The Dangers of Trucking Collisions | Causes and Injuries

Every year there are about 500,000 accidents involving commercial trucks in the United States. To help you better understand how these accidents happen, the effects of a collision, and what steps to take after a crash, we will review the dangers of trucking collisions. Below we have listed some of the most common causes of truck accidents, injuries associated with these accidents, and suggestions for victims moving forward.

It is important that you contact a lawyer immediately if you’ve been involved in an accident. Do not sign any paperwork without speaking to an attorney first or you may jeopardize your potential to file a claim. If you do not know what to look for in an attorney after an accident in Roswell, New Mexico, look for someone with experience. New Mexico attorney James Shaw has 28 years of experience fighting the trucking and insurance companies and making them pay for their negligence.

1. Distracted driving

   Truck drivers are tasked with making long, monotonous drives alone. After many long hours on the road, truck drivers may turn to distractions like cell phones, radios, or food to keep themselves entertained while driving. These distractions can result in a loss of focus from the road, causing serious accidents. This problem is especially prevalent in 2020 with the ubiquity of smartphones.

2. Driver fatigue

   There are mandated rest periods that truck drivers must take while on long trips in an attempt to decrease the amount of fatigue-related accidents on our highways. Sometimes, trucking companies forego these rules and force their drivers into dangerous situations by asking them to drive for excessive amounts of time in a short period without proper rest. If you believe a fatigued driver caused your accident, call a Roswell 18 wheeler accident lawyer to make the negligent trucking company pay.

3. Driving under the influence

   Although there are strict regulations preventing truck drivers from using drugs and alcohol while driving, there are many truckers who still choose to break the rules and jeopardize the lives of innocent drivers. A survey conducted by Reuters revealed that about 50% of truck drivers admitted to drinking alcohol behind the wheel of their vehicle and about 30% admitted to using amphetamines while driving their trucks.

   Truck drivers who drive under the influence should pay for their recklessness. Call a personal injury attorney serving New Mexico if a truck driver under the influence caused your accident.

4. Speeding

   There are deadlines that truck drivers must meet when delivering their cargo, and sometimes they run behind when trying to meet a tight deadline. If they fall behind, often truck drivers will resort to speeding in order to make their delivery on time.

   When vehicles on the road speed they are much more likely to cause serious accidents and fatalities. In 2017, speeding was a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities. If a reckless truck driver caused your accident, call a personal injury attorney serving New Mexico as soon as possible.

Truck accidents often result in injuries because the size and weight of a commercial truck are so much greater than that of a regular passenger car. Listed below are some of the most common injuries associated with truck accidents:

1. Back & neck injuries
2. Head injuries & traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
3. Cuts, bruises, and broken bones
4. Burns
5. Spinal injuries
6. Internal injuries

There are a multitude of injuries that are possible after an 18 wheeler accident, and all should be taken seriously. Call a Roswell 18 wheeler accident lawyer after your accident to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

After an accident, you need a lawyer with experience to handle your case. Call New Mexico attorney James Shaw today at 1-800-555-0101 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Mr. Shaw is a passionate attorney who has 28 years of experience fighting for people like you.