Commercial semi-truck drivers go through significant training and certification to earn their license. However, mistakes still can occur on the road which puts others at significant risk. With semi-trucks weighing anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds (the legal limit), an accident can result in severe injury or even death. According to reports from the National Safety Council, there were 5,788 fatalities in large truck accidents in 2021. In these instances, some of the people most at risk were not even in a vehicle. A truck and pedestrian accident almost always ends in disaster. It’s important that the responsible party is held accountable to cover the medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering that the victim experienced. If you or a loved one was injured in a trucking accident, contact our experienced personal injury accident law firm for help or look for our truck accident attorneys.
What Causes Truck and Pedestrian Accidents?
Like with four-wheel vehicle accidents, there are several potential causes of semi-truck accidents. It’s important to keep this in mind when sharing the road with large trucks. This includes inclement weather, poor road conditions, and equipment malfunctions. However, driver negligence is the most common cause of accidents by far. Trucking accident attorneys can help navigate the legal complexities if you’re involved in such an incident.
Negligence can take many forms, but it most often looks like:
- Driver fatigue
- Impaired drivers
- Owner negligence for overloaded trucks
- Distracted drivers
- Going too fast for road conditions
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Improper training
When it comes to trucking accidents, the driver is not always the one being negligent. It can also be caused by negligence on the part of their employer, the trucking company. In case of an accident, you should consult an experienced trucking accident attorney who will help you determine who is at fault.
Most Common Pedestrian Accident Injuries
No matter the cause of an accident, when a pedestrian is involved, the consequences can be severe. Due to the size, speed, and type of semi accidents, pedestrians are more likely to suffer injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Neck injury
- Back injury
- Spinal cord damage
- Burns
- Lacerations
- Loss of a limb
Many of these will require long-term medical care and could result in permanent damage or disability. In some cases, consequences can be fatal. In 2021, more than 600 non-car occupants were killed in big truck accidents.
Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Navigating the aftermath of a semi-truck accident can be traumatizing and confusing. One of the first questions you might ask yourself is, “Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?” Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always straightforward.
It all depends on liability, or the person or entity responsible. When it comes to semi-truck drivers who have been trained and hired by a company, there are several factors at play. If the driver was under the influence while operating the semi-truck, they could be held liable. On the other hand, if the company failed to maintain the equipment that malfunctioned and caused the accident, they might be found liable, too. Consulting a truck accident attorney can provide valuable guidance in determining liability and pursuing appropriate legal action.
Proving negligence depends on the evidence you are able to present. Following an accident, it is important to gather as much information as possible, including the delivery driver’s license, company insurance policy information, and witness statements. You must also keep all necessary documents such as medical records and car damage reports. After a truck and pedestrian accident, you or your loved ones will want to contact a professional personal injury attorney to help decide the necessary next steps. Avrek Law, truck accidents attorneys in Sacramento is here to help. With more than 50 years of combined experience resolving cases in favor of clients who were wrongfully injured, Avrek Law has recovered more than $1 billion in compensation for injury victims in more than 45,000 cases. Contact us for your free consultation to learn more!
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