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Truck Accidents Leading to Wrongful Death Lawsuits

A fully loaded semi-trailer can be more than 70 feet long and weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are clear and obvious dangers to passenger vehicles. Trucks often weigh 20 to 25 times as much as passenger vehicles, and they are far less maneuverable.

When semi-trailers are at highway speeds, the potential for fatal accidents increases dramatically. About 72 percent of all large truck accident fatalities are occupants of passenger vehicles and 16 percent are drivers or occupants of the large trucks themselves. Here are some of the leading causes of large truck accidents that lead to wrongful death lawsuits:

Common Truck Crash Scenarios

Many semi-trailer crashes happen for the same reasons that auto crashes occur, but some types of semi-trailer crashes happen more often than others. Here are a few of them:

  • Driver Error: These Errors Include Speeding, Following A Vehicle Ahead Too Closely, Blind Spot Issues When Changing Lanes, And Driving Too Fast For Weather Or Traffic Conditions.
  • Fatigued Or Drowsy Driving: Although Hours Of Service Regulations Are In Place, Tight Schedules Keep Many Semi-Trailer Drivers Behind The Wheel For Far Too Long. Fatigue Can Interfere With Visual Perception, Thought Processes, And Sound Judgment.
  • Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol, Drugs, Or Both: Impaired Drivers Present A Clear Danger To Not Only Themselves But Also To Everybody Around Them.
  • Rear-End Crashes: According To The Insurance Institute For Highway Safety, Nearly All Loaded Semi-Trailers Take 20 To 40 Percent More Roadway To Stop Than Passenger Vehicles. Those Numbers Increase Drastically On Wet Or Icy Roads. Poorly Maintained Brakes And Worn Tires Also Contribute To This Issue.
  • Distracted Driving: Distractions Consist Of Texting, Talking, Using A Navigational Device Or Eating While Driving. Given The Size And Weight Of The Giant Pieces Of Machinery That They Operate, Drivers Need To Maintain Focus And Operate Them Safely.
  • Load Issues: The Weight Of The Load In The Trailer Must Be Properly Distributed. It Can’t Be Top Heavy Either. This Is Of Particular Concern In Emergency Situations Like Sudden Stops Or Turns.

Find An Experienced Wrongful Death Lawyer

Truck accident fatalities are subject to the wrongful death laws of both Virginia and Maryland. If you lost a family member in a crash involving a semi-trailer or other large truck, you’re likely financially and emotionally devastated. We are certain that you feel that the road ahead looks dim.  Here at KBA Attorneys, our goal is to help you transition through this. We may be of great help to you in your financial struggle. Don’t let the truck insurance company control you. Start your recovery by contacting our offices to arrange for a free consultation and case evaluation. Our objective is to get you started in the right direction and get the compensation owed to you. Contact KBA Attorneys today.

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