Truck accidents are not just much larger automobile accidents. But not only are the vehicles different, the laws governing trucks involved in interstate commerce are quite specific and encompass numerous subject areas. In addition, the driver, his qualifications, his character, his experience, and how he got behind the wheel are all integral to every single case. You need an experienced and qualified truck accident attorney to handle your case. 

A trucking accident occurs when large trailers (10,000+ lbs.) collide with other vehicles or pedestrians. Around 500,000 trucking accidents occur every year in the United States. Of these, approximately 5,000 trucking accidents result in fatalities.

Most trucking accident deaths and injuries involve the passengers of the smaller vehicle. Most of the drivers of the tractor-trailers usually escape truck-vehicle collisions with little or no personal injury. Due to the large size of trucks, an accident can greatly endanger the lives of passengers in smaller vehicles unnecessarily when tractor-trailer operators fail to consider proper accident prevention measures.

Most common causes of truck accidents:

• Lack of training on the part of the truck driver;
• Overloaded trucks;
• Oversized Trucks;
• Poorly maintained brakes on the trucks;
• Driving in conditions of poor visibility due to smoke fog,snow or rain;
• Fatigued, sleepy or tired driver driving too long and too many hours without rest;
• Speeding over the limit or driving at speeds or beyond the road and weather conditions;
• Running off the road;
• Failure to yield the right of way;
• Aggressive driving behavior;
• Truck drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol while driving;
• Driving the truck in bad weather conditions;
• Dangerous or reckless truck driver with a long record of wrecks and accidents;
• Unsafe safety systems, reflectors, lights and other warning devices and
• Failure of truck to have installed an underride protection underguard.

Trucking injuries can be prevented if passenger vehicle drivers take special care when driving near tractor-trailers. If a trucking collision does occur, record as much information as possible, including names and contact information of witnesses.

At The Potts Law Firm, we can assure you that, though accidents do happen, if they happen to you, we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Most states have a statute of limitations for seeking personal injury damages, so contact our offices today, toll-free, at 1-888-99-POTTS (1-888-997-6887) for a free case evaluation, so that we can start working with you to protect your legal rights. The sooner we can build your case, the sooner you can find some relief.