When truck drivers operate their big rigs, tractor-trailers, and large box trucks in a negligent, careless, or distracted manner, they can present serious dangers to other motor vehicle drivers on the road. When a large truck collides with a small passenger vehicle, it is usually the driver and occupants of the smaller vehicle who suffer more serious injuries. Potential injuries resulting from a truck accident can include traumatic head injuries, soft tissue injuries, broken bones, and internal organ damage.
If you or a person you love has suffered an injury in a truck accident that was caused by a truck operator’s negligence, it is very important that you have knowledgeable legal counsel by your side every step of the way. A skilled Downey truck accident lawyer will be able to determine your eligibility for filing a claim and can pursue the monetary compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
Ways that Truck Drivers are Negligent
There are several ways that the operators of large trucks and tractor-trailers can behave in a negligent manner. When you are operating your vehicle on a busy highway or another roadway, you should be on the lookout for these types of hazards:
- Negligent driving — Truck drivers often cause serious accidents when they operate their vehicles in a careless or negligent manner. Negligent driving can include violating a rule of the road, disobeying a federal or state motor carrier regulation, weaving in and out of traffic, failing to use a turn signal, or speeding.
- Distracted driving — Another way that truck drivers can cause accidents is when they engage in distracted driving. Distracted driving means operating a large truck while using an electronic device, such as a cell phone or tablet, in an improper manner. When a truck driver is preoccupied with electronics in the vehicle, he or she cannot pay sufficient attention to the road. Consequently, a serious accident is likely to occur.
- Drunk, drugged, and intoxicated driving — Drugs, alcohol, and other substances can impact a truck driver’s ability to operate his or her vehicle in a safe and careful matter. Alcohol, for example, is a depressant that slows down the functioning of a driver’s central nervous system. A driver who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol might not be able to react to a roadway situation in time to avoid it. The driver’s vision might also become blurry, causing a serious collision with another vehicle on the road.
When truck drivers engage in negligent, distracted, or intoxicated driving, they increase the chances that they will cause a serious accident. If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident that a negligent driver caused, a knowledgeable truck accident attorney could help you pursue monetary compensation for your injuries.
Liability for Truck Accident Cases
If you have been injured in a truck accident that was caused by a truck driver’s carelessness or negligence, you might be able to file a claim or lawsuit directly against the at-fault driver. In addition, or in the alternative, you might be able to pursue a claim against the truck driver’s employer (the trucking company).
If the accident victim can prove his or her case, various damages might be recoverable. For example, the accident victim could pursue compensation for all related medical treatment, lost wages, inconvenience, and pain and suffering. A Downey truck accident lawyer could assist you with proving the legal elements of your truck accident claim and pursuing the damages you need.
