Why are Trucking Accidents so Dangerous?

Truck accidents are often more severe, more deadly than other motor vehicle accidents. These are some of the factors that contribute to the severity.

Drivers

• Truck drivers may not be properly trained to use the truck and to handle the load
• Driver fatigue – truck drivers toll long hours. They are required to take regular rests and to get their sleep. Many drivers are pushed by their employers not to follow these rules.
• Driver distraction – driving long trips can be monotonous. If the driver is on his cell phone or listening to the radio, accidents can occur.
• Driver intoxication

Trucks

• Trucks are larger and heavier. In an accident between a truck and a car, the driver of the car is going to suffer because his/her car is no match for the truck such as an 18-wheeler.
• Trucks are more likely to have equipment failure because they are driven more, along greater distances and because they need to work harder to carry heavy loads.
• Trucks have to make wide turns. Often cars get caught in the truck’s turning path.
• The debris from a truck’s load can spill onto the roadway or onto other cars.

Companies

• The shipping parties to the contract have time limits for delivery which they pass onto the driver. This can cause the driver to speed, which causes accidents.
• The owner of the truck may put undue pressure on the driver to speed. The owner may not inspect the vehicle as often as it should.
• Manufacturers can be held responsible for an accident if they design faulty vehicle parts that contributed to the accident.

How our firm can help

Anyone who has been in a truck or car accident in Norfolk or who knows someone who was killed in a truck accident because of the negligence of another needs to have legal help. Contact Norfolk truck accident lawyer Joe Miller at Joe Miller Law, by calling him at (888) 694-1671 to learn more about your legal rights and options following an accident with a large commercial truck.