While any auto accident has the potential to cause severe or life-changing injuries, the risk is much greater in a truck wreck. The primary reason for this is size. The average passenger vehicle is less than 5,000 pounds. In contrast, a fully loaded big rig truck can weigh up to 70,000 pounds. Oversized or overweight trucks may be even heavier. They are over 10 times heavier than passenger vehicles, which means they hit with 10 times as much force.
Truck accidents also differ from car accidents in terms of recovery. Theoretically, victims of car accidents can recover huge settlements. Practically, unless the wrongdoer has substantial personal assets, the victim is unlikely to recover beyond the insurance limits. Truckers have much higher minimum liability insurance rates. Plus, third parties—such as trucking companies—may share liability, and they should also have insurance. A person injured in a truck accident often gets a larger settlement than car wreck victims. To understand more, contact a Midland truck accident lawyer from Ramji Law Group.
Truckers experience immense pressure to make their deliveries by their deadlines. However, traffic, weather, and holdups at loading or delivery locations can make it challenging to stick to that schedule. Many truckers turn to dangerous behaviors to try to make up time. Speeding, not stopping to rest, and using stimulants are just some of the tricks truckers will try to get their deliveries there on time.
Speeding is one of the riskiest behaviors for truckers. It always increases the risk of an accident because it increases the stopping distance and decreases the time between seeing a hazard and hitting it. Truckers may not have enough time to maneuver safely in hazardous scenarios. Plus, speeding leaves truckers more prone to rollover accidents and jackknives.
Just like other drivers, truckers may get behind the wheel while intoxicated. While alcohol is a risk, truckers may also turn to substances—legal and illegal—to facilitate their lifestyles. Because of their deadlines, some truckers may use sleeping pills to get to sleep, stimulants to wake up, and other drugs throughout the day. These drugs can impact their driving ability.
Distracted driving is another risk. Trucking can be a monotonous profession, and drivers look for distractions to keep their minds occupied. Instead, they should focus on the road and traffic. Texting, watching videos, making phone calls, eating, and even daydreaming can divert a trucker’s attention, leading to an accident.
Third parties can also contribute to trucking accidents. Improperly loaded cargo can lead to rollover accidents, cargo spills, and more. Faulty maintenance can lead to equipment failure that contributes to a wreck. One role of a Midland truck accident attorney is to investigate responsibility for the wreck.
Just like auto accidents, truck accidents can lead to a vast range of injuries. Some people may escape with a few bumps and bruises, while other truck crashes can be fatal. However, truck collision injuries are often much more severe than automobile wreck injuries, given the size of the vehicle. Some common injuries from truck accidents include:
Many of these injuries are catastrophic. They may have a lifelong impact on the person, keep them from being able to work, and change the entire family dynamic. Seeking an economic recovery is one way to help people feel a sense of justice. Doctor Law—Ramji Law Group, P.C. founder Adam Ramji brings a medical background to personal injury law. The experience helps our lawyers in Midland accurately value truck crash claims.
The aftermath of a truck collision can be overwhelming for you and your entire family. You may be facing weeks, months, or even years of recovery. Time away from work and a reduced earning capacity, combined with medical bills, can put your family on the brink of financial ruin. Plus, it can be emotionally overwhelming to adjust to the new reality after a wreck.
You do not have to handle this alone. The attorneys at Ramji Law Group, P.C. can help. We have the experience and dedication necessary to help you explore your options, value your claim, and go through every step of the claims process. Schedule a consultation to speak to a Midland truck accident lawyer by calling 432-529-3476.
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