Sharing the road with 18-wheeler trucks comes with many dangers since these are such large vehicles that can cause a great deal of damage. If you are injured in an 18-wheeler truck accident in Camas, you may need to pursue compensation to cover things like damage to your vehicle and injuries.
If you are the victim of an 18-wheeler truck accident, you need to take the step of hiring a truck accident attorney in Camas who can help you build your case. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our team of truck accident lawyers has handled hundreds of truck accident cases and can help you pursue the compensation you need to make a full recovery.
Keep reading to find out the most common causes of truck accidents in Camas and how you can better protect yourself.
Driver Fatigue
One of the main causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Despite the fact that anyone on the road can suffer from driver fatigue, it is especially common in truck drivers.
Commercial truck drivers drive very long hours and often have a robust driving schedule until they reach their final destination. Although there are laws around how many hours at a time a truck driver can drive, they don’t always follow these rules. Trucking companies may also push drivers to drive for longer than they should, which often results in them driving for hours at a time without rest or sleep.
Driver fatigue not only has the potential to result in truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel, but it can also lead to reckless driving. Drivers may swerve into other lanes, speed, or even run off the side of the road.
Distracted Driving
18-wheeler truck accidents can be the result of truck drivers being distracted and not paying attention to what is in front of them. Because truck drivers drive for such long hours, they often end up eating and drinking as they drive, which can be very distracting.
Like other drivers on the road, truck drivers can also become distracted by things like programming their GPS, talking on the phone, looking for things, etc.
Reckless Driving
A common cause of truck accidents that can come with very serious repercussions is reckless driving. Truck drivers have a bit of a reputation for driving recklessly for a variety of reasons. Reckless driving often takes the form of speeding, swerving, driving too close, or showing other signs of road rage.
If you notice a truck driver driving erratically or recklessly, it is always best to put as much distance between you and them as possible.
Improper Loading
A type of vehicle accident that is unique to commercial trucks can be caused by improper loading. Commercial trucks have significant loads they are transporting, and these loads need to be attached in a specific way. If the trucking company fails to properly load the truck, this can result in a variety of potential accidents.
Truck loads may shift, causing the truck to swerve and collide with another vehicle or even roll over. Shifting cargo can also inhibit visibility, creating larger blindspots that you may drive into.
Mechanical Failures
Commercial trucks can also experience mechanical failures that have the potential to lead to significant property damage and bodily injuries. A common example of this is an 18-wheeler tire blowout, which can cause the truck to collide with other vehicles on the road.
Commercial trucks need to be properly maintained and serviced on a regular basis. They should also go through routine inspections to ensure they are in working order and won’t experience mechanical failures while on the road.
Inadequate Training
Because 18-wheeler trucks are so large, they can be a great deal more difficult to navigate than the average vehicle. Truck drivers need to go through training to ensure they can properly handle these vehicles and drive them safely.
If a trucking company fails to properly train its drivers, this could result in them not driving safely. For example, the drivers may not fully understand where their blind spots are or how they need to take sharp turns, which can result in serious collisions.
Bad Weather
Something that can contribute to truck accidents that is often outside of anyone’s control is the weather. Things like snow, ice, and rain can all create dangerous road conditions, especially for 18-wheeler trucks.
Trucks may slide around on the road if there is snow or ice, especially since these large trucks take longer to brake. Additionally, heavy rain or snow can cause visibility issues, potentially leading to collisions.
What to Do If You Are the Victim of an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
If you are the victim of an 18-wheeler truck accident in Camas, one of the first things you need to do is hire a truck accident lawyer. A truck accident lawyer will be able to help you build your truck accident claim so that you can receive compensation to cover things like property damage and medical expenses.
You will also need to gather evidence to support your claim, which often includes the police report, photos, video footage, medical bills, and witness testimonies. A unique aspect of truck accident cases is that you could also potentially pursue compensation from the truck driver as well as the trucking company.
Although there is great potential for receiving a significant settlement, truck accident cases can be very challenging. An attorney will help you navigate these challenges by protecting your rights and negotiating on your behalf so that you are not pushed around by the insurance companies.
Hire an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Getting hit by an 18-wheeler truck can cause a significant amount of damage and result in life-changing injuries. If this has happened to you, you need to pursue a truck accident claim, which can help you financially recover after being involved in a truck accident.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers in Camas, Washington, are committed to defending the downtrodden and helping our clients get the compensation they are entitled to. For expert legal representation from one of our attorneys, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
