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Semi-truck accidents are some of the most dangerous and devastating accidents on the road today. The sheer size and weight of semi-trucks make them a significant hazard when they collide with smaller vehicles. In fact, truck accidents often result in severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 4,000 fatalities occur each year as a result of large truck accidents. While accidents involving semi-trucks can happen for a variety of reasons, understanding the common causes of these incidents and the legal steps necessary to prove fault can be crucial in securing a fair compensation claim.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident in Connecticut, it’s vital to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we have years of experience handling trucking accident cases, and we are dedicated to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve. You can reach us at (475) 255-6510 to schedule a free consultation.
One of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines and drive long hours to complete deliveries. This pressure can lead to them working beyond the federally regulated hours-of-service limits. When drivers fail to get the necessary rest, they can become drowsy, distracted, and less alert, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Legal Proof of Fatigue: To prove that driver fatigue played a role in the accident, an attorney may review the driver’s logbooks, which track their driving hours, rest periods, and work schedules. If the truck driver has exceeded the federal hours-of-service limits or falsified their logbooks, this evidence can serve as crucial proof in a legal claim.
Just like with passenger vehicles, distracted driving is a growing concern among truck drivers. Truck drivers may engage in behaviors such as texting, making phone calls, or eating while driving. Additionally, some truckers may be distracted by in-cab technology or GPS devices. These distractions can significantly impair a driver’s ability to react quickly to sudden road changes, increasing the risk of accidents.
Legal Proof of Distraction: To determine if distracted driving was the cause of a truck accident, an attorney may request the driver’s cell phone records, GPS data, or in-cab technology logs. Additionally, witness testimony or dashcam footage could provide insight into whether the driver was engaging in any distracting activities just before the collision.
Regular maintenance is essential to ensuring a semi-truck operates safely on the road. If a trucking company fails to maintain their vehicles or a component of the truck malfunctions, it can lead to catastrophic accidents. Common maintenance issues include brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine malfunctions.
Legal Proof of Maintenance Failures: To prove that improper maintenance was the cause of an accident, an attorney will typically examine the truck’s maintenance records. If the truck was overdue for maintenance or had a history of mechanical failures, this can be crucial evidence in your case. Additionally, accident scene evidence, such as skid marks or evidence of tire failure, may also support claims of maintenance issues.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous and reckless behavior that can lead to serious accidents. Although truck drivers are subject to stricter rules regarding drug and alcohol use, some drivers still engage in impaired driving. This is especially concerning as semi-truck drivers may carry hazardous or heavy cargo, making any mistake even more deadly.
Legal Proof of DUI: To prove that a truck driver was impaired at the time of an accident, an attorney will rely on the police report and any field sobriety test results or blood alcohol content (BAC) levels recorded during the accident investigation. If the driver was under the influence of drugs, toxicology reports may also be used as evidence in the case.
Inclement weather, such as heavy rain, snow, fog, or icy roads, is another common factor in semi-truck accidents. Trucks are particularly vulnerable to weather conditions because of their size and the way they handle in poor weather. If a truck driver fails to adjust their driving behavior to match weather conditions, they can lose control of the vehicle, resulting in an accident.
Legal Proof of Weather-Related Accidents: To establish that weather conditions contributed to the accident, an attorney will gather weather reports from the time and location of the crash. Additionally, witness testimony, accident reconstruction experts, and truck data recorders (also known as “black boxes”) can provide insights into how the driver behaved in the adverse conditions.
Speeding is another significant contributor to semi-truck accidents. Truck drivers may feel pressure to deliver their loads on time and, as a result, may drive faster than the posted speed limits or fail to reduce speed in dangerous conditions. Reckless driving, such as tailgating or aggressive lane changing, can also cause accidents. Semi-trucks require a longer stopping distance than passenger vehicles, and speeding reduces the driver’s ability to stop in time to avoid a collision.
Legal Proof of Speeding and Recklessness: Attorneys can gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, witness statements, and data from the truck’s onboard electronic logging device (ELD) to establish that the driver was speeding or driving recklessly. If the truck’s black box recorded the speed at the time of the accident, this data can provide powerful proof of driver negligence.
The weight and distribution of cargo in a semi-truck play a crucial role in the vehicle’s stability. Overloaded trucks or improperly secured cargo can cause a truck to tip over, jackknife, or become unbalanced, leading to accidents. An improperly loaded truck can also suffer from tire blowouts or damage to its suspension system.
Legal Proof of Cargo Issues: An attorney will review the truck’s cargo records, weigh stations, and shipping documentation to determine whether the truck was overloaded or improperly loaded. In addition, witness testimony or surveillance footage may provide insight into whether the cargo was secured correctly at the time of the accident.
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and have the necessary qualifications to operate large commercial vehicles. If a driver has not received adequate training on how to operate a truck safely or if they have not been properly supervised, they may be more likely to cause an accident. This is especially problematic in the case of inexperienced drivers.
Legal Proof of Inadequate Training: Attorneys can request records related to the truck driver’s training and certification. If the driver has not completed the necessary training or has a history of accidents, this could be used as evidence to prove the trucking company’s negligence in hiring and training the driver.
To build a strong case and prove that a trucking company or driver was responsible for the accident, your attorney will need to gather several types of evidence. Some of the most important types of evidence in trucking accident cases include:
Semi-truck accidents are complex, and determining the cause often requires in-depth investigation and expert testimony. Working with an experienced trucking accident attorney can help ensure that all factors contributing to the accident are properly identified and that the responsible parties are held accountable.
At Bert McDowell Injury Law, we have a deep understanding of the causes of semi-truck accidents and the legal strategies needed to prove fault. We are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact Bert McDowell Injury Law at (475) 255-6510. We offer free consultations to help you understand your legal options and guide you through the claims process.
