Commercial Truck Accidents in Fresno Can Be Extremely Dangerous
Large trucks cause thousands of serious accidents each year in the United States. The NHTSA reports that 116,000 people were injured in large truck accidents during 2015 and 4,067 people were killed that year in truck accidents, an increase of four percent in both categories. Tragically, the occupants of other vehicles sustained the majority of the injuries and deaths. Even though more attention has been given to the dangers of crashes with commercial vehicles, the number of trucks involved in accidents did not decrease during 2015.
While thousands of trucks travel our roads each day without incident, it only takes a second for an accident to occur. A commercial vehicle accident can turn your life upside down in a matter of seconds. Permanent disabilities can result in life-altering changes for you and your family. If you are injured in a large truck accident, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The steps you take after a truck accident can impact your ability to settle your case for full compensation. Call (888) 500-5000 for a free legal consultation.
Driver Error is a Common Cause of Truck Accidents
Even though road conditions, defective products, and other drivers can be the cause of commercial truck accidents, driver negligence is a common cause of large truck accidents. As with other motor vehicle accidents, many truck accidents can be attributable to the negligence of the driver. Common examples of negligent or reckless acts that lead to collisions include:
- Violations of hours of service rules (driving too many hours without rest or sleep)
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving (i.e. texting, talking on cell phones, watching videos, reading, etc.)
- Speeding, reckless driving, and following too closely
- Ignoring adverse weather conditions or road conditions
- Failing to yield the right of way or failing to check blind spots
When a truck driver causes an accident, that driver can be held liable for damages resulting from that accident. However, the truck company and other parties may also be liable for the damages resulting from the crash.
Commercial Truck Accidents Can Cause Severe Injuries
Severe injuries are common in large truck accidents because of the size and weight of the vehicle causing the crash. A large truck can crush a passenger vehicle causing life-threatening injuries for the passengers of the other vehicle. Common injuries in a truck accident include:
- Broken bones and complex fractures
- Amputations and severe burns
- Spinal cord injuries and other back injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and other head injuries
- Partial and complete paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
Some of the injuries sustained in a truck accident can result in substantial medical expense. In many cases, the victims are unable to work for months or even years following the accident, resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost wages. For victims who suffer permanent disabilities, the ongoing medical and personal care can also be very expensive. It is important to seek the advice of an experienced Fresno truck accident attorney as soon as possible to begin preparing a claim for damages.
Call a Fresno Truck Accident Attorney for a Free Consultation
Many victims try to handle the claim on their own without the help of a truck accident lawyer. However, they are up against a team of professionals hired by the truck company or its insurance company to protect the best interest of the companies, not the accident victim. It is crucial that victims have a team of legal professionals on their side who have nothing but their best interest as their top priority.
Contact Torem & Associates by telephone at (888) 500-5000 or online by using the contact form on our website to request a free appointment with a Fresno truck accident attorney.
Categories: