Stuart & Treasure Coast Truck Accidents Lawyer
According to Popular Mechanics, there were 2.8 million semi-trucks in the United States in 2016 and federal laws allow for 18-wheelers to weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Mechanic Base lists a large passenger SUV or truck, such as the Chevy Tahoe, at around 6600 lbs. That means a semi-truck weighs twelve times as much as a larger personal vehicle. A semi-truck is closer to 20 times the size of a mid-size four-door car. The force of a semi-truck hitting a personal vehicle is likely to cause a catastrophic crash with severe injuries to anyone inside the vehicle. If you are able to make a full recovery, it is bound to be a long process that could take years. Our Stuart & Treasure Cost truck accident lawyer at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers Firm knows how to handle truck accident injury claims and will work hard on your behalf if you have been hurt during a truck collision.
Unsafe Practices in the Trucking Industry
Given their size, semi-trucks require training and experience to safely operate. There are Federal rules and regulations that all trucking companies must abide by, but ultimately they are a business and it is common for them to cut corners and engage in unsafe practices to make a larger profit. Common issue seen in the trucking industry include:
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If a truck is loaded poorly it can create a top-heavy and unstable truck, which is more difficult to maneuver in windy conditions and around corners.
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Truck drivers are encouraged to get their deliveries made quickly and while there are regulations on how long a truck driver can be awake or driving, some truck drivers ignore those rules and use illegal substances or even over-the-counter medicine to stay awake longer than is safe.
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New truck drivers may not receive enough training to safely operate 18-wheelers in traffic, bad weather conditions, and on dangerous roadways.
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Truck drives, like personal drivers, also engage in distracted driving such as texting, eating, watching screens, or talking on the phone. Distracted driving increases the risk of a crash and when the crash is with an 18-wheeler, those small distractions can prove fatal.
Creating A Strong Case
The attorneys at Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers know how to collect the right evidence to create a strong truck accident claim. We will examine the police report, hospital records, witness statements, truck drivers logbook, vehicle damage, and more. All of these pieces can help us prove liability and determine the severity of the crash. You deserve to be compensated for the damages you have sustained. This includes physical injuries along with the pain and suffering and property damage caused.
Trust a Skilled Treasure Coast Truck Accident Attorney At Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers
If you have been injured in a truck accident near Stuart, you need to seek legal advice as soon as you are medically stable. A Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather Injury Lawyers attorney can guide you through the legal steps necessary to file an insurance claim and advocate on your behalf when the insurance company tries to undervalue your claim.
Contact our offices at 561-500-HELPfor a free consultation.
