Tractor trailers are massive vehicles that can cause a tremendous amount of damage when they are involved in accidents. If you are in an accident with a tractor trailer, you may experience property damage and loss, as well as the potential for serious injury. In some cases, tractor trailer accidents can be fatal.
If you or someone you love was involved in a tractor trailer accident that resulted from a third party, you could be eligible for financial compensation. There is a Skokie tractor trailer truck accident lawyer specializing in cases like yours. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team.
Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents
Tractor trailers are large vehicles consisting of a semi-truck and a large towed trailer. Every time you drive on the highway, you will likely encounter several tractor trailers, largely responsible for transporting goods around the country. Not everyone is qualified to drive these specialized vehicles. Tractor trailer truck drivers are specially trained to operate trucks of this size and carry licenses in accordance with federal and state guidelines. Even though drivers are specially trained and have experience with large vehicles, accidents can still happen. Some causes of large truck crashes include:
- Speeding
- Sudden change of direction or jerking of the steering wheel
- Improper lane changes
- Disobeyed traffic signs
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other prohibited substances
- Ice, rain, snow, sleet, low visibility, or other hazardous weather conditions
- Vehicle malfunction
- Driver error
- Distracted driving, like using a cell phone or not looking at the road
While there are several other factors that can lead to tractor trailer accidents, these are examples of frequent causes. Tractor trailer accidents can cause injury, property loss, and death. They can be devastating to victims due to severe injuries and the extensive medical costs associated with treating them—even ongoing care that extends into the future. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm and discuss your situation with a member of our team to see if you may be eligible to receive compensation for your damages.
Accident Statistics
Large vehicles, including tractor trailers, are responsible for a staggering amount of accidents and deaths in the United States each year. In 2017 alone, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that nearly 5,000 accident fatalities involved large trucks. This does not include the thousands of other accidents that caused injuries and vehicle or property loss.
Large trucks or vehicles, like tractor trailers, weigh over 10,000 pounds and can even exceed 26,000 pounds sometimes. The force with which these vehicles travel can overwhelm typical passenger vehicles, creating dangerous and even deadly conditions.
While some drivers of commercial vehicles like tractor trailers obey the law, others do not. A failure to obtain the proper amount of rest, for example, can impair one’s driving.
While we all rely on tractor trailers and other large vehicles to serve their purpose in the transportation of important goods, it is easy to see the dangers these vehicles pose on the road.
Sadly, traffic accidents are often preventable. Understanding the basics of safe driving may help keep you and your loved ones safe and prevent accidents for those around you on the road.
For a free legal consultation with a Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Skokie, call (800) 794-0444
Accident Prevention and Safe Driving
Every time you make the decision to take your car, motorcycle, or vehicle on the road, you are assuming a certain amount of risk. There is no way to guarantee your safety when driving or riding in a vehicle of any type. That being said, following general safety guidelines may help minimize your risk of an accident in the future. Some basic safety guidelines suggested by the U.S. Department of Transportation include:
- Stay alert at all times, do not let your eyes leave the road, use a cell phone, or engage in any other distracting behavior.
- Keep other vehicles on the road at a safe distance.
- Follow the speed limit.
- Obey traffic signs and laws.
- Do not drive in hazardous conditions such as ice, snow, rain, or fog, unless absolutely necessary.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Do not drive if you are tired.
- Do not drive if you have consumed alcohol or are under the influence of other substances, including prescription medications.
These are but a few of many guidelines in place for safe driving. If you or someone you love were the victims of a tractor trailer accident, you could suffer in many ways. In the aftermath of your accident, you may be considering legal action. Speaking with a Skokie tractor trailer truck accident lawyer might help you understand more about the complex legal process and what your options are during this difficult time.
Skokie Tractor Trailer Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
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Tractor trailer truck accidents can forever change your life. You could be injured, unable to work, and dealing with expensive medical bills and lost property. If you are considering taking legal action regarding a tractor trailer accident, a Skokie tractor trailer truck accident lawyer can help walk you through the process.
Depending on your case, you could recover reimbursement for property loss, medical bills, and more. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to discuss your situation with one of our team members.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form