A trucking accident is a vehicular collision where at least one of the persons involved is driving a truck, tractor trailer, 18-wheeler, semi, or other commercial vehicles.
West Virginia drivers are accustomed to sharing the road with commercial trucks, but accidents can and do happen; and the results can be devastating. Driver negligence, including, speeding, distracted driving, and drunk driving are compounded when the driver is operating a large truck or semi. In addition, the fatigue that comes with long truck routes can increase the risk of an accident.
Though truck driver negligence is a common cause, there are many other factors that may lead to a truck accident, including:
- Equipment Failure – Improperly maintained vehicles are an accident waiting to happen. Though states require regular inspections and maintenance for trucking companies, guidelines are often ignored. Faulty equipment like defective tires, or worn out brakes can lead to accidents.
- Weather Conditions – Due to their weight and size, commercial trucks can’t stop as quickly as smaller vehicles. It’s also more difficult, if not impossible, for them to drive around road hazards that occur unexpectedly. Wet roads, snow and ice can make it that much harder for a large truck to stop.
- Improper Loading – If a truck’s cargo isn’t loaded properly the chance for an accident to occur becomes that much greater. Loads that are unbalanced or improperly secured can cause a vehicle to tip, or a driver to lose their load in transit, putting themselves and other drivers at serious risk.
If you or someone you love is involved in a truck accident, you need a truck accident attorney in West Virginia with the experience and the resources to fight for you. Trucking companies and insurance companies are very aggressive when it comes to these types of cases. Shaffer Law has handled numerous trucking cases.