Truck accidents are among the most devastating types of auto accidents. Please continue reading and reach out to our Rockland County truck accident lawyers to learn more about what separates these accidents from other types of auto accidents and how we can help if you’ve been wrongfully injured in one. Here are some of the questions you may have:
What makes truck accidents more dangerous than other types of auto accidents?
A variety of factors distinguish truck collisions from other types of auto accidents, but some of the most significant are as follows:
- Size and weight: Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and measure up to 75 feet long. This means that they have more momentum when they collide with other vehicles, resulting in more severe damage. It also means that they require more distance and time to stop, making them more prone to rear-end collisions.
- Cargo: Large trucks often carry hazardous materials, such as flammable liquids or toxic substances. These materials can pose a serious risk of fire, explosion, or contamination in the event of a crash.
- Large blind spots: Large trucks have large blind spots around their front, sides, and rear. These areas are not visible to the truck driver through the mirrors or windows. Other drivers who are unaware of these blind spots may enter them and become invisible to the truck driver, increasing the chance of a collision.
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and drive long distances with minimal rest. Unfortunately, this can directly affect their ability to operate their vehicles safely. When a truck driver cannot operate his or her vehicle to the best of their ability, especially when reflexes are slowed or the driver falls asleep, devastating accidents can ensue.
What should I do if I’m involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler?
If you’re involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you may be unable to do anything other than await the arrival of emergency services. However, if you can, you should try and take the following steps:
- Call the police. They will write up a report of the accident and send emergency medical services to the scene.
- Get the truck driver’s insurance information, as well as their license plate number.
- Ask witnesses for their contact information, as they may corroborate your claim at a later date.
- Take pictures of any damage caused by the accident, including your injuries.
- Keep copies of all medical documentation pertaining to your injuries.
- Hire a seasoned Rockland County personal injury lawyer who can work to gather and present all other evidence needed to satisfy the burden of proof on your behalf. As long as we can prove that you were injured as a direct result of the truck driver’s negligence, you should qualify for financial compensation.
If you have any additional questions or you believe you have a valid personal injury claim, simply contact Mitchell J. Schroeder, P.C. for assistance today.
