Trucking Accident Attorney in San Antonio Discusses Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
If you have been injured as a result of a negligent truck driver, a trucking accident attorney in San Antonio may be able to help you obtain compensation. Smaller vehicles and their passengers are sometimes endangered by commercial trucks such as big rigs and delivery trucks. The dangers associated with these vehicles are often unique. Truck drivers need to be alert at all times to keep other vehicles on the road safe, and other drivers need to be especially careful when sharing the road with larger vehicles. Seemingly minor driving errors can lead to serious accidents when large commercial vehicles are involved, especially at higher speeds.
When Passenger Vehicle Drivers Cause Accidents
Drivers of passenger vehicles such as cars are often at fault when there are accidents involving commercial trucks. Ignorance of a truck’s abilities to react to traffic conditions is one common issue with other drivers. When drivers do not know a truck’s limits in braking and visibility, accidents may occur. Driving in areas called “no-zones,” which are areas behind and beside trucks where the driver has limited visibility, is another common unsafe act that often leads to accidents. Quickly changing lanes in front of a truck may also lead to an accident, as well as driving to the right of a truck that is making a right turn. When a driver is making a left turn at an intersection and misjudges an approaching truck’s speed, this can also lead to an accident. Other unsafe acts commonly committed by passenger vehicle drivers include merging improperly into traffic in front of a truck and failure to adjust speed when a truck is merging or changing lanes. Unsafe passing, such as passing when there is not enough headway, is also dangerous. Pulling into traffic in front of a truck without sufficient acceleration also frequently leads to accidents. Driving between large trucks is another safety risk that is commonly underestimated. Failing to get a disabled vehicle onto the shoulder and off the highway can also lead to accidents with trucks.
When Commercial Truck Drivers Cause Accidents
In some cases, the commercial truck driver is at fault for the accident. A number of factors can lead to traffic accidents involving trucks, including inadequate training on the company’s part as to driving technique, defensive driving and safety concerns. There are also compensation systems that encourage truck drivers to drive faster and put in more hours than is normally advised. Unrealistic schedules that encourage truck drivers to rush in spite of safety risks also contribute to accidents.
Contact a Trucking Accident Attorney in San Antonio
If you have been injured in an accident involving a truck and believe the truck driver is at fault, contact Brylak Law at (210) 372-8111. If the truck driver is found to be responsible for the accident, compensation may include pain and suffering, lost wages from time spent away from work, and medical expenses. A trucking accident attorney in San Antonio may be able to help you earn the compensation you deserve.