Sharing the road with a semitruck means that you might be putting your life in the hands of that trucker. While many of these professional drivers handle their duties in a safe manner, there are factors that increase the chance that they will be involved in a crash.
Trucker error is one of the possible causes of wrecks. This can happen because of several reasons. The driver might fall asleep or become distracted. They may not accurately gauge hazards on the roads and fail to respond adequately. Driving in the rain, for example, requires a longer stopping distance, but a trucker who isn’t paying attention might not be able to stop in time.
Negligence and reckless driving can also cause crashes. Truckers who drive too fast for the current conditions are more likely to be involved in a wreck than those who are driving slower. Failing to obey the traffic signs and signals can also lead to safety issues.
In some cases, the issue that leads to a crash has to do with the equipment. Truckers who don’t check the vital safety systems of their rig, such as the brakes, can cause serious problems. They should also check the securement of the cargo since shifting cargo can lead to the driver losing control or the cargo flying off the truck.
Individuals who are struck by a semitruck can face some serious injuries, some of which may require considerable medical care. This can be very costly. Those victims may opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help offset the financial costs of this type of catastrophic incident.