truck accident

Each car accident is unique. When you add a semi-truck into the equation things get increasingly complicated.

Although large trucks are responsible for just a small fraction of car accidents, the damage and harm they cause are often extensive.

If you’ve been involved in a crash with a semi-truck and got injured, then you will need the help of a good St. Louis auto accident attorney. The process of filing a claim may be different than in a regular car wreck and you need someone who can guide your steps.

The Insurance Company Will Do Anything to Get out of Paying

Because the damage a large truck can inflict is so extensive, most trucking companies carry insurance that can be worth 50 times more than the policy on a passenger vehicle. Such a claim can be worth millions of dollars, which is why the company will do anything to avoid paying it. If they can prove that you share at least part of the blame, then they will significantly lower the amount or deny the claim altogether. Another common strategy is offering a seemingly high settlement to distract the victim from the real value of their claim. An experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer can educate you on all these tactics and teach how to avoid making any costly mistakes.

The Amount of Information You Need to Gather Is Extensive

One of the first things you need to do after a car crash is gather as much information as possible. That includes the at-fault party’s driving license and contact details, the name and phone numbers of witnesses, a copy of the police report, and so on. The same stays true in the case of a collision with a semi-truck accident, the only difference being that the amount of information you need to collect is significantly higher. For instance, you may also need to get copies of their GPS data, electronic logbook, driving history, and any record of safety and maintenance violations. All these details will help you build a strong case and combat any dirty tactics that the insurance company may try using.

They Cause Serious Injuries That Require Extensive Medical Care

A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. And, when a vehicle this size goes up against a 3,000-pound car, it’s easy to understand how the damage it causes can be devastating.

Because the injuries resulting from a semi-truck accident are more serious than the ones sustained in a regular car crash, the medical treatment will also be more extensive. That often means in-depth tests, longer hospital stays, more days missed from work, more time needed to recover, and so on. All that can turn into a financial burden if you’ve lost your job and don’t have the means to pay for the piling medical bills.

An auto accident lawyer can help you estimate the cost of present and future damages and ensure that you will receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.

4 Signs of a Dangerous Truck Driver

While many truck drivers take their responsibilities seriously and adhere to strict safety standards, there are some who cut corners and put themselves and others at risk. If you’re a motorist sharing the road with a trucker who seems to be driving unsafely, it’s important to be aware of the signs so you can take appropriate action to protect yourself and others. Here are some tale-tell signs a trucker is driving unsafely.  

Speeding in Heavy Traffic

This is perhaps the most obvious sign that a driver is not following the rules of the road. There are a number of reasons why truck drivers speed, including the pressure to meet deadlines and the desire to make up for lost time. However, speeding is incredibly dangerous, and it significantly increases the risk of an accident. When a truck is speeding, it takes longer to stop, and it is more likely to roll over if it hits a bump or tries to make a quick turn. If you notice a truck driver speeding, you should report it to the authorities. By taking action, you can help keep the roads safe for everyone.

Tailgating

Tailgating ranks among the most dangerous forms of erratic or reckless driving. It occurs when a driver follows too closely behind another vehicle, making it difficult to stop or take evasive action if necessary. When a truck driver tailgates, they put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Moreover, tailgating can also lead to road rage, as the driver who is being followed may feel pressured to speed up or make sudden lane changes. 

If you notice a truck driver tailgating, the best thing to do is to give them plenty of space and avoid passing them if possible. You can also report their behavior to the authorities if you feel it poses a danger to other motorists.

Weaving in and Out of Traffic

Weaving in and out of traffic is another dangerous sign a truck driver is driving unsafely. Not only does it put other motorists at risk, but it also increases the chances of an accident. There are several reasons why truck drivers weave in and out of traffic. First, they may be trying to get ahead of other vehicles so they can make their delivery on time. Second, they may be tired and not paying attention to their surroundings. Third, they may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you notice a truck driver weaving in and out of traffic, it’s generally best to stay away from them.

Driving Slowly

If you see a trucker driving slowly, it could be a sign that they are tired or impaired. It could also be a sign that there is something wrong with the truck. If you see a slow-moving truck, it is best to give them plenty of space.

More signs:

• Talking on the phone or texting while driving
• Failing to signal when changing lanes or turning
• Rolling stop at stop signs
• Driving without headlights at night or during inclement weather
• Intoxication (drugs or alcohol)

These are just a few of the many signs that a trucker is driving unsafely. Be sure to stay alert and use caution when driving around trucks.

St. Louis Injury Lawyer

Semi-truck accidents are often complex. However, with an experienced lawyer on your side, you maximize your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.  Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE case evaluation.

