What Can Cause Commercial Vehicle Accidents?

Commercial vehicles like 18-wheeler trucks present a serious risk to other drivers on the road. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles makes them inherently more dangerous than passenger vehicles, and when they are involved in an accident, the consequences can often be catastrophic. Injuries caused by trucking accidents can range from minor cuts and scrapes to serious injuries that may require long term medical care or cause permanent disability. Anyone who has been involved in a trucking accident should consult with an experience Peachtree City auto accident attorney as soon as possible. Possible damages available in a trucking accident case could include compensation for property damage, medical expenses, pain and suffering, or lost wages, just to name a few.

Due to the inherent danger commercial vehicles can pose to other drivers, these vehicles are highly regulated by state and federal law. These regulations apply to issues such as the size and weight of the vehicle, the hours the driver may drive without rest, vehicle maintenance, or the speed the vehicle may legally travel. In addition, people who drive commercial vehicles are subject to stricter licensing requirements as well as enhanced penalties for noncompliance with the rules of the road. Unfortunately, despite these regulations accidents involving commercial vehicles continue to happen. Some of the most common causes of commercial vehicle accidents include:

  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Weather conditions
  • Failure to signal lane changes
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol
  • Failure to check blind spots
  • Driver fatigue
  • Poorly maintained vehicles
  • Inexperienced drivers
  • Improper freight loading

These are just some of the possible causes of trucking accidents, and there are many other ways in which a commercial vehicle driver or company could cause a motor vehicle accident. The unfortunate truth is that commercial vehicle drivers and the companies that operate them often cut corners in order to maximize profit.  Any violation of state or federal commercial vehicle regulations may be sufficient to establish negligence, allowing a victim of a commercial vehicle accident to recover through a lawsuit.

Contact a Fayette County personal injury attorney for a free consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Because of the highly specialized and technical issues that are often raised in commercial vehicle accident cases, you should retain the services of a lawyer that has experience in handling these types of cases. The attorneys of Shane Smith Law are dedicated to helping people injured in commercial vehicle accidents recover for their injuries. In order to schedule a free consultation with one of our Fayette County personal injury lawyers, call us today at (980) 246-2656

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