What Kind Of Negligence Can Lead To A Truck Accident?

A collision between a semi truck and a passenger vehicle is rarely an unavoidable event. Typically there is some form of negligence involved. This negligence can be on the part of the truck driver, the driver of the other vehicle, the truck company responsible for the rig’s maintenance, or any combination of these parties.

Most drivers in Montana know that it’s a good idea to be careful in the vicinity of large trucks. Yet many serious truck accidents are caused by the drivers of passenger vehicles. These drivers often fail to consider, that truck drivers have limited visibility and that large commercial trucks need a longer braking distance. Driving in the areas beside and behind a truck where the trucker cannot see another vehicle, or making a sudden lane change and pulling in front of an 18-wheeler, can lead to a collision.

Of course, passenger car drivers are not responsible for every truck accident. Many crashes are caused by negligent truck drivers. Speeding or failing to yield the right-of-way in a vehicle as big and heavy as a semi truck can lead to a catastrophic accident.

Truck company negligence can also cause accidents. Negligent truck maintenance can lead to the failure of tires, brakes or other components on the road. Furthermore, a company that hires an unqualified truck driver puts the general public at risk of injury and death. In addition, some truck companies impose unrealistic schedules on their drivers, leading to truck driver fatigue — a leading cause of truck accidents.

A person who has suffered serious injuries in a semi truck crash caused by a negligent truck driver or truck company has a right to seek compensation in a lawsuit. Truck companies and their insurers tend to defend these cases aggressively, so it’s a good idea for the injured party to work with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney.

Source: Findlaw.com, “Common Causes of Truck Accidents,” accessed Jan. 27, 2017