Because of the massive size and weight of trucks, truck accidents can be catastrophic, resulting in serious injuries and death. The size and structure of trucks and how they are driven is very different from passenger vehicles; for this reason, drivers of passenger vehicles may be able to help avoid collisions by better understanding how many trucking accidents occur.

Equipment failure

Equipment failure regarding brakes, turn signals, steering components, and tires are just some of the parts of trucks that can fail and cause devastating accidents. Trucking laws require regular inspection, but laws and regulations are not always complied with. Truck drivers do not always properly maintain their trucks, and that can lead to serious accidents. Even in properly maintained vehicles, equipment may fail due to shoddy work by manufacturers or repair shops.

Jackknifing

Jackknifing occurs when a truck folds as the trailer tries to pass the cab. Jackknifing means the accidental folding of an articulated vehicle (one towing a trailer) such that it resembles the angle of a folding pocket knife (hence the name). Jackknifing usually happens to an empty vehicle and does not really happen that often. Sudden braking or turning, brake malfunction, wet or otherwise slippery roads, and uneven road surfaces can all cause a truck to jackknife. Jackknifing can be the cause of a serious truck accident or it can happen after something has collided with the truck. Most experienced truck drivers know how to correct a skid before it becomes a jackknife.

Turning accidents

Turning accidents often occur because trucks are so long, and they often have to make very wide turns. Sometimes these turns require the trucks to take up more than one lane of traffic. Always be aware of trucks around you and allow them enough room to make those wide turns. A truck will often swing to the left before making a right hand turn; this opens up space to the truck’s immediate right. If a car pulls into that space, the car can be hit or even crushed without ever being seen by the truck driver.

Stopping Distance

The stopping distance that is required for trucks is much greater than the stopping distance required for passenger vehicles, and trucks that follow vehicles too closely are an accident waiting to happen. Following too closely obviously does not allow a driver enough time to stop in the event the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly. Not having enough stopping distance between the truck and the vehicle in front of the truck can trigger a jackknife and cause a serious accident. Be sure to allow ample distance between your vehicle and the front of the truck you are passing. Many truck drivers will flash their headlights to let you know that it is safe to return back to your lane after passing.

Blind spots

Blind spots in trucks are much larger than in passenger vehicles. We have all probably seen those signs on trucks that say, “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you” Trucks have large blind spots that prevent them from seeing nearby vehicles. A truck that is changing lanes can easily collide with a vehicle in its blind spot. Experienced truck drivers know how to avoid these collisions, but not all truckers on the road are experienced.

Being aware of the dangers truck drivers face every day they go to work and being aware of how to share the road with trucks will certainly help you avoid the catastrophic type of accident that often occurs when trucks and passenger vehicles collide.

At The Healy Law Firm in Chicago, Illinois, each truck accident attorney in their practice understands the complex nature of truck accidents and is familiar with the federal and state regulations that govern the operation of large trucks. Serving both Illinois and out of state residents, every truck accident lawyer at their firm is an experienced litigator committed to the advocacy of victims’ rights. If you have been injured in a truck accident, their dedicated attorneys will aggressively represent your interests and help you recover the maximum fair compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck accident, the law limits the time you have to pursue legal action against the negligent party. Moreover, obtaining quick access to evidence and witnesses is often crucial in establishing a successful case. Often trucking companies and their insurers dispatch investigators to the scene within hours. It is crucial you retain competent legal counsel as soon as possible. Throughout Illinois and the nation, the truck accident attorneys at The Healy Law Firm have earned a reputation as capable litigators who consistently secure impressive, fair financial compensation for their clients. For superior legal representation, Illinois residents should contact their experienced trucking accident lawyers today.

Texas car accident lawyers will often meet with someone, who has a valid claim of personal injury, at no cost. The initial consultation is usually free. Before retaining one of the Texas car accident lawyers, it’s important to select the appropriate person to handle the case. The telephone book and internet are both wonderful references for anyone searching for Texas car accident lawyers. It’s not advisable to select an attorney at random, but rather meet with several different Texas car accident lawyers in order to get an idea of their approach. After careful consideration, and meeting with more than one lawyer, a client should then be prepared and better able to make an informed decision.

When a car accident occurs, it’s extremely important that all parties remain at the scene until the police are called and arrive to interview each person involved. After individual interviews are conducted, the officer will complete an accident report and possibly photograph the damage. This report will likely be required by any of the Texas car accident lawyers in their research to determine reasonable compensation.

Immediately following any car accident, all injured persons should consult a medical doctor. If an injury is obvious, it may be easy to detect. Many injuries, however, are not evident at first and may not surface until later. For this reason, it’s important to seek medical advice to ensure there are no underlying conditions that may cause future pain. The doctor will prepare a report, which will be required by any of the Texas car accident lawyers before they may proceed with a personal injury claim.

Once you have selected one of the many Texas car accident lawyers, he/she will begin by making sure that an injury claim is filed timely and appropriately. In all areas, there are deadlines in which an injured party may file a claim for personal injury. If a claim is not filed within the deadline, any chance for compensation may be lost. Texas car accident lawyers know and understand these deadlines, which is why it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Any one of these conditions can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and lead to a serious car crash. Car hydroplaning accidents or any accident caused by poor road conditions requires an attorney who knows how to litigate with the municipalities that are responsible for the road conditions at the accident site. If you are involved in a hydroplaning car wreck, or any accident caused by poor road conditions, you need a personal injury lawyer experienced in handling road condition or hydroplaning accident litigation.

The attorneys at Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry are specialists in road defect cases that can arise from:

* Pooling water
* Hydroplaning
* Defective highway design
* Potholes
* Uneven pavement
* Lack of signs
* Failure to install guardrails
* Objects left on roadway
* Neglect of maintenance
* Improper construction of roadways

If you or a loved one suffer an injury due to a road defect, you should contact the car hydroplaning law firm of Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry immediately. They are known for giving personal attention to each road defect and hydroplaning car crash case they handle. From initial phone call through final judgment or settlement, they are there for their clients. They will use their experience and knowledge to advocate strongly in your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome for your case. The lawyers at Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry have spent decades providing their clients with the highest quality representation. Let them represent you. Contact them for a free consultation.