Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Understanding the common reasons for trucking accidents can help you be more responsible, alert, and prevent fatal accidents. Our Baton Rouge trucking accident attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess list some of the common causes of trucking accidents:

• Driver Fatigue: Long working hours lead to fatigue and is one of the most common reasons for trucking accidents. Due to the stringent deadlines, most drivers only take short naps when they require extended sleep hours for their minds to function optimally. Drowsy driving can have deadly consequences and lead to fatal collisions.

• Distracted Driving: Distractions are anything that takes away the driver’s attention from driving. Some dangerous distractions, include studying the road map, dialing a cell phone, reaching for an object, personal grooming, eating, etc.
• Other Driver Errors: Some of the typical driver errors, include speeding, distraction, careless driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

In such a situation, it’s better to get in touch with legal professionals. Baton Rouge car accident attorneys at the Law Offices of L. Clayton Burgess can help you recover compensation for all your injuries and damage.

Types of Trucking Collisions

As discussed, the sheer size of trucks can lead to some of the most deadly road accidents. Here are a few common types of trucking accidents:

>> Truck rollovers

Such accidents occur when the truck driver loses complete control of the truck and the vehicle rolls over resulting in a crash, at times fatal.

>> Tire blowouts

Any vehicle can suffer from a tire blowout at any time. However, when there’s a tire blowout in a vehicle as large as a truck, it can pose serious danger to the truck driver and also to all the nearby vehicles plying on the road.

>> Rear-end trucking collisions

Due to the gigantic size of trucks, rear-end trucking collisions can lead to catastrophic injuries and serious damage of vehicles.

>> Head-on trucking accidents

Head-on collisions with tractor-trailers are one of the most devastating accidents that can occur on a road or highway. These crashes result in severe injuries and in worst cases, death.

>> T-bone accidents

T-bone trucking collisions occur when the truck driver runs the signal and ends up hitting another vehicle perpendicularly.

Steps to Take After a Trucking Accident

Trucking accident cases are different from an average road crash. It’s not only the truck drivers who can be held liable, but also the trucking companies that employ them. Therefore, to determine liability, it’s essential to adopt a few important steps:

> Call the police:

Even if you think that there is little or no damage, it’s vital to call the police and file an accident report. In case you file a lawsuit later, the police report serves as an essential piece of evidence.

> Seek medical help:

After a crash, your adrenaline may prevent you from feeling pain or noticing any severe injury. Even if the injuries are not apparent right away, visit the doctor as soon as possible. An early diagnosis will prevent complications later.

> Exchange information:

Once you are sure that you and your passengers are uninjured, you can exchange insurance and contact information with the driver of the other vehicle. Here are some of the most important details drivers can exchange after an accident:

• Full name and contact information of the other driver and witnesses
• Driver’s license details
• Color, type, make, and model of the vehicle
• The exact location of the accident

When you file an insurance claim after the trucking accident, the adjuster will determine the compensation amount based on the information you have provided, property damaged, and the severity of injuries.

> Call a seasoned truck accident lawyer:

As trucking accidents are complicated, it’s better to seek the assistance of competent attorneys. Our experienced Baton Rouge accident attorneys understand the intricacies of trucking accident claims and can better help you with your case.