Trucks that collide with passenger vehicles usually cause the occupants of the passenger vehicle to suffer severe or even fatal injuries. Drivers should exercise extreme caution when operating a truck. Unfortunately, not every truck driver operates their vehicle in an appropriate fashion. This often leads to tragic accidents that likely could have been avoided if the truck driver was aware of their surroundings. If you or a family member was injured in a crash with a truck in the Media, Pennsylvania area, you should consult with an experienced Media truck accident lawyer.
The injury lawyers at The Reiff Law Firm know the damage that can be caused by a negligent truck driver, and we are here to help you hold them accountable for their actions. We will listen to the details of your case and help you develop a legal strategy that will be used to help you get the compensation that you deserve. To schedule a free legal consultation, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online.
Common Reasons for Truck Accidents in Media, Pennsylvania
Truck accidents may occur for a variety of reasons. However, many tractor-trailer accidents happen because the driver made a serious error, or they could simply not handle the vehicle they were driving. Losing control of a truck could result in serious injuries for every person involved in the accident. The following is a list of common causes of truck accidents.
Inclement Weather
If there is an abundance of rain or snowfall while you are driving, it is normal to slow down to ensure that you do not lose control of your vehicle. Unfortunately, not every driver responds the same way to inclement weather. For example, drivers of 18-wheelers should be aware that misjudging their stopping distance could result in rear-ending another vehicle, especially when there is poor weather. Inclement weather could also result in a truck driver losing control of their vehicle due to poor visibility and other circumstances.
Driver Error
Truck drivers are required to drive their vehicles through various areas and often have to maneuver through tight streets and neighborhoods. A driver that is not adequately trained to handle their vehicle in tight spaces is more likely to put the lives of other motorists in danger.
Additionally, a truck collision may also occur if a driver is not paying attention to the road. There are all kinds of distractions in vehicles today that could make a driver distracted, like phones or high-tech radios.
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers are typically permitted to drive approximately 11 hours a day and are required to take mandatory breaks. However, some companies may illegally encourage their employees to drive for a longer period of time to earn more profits. Fatigued drivers usually have a slower reaction time than other motorists which can often lead to a serious accident. If you can show that the driver’s employer coerced them into working longer shifts, the employer may also be liable for injuries caused by the driver.
Overloaded Trucks
Tractor trailers are designed to carry a certain amount of weight that should not be exceeded. However, some companies may overload a truck in order to increase profits at the cost of safety. Trucks that are overloaded are more difficult to operate than other trucks that are loaded properly. This means that a driver could have difficulty stopping or maneuvering their vehicle.
It is also important to note that overloaded trucks are more likely to cause serious injuries if they crash into another vehicle. This is because tractor trailers already weigh thousands of pounds and extra weight can essentially turn these vehicles into dangerous weapons.
This is not an exhaustive list of causes of truck accidents. There are many other reasons that a truck crash may occur. For example, there could be defective equipment on the truck which could cause it to malfunction.
If you were involved in a truck accident, you should make sure to seek immediate medical attention. You should also beware of speaking to any representatives of the trucking company, as they have an interest in minimizing the impact of the accident.
Media, PA Truck Accident Attorneys Ready to Represent You
If you or a family member was injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you should contact an experienced Media 18-wheeler accident attorney today. At The Reiff Law Firm, our accident attorneys possess over 40 years of combined experience litigating a variety of commercial trucking accident cases. We understand the devastating injuries that a serious truck accident may cause, and we are here to help you fight for compensation. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential case, call The Reiff Law Firm at (215) 709-6940, or contact us online. Our firm will work tirelessly to pursue your claim.
