A motor vehicle accident of any kind can have a tremendous impact on the life of an individual. In just a few fleeting moments, a person's life can change forever.
The initial impact of a motor vehicle accident can be drastic and the long-term emotional, physical, and financial implications can be devastating. This is especially true of motor vehicle accidents involving a commercial vehicle.
Any individual involved in a truck accident should consult the help of a truck accident lawyer for immediate care following this unfortunate and life-changing event.
What is a Commercial Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is a type of vehicle that travels via the interstate. To be considered a commercial vehicle, it must meet one of the following qualifications:
A Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of 10,000 pounds or greater
Designation of transporting eight or more passengers, including the driver, for monetary compensation
Designation of transporting 16 or more passengers, including the driver, for no monetary compensation
Transporting large enough quantities of hazardous materials that it is required to be placarded
Commercial vehicles like semis, for example, are much larger than standard-sized vehicles. Often weighing upwards of 30 times more than a regular car, the impact of a collision with one of these vehicles can be deadly.
What is Required to Operate a Commercial Vehicle?
A special license called a CDL or Commercial Drivers License is required to operate a commercial vehicle. In some states, this type of license can only be issued after the driver completes a series of driving and safety courses.
Some trucking companies may require additional items to be completed upon hire for an individual to operate a commercial vehicle like a semi-truck. These additional items may include things like training or job shadowing.
How do Truck Companies Encourage Safety?
While much falls out of a company's realm of control, there are some things companies can do to encourage the safety of both their drivers and vehicles.
Safety and Driver Training
First, trucking and insurance companies may require ongoing training for drivers. Safety training ensures that drivers stay abreast of the latest trends in the field and understand the mechanics of safety while on the road. Driver training tests their ability to stay sharp while on the road.
Encouraging Healthy Practices
Next, companies may also encourage drivers to pull over and rest when they begin to feel drowsy. A company may have designated offices or areas where a trucker can do this.
In the event of inclement weather, a company may also allow the driver to pull over and wait for the weather to pass so they can resume their journey safely.
Vehicle Maintenance
Lastly, companies can ensure their vehicles are well maintained. All commercial vehicles within a company's fleet should be road-ready and in good, safe working condition. This can help ensure the safety of the driver and other drivers on the road.
What Might Cause Truck Accidents?
There are quite a few things that can perpetuate car accidents with a commercial vehicle. Some of the most common factors may include not sharing the road, sudden or excessive lane changes, drowsy driving, speeding, and blind spots.
Not Sharing the Road
Truck accidents can be caused by vehicles not sharing the road. Commercial vehicles are much larger and heavier so they take up more space than standard vehicles. Due to size, trucks may not be able to stop or shift lanes as quickly as a car.
Semi-truck accidents can be caused when a vehicle cuts in front of the truck and the driver is unable to brake in time.
Sudden or Excessive Lane Changes
Truck accidents may also be caused by sudden or excessive lane changes. Drivers must stay in their lane as much as possible. If they need to shift lanes, they should allow the proper time and distance to do so safely. Sometimes, however, this is not the case and a trucking accident can occur.
Drowsy Driving
At times, truck drivers may make long trips. If they are not getting adequate rest while on the road, it can compromise their ability to stay fully alert while driving. One mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries or death.
Speeding
Highway speeds are posted for a reason. Truckers must follow the speed limit while traveling on the interstate.
If a truck driver is on a tight schedule with a delivery, they might travel over the speed limit to compensate for time. This, however, can be a dangerous and deadly mistake. Higher speeds mean more braking time and if a driver is not quick to react, the results can be gruesome.
Blind Spots
Blind spots can also cause a truck accident. With a larger truck, there tend to be four primary blind spot areas in the front, by the side, and in the rear of the truck. A truck driver must carefully monitor these blind spots at all times to ensure safe lane changes and highway travel.
What Should an Individual Do if They are Involved in a Truck Accident
Despite a company and trucker's best efforts, accidents happen. When they do, they can cause a lot of physical, emotional, and financial strife for all those involved.
If an individual is involved in a truck accident, the first thing they should do is contact the Worthington truck accident lawyers at the Keating Firm LTD.
A personal injury lawyer can help a truck accident victim deal with a truck accident claim, facilitate communication with the insurance company, and provide expert guidance throughout the legal process.
How a Worthington Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
A Columbus semi accident lawyer in Worthington, OH, can be a great asset to someone who has been involved in a trucking accident. A personal injury lawyer at the Keating Firm LTD. can help an individual file a personal injury claim following a semi-truck accident.
Case Preparation
A truck accident lawyer from the Keating Firm LTD. can help prepare a strong case following a car accident. They can help car accident victims file the appropriate documentation for a truck accident claim. Since one missing or incorrect form can belabor the process, working with an attorney who is familiar with and experienced in this process is key.
Dealing with the Insurance Company
A truck accident lawyer from the Keating Firm LTD. can also help deal with insurance companies in Worthington, OH.
At times, an insurance company may be resistant to paying an individual what they owe following an accident. They may present an unfair offer or no offer at all.
The team at the Keating Firm LTD. will facilitate a conversation with the insurance company and fight for what is owed.
Fighting for a Fair Settlement
Truck accident lawyers in Worthington, OH, can also help an individual fight for a fair and just settlement.
Though car accidents can result in serious injury and victims can incur large medical bills, insurance companies may try to present an unfair or negligible settlement offer.
Since a large amount of compelling evidence is needed, the attorneys at the Keating Firm LTD. carefully gather as much as possible to present a strong case. They fight to secure the full settlement to help the victim recover from financial setbacks caused by the accident.
Other Worthington Practice Areas
What Makes Worthington Truck Accident Lawyers Different?
The Keating Firm LTD provides the utmost quality and care to clients following a car accident. The team at Keating Firm LTD is highly qualified, top-rated, and provides all clients with the customized care needed to ensure success throughout the legal process.
Highly Qualified and Top-Rated Personal Injury Attorneys
The personal injury attorneys at the Keating Firm LTD. in Worthington, OH, are all experienced in dealing with a range of serious legal matters.
They specialize in vehicle and commercial accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, criminal defense, and dog fights. In addition to being highly qualified and experienced attorneys, the legal team at the Keating Firm LTD is top-rated.
Their goal is to deliver clients the justice they deserve.
Providing Customized Care
For those who seek legal advice following an accident, the team at the Keating Firm LTD offers a free consultation.
This consultation is provided at no cost to the client and ensures a comprehensive review of the case details.
It is an opportunity for prospective clients to meet the legal team, describe what happened, and ask any questions they may have.
The Keating Firm LTD also has several office locations in Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina, which makes it convenient to attain the legal representation you need. Call at (866) 836-4878.
Additionally, the personal injury attorneys at the Keating Firm LTD care about the outcome of each client's case and provide one-on-one, customized care, and service. They carefully consider the details of each semi-truck accident and the unique situation of each client they serve. Based on this context, they provide targeted service and support throughout the legal process until justice is served.