Commercial trucks are an essential part of our lives because they bring us the goods and products that we use daily. These vehicles need to be big and heavy so they can handle moving cargo across long distances. The difference in size, though, means that an 18-wheeler can cause significant damage to a smaller car in a collision, and anyone inside may be seriously injured.
Driver errors are more serious with an 18-wheeler because its larger size and weight require a significantly higher level of skill and awareness compared to a standard passenger car. Truckers have additional areas they need to be aware of while behind the wheel. For instance, the length of their trailers and height of their cabs create bigger blind spots that could conceal another vehicle when making a lane change.
Besides the driver, others involved in the truck’s operation could make errors that compromise the vehicle’s performance. Staff must make sure that the cargo is loaded and secured properly, or else the imbalance could make the trailer tip over while turning a corner. The vehicle must also be regularly maintained to ensure that its mechanisms are in good working condition and repaired if needed.
Much like its engine, a big rig has numerous people involved who all need to work in unison to make sure that the vehicle can operate safely. Trucking collisions in Fremont could happen if even one of these roles makes an error, and a skilled attorney could review the situation to determine who or what was the ultimate cause.
When two regular cars collide with each other, it is more than likely to be the result of an error from one of the drivers. The injured driver could be entitled to recover financial damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance policy.
Crashes involving a semi-trailer, on the other hand, may not be as straightforward because it is possible that more than one party shares responsibility, depending on the circumstances. The driver must pay attention while behind the wheel and could be responsible if their error caused the crash. However, the trucking company could be held accountable if the crew failed to safely load the cargo or a poorly maintained vehicle malfunctioned while on the road.
This can make 18-wheeler collision cases more complex, and why it is vital to seek assistance from our dedicated Fremont lawyers. It may be necessary to pursue separate claims from each party involved, and a lawyer could help navigate through these challenges.
If you have been hit by a truck, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your injuries. Speak with a Fremont truck accident lawyer at Solution Now Law Firm to learn about your legal options.