Whether a truck driver is new to the job or has been driving for many years, it would be helpful to review these six common reasons truck drivers cause auto accidents.

There’s no doubt that the life of a truck driver is both challenging and rewarding. However, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful. So, whether a truck driver is new to the job or has been driving for many years, it would be helpful to review these six common reasons truck drivers cause auto accidents.

Not Preparing For the Trip

If you’re a rookie truck driver, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is not being prepared for your trip. This means having a detailed plan of where you’re going, mapping out your route, and knowing the regulations of the cities you’ll be driving through. It might seem like a lot of work, but it’s important to be as prepared as possible before hitting the road.

Not Taking Breaks

Another mistake that rookie truck drivers often make is not taking breaks. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of making deliveries on time, but it’s important to remember that your safety should always be your number one priority. If you’re feeling tired, make sure to pull over and take a break. It’s better to arrive late than not at all.

Not Obeying the Speed Limit

Sure, the open road can be tempting, but it’s important to obey the speed limit. Not only is speeding dangerous, but it can also lead to costly tickets. As a truck driver, you already have enough expenses to worry about. So, save yourself some money and stress by sticking to the set speed limit.

Not Paying Attention to Blind Spots

Trucks have large blind spots on all four sides. And, if you’re not careful, it’s easy to accidentally drift into one of these areas without realizing it. That’s why it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and regularly check your mirrors to make sure there are no cars in your blind spots.

Driving Under the Influence 

Despite the strict laws against it, some truck drivers still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. This is a huge mistake that can not only lead to accidents, but also result in costly fines and even jail time. If you’re going to be driving, make sure you’re sober and alert. The safety of yourself and others depends on this.

Not Knowing How to Properly Secure the Load

This is a mistake that not only rookie truck drivers make but also some experienced ones. If you’re not properly securing your load, it can shift while you’re driving and cause an accident. Make sure you know how to properly secure your load before hitting the road.

St. Louis Auto Accident Lawyer

Have you been injured in an auto accident caused by a truck driver? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our experienced St. Louis injury attorneys today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.

Jackknifing is common with semi-trailers and large oil or water rigs because of their large trailers. Some jackknifing incidents are less serious, with only minor truck damage. However, others are much more serious and sometimes even fatal.

Let’s consider what you need to know about jackknife accidents including how they happen, what causes them, and how to avoid jackknife accidents.

What Makes a Truck Jackknife?

Many jackknifing accidents result from careless driving. Jackknifing happens when the front part of the truck or cabin slows down abruptly. Since trailers don’t come fitted with brakes, they still maintain momentum even if the cabins stop. This makes the trailers push ahead of the cabin leading to a jackknifing accident.

Some common causes of jackknifing include:

• Improper and careless braking
• Poor driving conditions like wet or icy roads that are slippery
• Driving dangerously fast
• Making sharp turns 
• Lack of experience while driving trucks
• Failure by drivers to maintain their trucks

These are some of the common causes of jackknifing accidents. However, as mentioned above, driver carelessness is the leading cause of these accidents. 

What Risks Do Jackknifing Accidents Carry

Jackknifing accidents carry a lot of risk for the truck driver, other vehicles, and pedestrians on the road. Jackknifing risks tend to be more severe because these accidents involve heavy semi-trailers and sometimes even oil rigs. Some risks of jackknifing include:

• Injuries to the neck and spine
• Temporary brain injuries or brain damage
• Internal bleeding and broken bones
• Pelvic fractures
• Death

It’s worth noting that most jackknifing accidents aren’t standalone accidents and instead result in multi-car collisions. These have devastating repercussions for all road users, passengers included.

How to Avoid Jackknifing Accidents

Although jackknifing accidents are severe and sometimes fatal, they’re often not unavoidable. Truck drivers can take the following measures to decrease the risk of jackknifing accidents. 

Slow Down

Truck drivers should start slowing down much earlier when approaching a turn. Doing so will help make the trailer lose momentum, reducing the likelihood of jackknifing.

Increase Braking Distance

Instead of braking abruptly when nearing a turn, drivers should start braking much farther away from the turn. This will reduce inertia and bring both the cabin and trailer to a gradual stop.

Keep Adequate Stopping Distance

Semi-trucks and other large trucks need adequate stopping distance between the car ahead or stopping point. This ensures that they have enough braking distance to slowly stop the cabin and trailer.

St. Louis Car Accident Attorneys

Have you been involved in a jackknife accident and suffered injuries? Get in touch with the experienced St. Louis car accident attorneys at The Hoffmann Law Firm for a free case evaluation to learn more about your legal right to compensation.