Commercial truck accidents are some of the most dangerous accidents that can occur on the road. And unfortunately, they aren’t all that uncommon. That is why it’s important to have a good understanding of these accidents. So, let’s take a look at the truth behind a few common misconceptions about these kinds of crashes.
Truck Drivers Don’t Have to Follow the Same Traffic Laws as Other Drivers
One of the biggest misconceptions when it comes to commercial truck drivers is that they don’t have to observe the same traffic laws as all of the other drivers on the road. But this is not true at all. Not only do truck drivers have to obey the same traffic laws, but many times, they’re subjected to even stricter traffic laws. There are certain speeds they have to travel on exit ramps, certain roads they can’t drive on due to their weight, and other regulations they have to follow. If they don’t abide by these laws and end up in an accident, then the driver may be at fault for not following the law.
Truck Drivers Aren’t Usually Responsible for Accidents
In 2013 alone, the U.S. Department of Transportation found that 3,906 trucks were involved in fatal accidents. And while commercial truck accidents can certainly be caused by drivers of passenger vehicles, truck drivers can also be at fault. There are many situations where a truck driver or the trucking company may be at fault for an accident. If the truck driver was distracted while driving, failed to comply with maintenance regulations or traffic laws, or the company failed to properly train the driver, the truck driver or company is probably going to be at fault for an accident. This is why it’s important to work with a commercial truck accident attorney to establish fault.
Commercial Truck Accident Claims are Easy to Settle
Thinking that truck accident claims are as easy to settle as regular car accident claims is an unfortunate misconception. When a commercial truck accident occurs, there could be a number of parties at fault: not only could the drivers be responsible for the accident, but the trucking company, maintenance company, or owner of the load the truck was carrying could also potentially be at fault. This is why it’s essential to work with an attorney. Choosing an attorney with experience in handling commercial truck accidents will be beneficial because they’ll know what kind of evidence is needed to prove fault.
Hopefully, this article cleared up some confusion regarding truck accidents. If you’re ever involved in a commercial truck accident, contact the Steigmann Law team. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge needed to build you a strong case.