Different factors can cause accidents where a truck hits another vehicle from behind. In this blog post, we’ve talked about some of the main reasons for these accidents. We’ve also explained how a lawyer’s legal advice can assist you if you’re involved in such a situation.
Miscalculation: When a big truck is travelling at 60 miles per hour, it can require a distance equivalent to the length of a football field to come to a complete stop. If the truck is fully loaded, the stopping distance can be even greater compared to a truck carrying lighter cargo.
If the truck driver misjudges the necessary space to bring the truck to a halt or applies the brakes too late, these errors can result in a rear-end collision.
Insufficient Room for Stopping: It’s easy to forget just how much space a large truck needs to stop safely. Because passenger vehicles require significantly less stopping distance, drivers of such vehicles might not allow adequate space for trucks, especially when they merge in front of them.
Similarly, many truck drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance on the road, particularly on busy highways and roads, assuming they’ll have ample time to stop if needed.
Driver Distraction: Truck drivers often spend up to 11 hours on the road during a 14-hour shift, sometimes working for several days in a row. While regulations ensure they have proper rest and breaks, extended hours behind the wheel can lead to drivers becoming less attentive and missing important details around them.
A distracted driver might fail to notice another vehicle slowing down in front of them or overlook potential road hazards that could cause the vehicle ahead to brake suddenly. This lack of focus can lead to accidents happening quickly.
Mechanical Breakdowns: When a big truck’s brakes malfunction, the driver might lose the ability to bring the truck to a halt safely. Without functioning brakes, the truck could continue moving, especially on an incline. Unexpected brake failure can result in the driver colliding with the nearest vehicle, with no means to prevent it.
In the event of a rear-end truck accident, a lawyer can provide valuable assistance by:
- Figuring out who’s at fault
- Evaluating your losses, including medical costs, emotional distress, and income loss
- Conducting an investigation into the accident
- Creating a robust collection of evidence
- Managing all communication tied to your case
- Negotiating with the insurance provider
- Going to trial if required
- Determining if there were any legal negligence factors contributing to the accident
- Advocating against insurance companies for a fair settlement
Moreover, a lawyer can also help you prioritize your recovery as they work on building your case.
