September 28, 2018
Categories: Personal Injury, Uncategorized
What Causes Semi-Truck Accidents?
Driver fatigue is one of the top causes of semi-truck accidents. Once a driver has reached the driving limit of 11 hours out on the road, they are required to be off duty for 10 consecutive hours (or equivalent) before driving the truck again. Truck drivers are required to log their hours. However, drivers may log their information incorrectly. Other causes of accidents include speeding, improperly-maintained trucks, aggressive driving and reckless driving.
Why are Semi-Truck Accidents Dangerous?
If a semi-truck collides with a smaller vehicle, then the results can be catastrophic. The size of these trucks is one of the reasons that it is so dangerous to get in an accident with one. The average semi-truck weighs 80,000 pounds, whereas passenger vehicles typically weigh around 3,000 pounds.
In many cases, the driver of the truck is not injured at all. Truck drivers are more protected because they are much higher off the ground. By contrast, people in cars often sustain serious injuries when they collide with a truck.
Head injuries, back injuries, amputations, burns, broken bones and lacerations are some of the most common semi-truck accident injuries. People may also be injured by the airbag or seatbelt. Even though these devices are designed to save lives, they can cause a serious injury. For example, the airbag can strip the skin from the driver or passenger. Additionally, seatbelts can injure the user’s abdomen and chest.
It is important to get a medical evaluation if you have been involved in a semi-truck accident. If you do not receive a medical evaluation, then serious injuries may go unchecked.
The Importance of Contacting A Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
If you have been hurt in a semi-truck accident, then you may be entitled to compensation. Our semi-truck accident lawyers in Tampa FL can help you get compensated for future and current medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering and disfigurement. If your loved one has been involved in a fatal accident, then you may be able to get compensation for their death. Contact the Tampa injury lawyers at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore today!
