medicines or prescription medications;
- Traveling at a speed too fast for traffic on the road or the prevailing weather conditions;
- Pulling a trailer that is not properly and evenly loaded or that is not safely attached to the big rig or tractor;
- Driving when one is suffering from a medical or physical condition that makes it difficult for the driver to maintain their focus on the tasks involved in safely driving a vehicle; or
- Driving a vehicle when one has not had an adequate amount of sleep.
In the case of commercial vehicle crashes, the drivers and occupants of any passenger vehicles are usually the ones who suffer the greatest injuries – even if the driver of the commercial vehicle is the one at fault in causing the crash.
Compensation May Be Available
If a commercial motor vehicle driver is to blame for your injury crash, you may be entitled to compensation through a commercial vehicle lawsuit. While this compensation cannot reverse permanent or disabling injuries, it can provide you and your family with sufficient funds so that you can pay for your medical expenses, surgical costs, ongoing therapy needs, lost past and future earnings, pain and suffering, and other similar expenses.
The experienced and dedicated commercial vehicle accident lawyers at Zinda Law Group will help you identify the losses and expenses you and your family have already experienced and work diligently to help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers with Nationwide Reach
The law affords you a small window of opportunity within which to file a lawsuit and seek compensation following a commercial vehicle accident. Your chances of success in your lawsuit depend in part on your decision to seek prompt and knowledgeable help with your case from a truck accident attorney. We will protect your legal rights and interests so you can focus on your recovery. Call Zinda Law Group today at 800-863-5312 for a free and confidential consultation. Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.
