Irving Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer
Personal injury and damages are common in tractor trailer accidents in Irving, TX. When you’ve been involved in a collision with a tractor trailer, it can permanently affect your life. You may experience chronic pain from injuries and require huge medical bills. In the worst-case scenario, tractor trailer accidents are fatal.
However, even a minor incident with a tractor trailer can be hard to handle on your own. Because tractor trailers are so large, even a small impact can total your car. This can lead to lost wages. Many victims of tractor trailer accidents cannot afford to replace their car, which means they can’t get to work.
If you or someone you love gets into an accident with a tractor trailer, our Irving attorneys are here to help. Call (469) 998-4069 to speak to an accident lawyer. Consultations are 100% free and confidential. Plus, there’s no obligation to you. If we don’t win your case, you won’t pay for our services.
Find out why tractor trailer accidents in Irving need legal assistance. By understanding what you’re up against, you’ll be able to get the compensation you deserve from a tractor trailer accident. Learn more about tractor trailer accidents.
Causes of Severe Tractor Trailer Accidents
In a tractor trailer accident, the truck driver has the advantage. This is because tractor trailers are much bigger than passenger cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Tractor trailers are also manufactured with sturdier industrial materials. This gives the driver greater protection than a normal car.
In 2018, there were 4,136 fatal accidents involving large trucks. Only 16% of truck drivers died, while 67% of fatalities occurred among people in passenger cars.
Tractor trailers — also known as semi trucks, eighteen wheelers, or big rigs — can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when carrying a full load. Some tractor trailers also haul multiple trailers. In the United States, a tractor trailer can haul two or even three 20-foot trailers.
In a collision, the force of impact is measured by the speed and mass of an object. Heavier objects inflict exponentially greater damage.
Let’s say you’re hit by a small car traveling 30 miles per hour. The damage from this vehicle will be significantly less than that from a huge tractor trailer going the same speed.
In addition to size, severe tractor trailer accidents in Irving can be caused by:
Poor Maneuverability
Due to their size, tractor trailers can’t move as easily as a normal car. They are unable to make sharp turns, change lanes quickly, or swerve. The poor maneuverability causes accidents when there are road hazards, such as objects or animals in the street.
Additionally, reckless passing or merging by other drivers can cause tractor trailer accidents. Tractor trailer drivers can’t react without warning. For example, compared to a normal car, it takes a tractor trailer 20-40% farther to come to a complete stop.
When other drivers are behaving dangerously, it may lead to tractor trailer accidents that impact you or your family.
Blind Spots
Tractor trailers have very large blind spots. The driver cannot see directly in front of their vehicle, directly behind, or to the left or right of the trailer. If the tractor trailer is hauling multiple trailers, these blind spots are even bigger.
Most tractor trailer drivers cannot see the two closest right-hand lanes, so safety experts advise drivers to pass on the left. When you’re driving near a tractor trailer, don’t linger. Pass quickly. If you can’t see the driver in their side-view mirrors, assume that they can’t see you.
Lack of Proper Maintenance
Tractor trailers need constant maintenance and repairs. Inadequate care can lead to mechanical failures that cause accidents. In these accidents, the company that owns the truck may be liable in addition to the driver.
Most tractor trailers also use a different braking system. Their brakes use compressed air, instead of a hydraulic mechanism. Air brakes enable the driver to control the brakes on the trailers, not just the cab. This allows the entire vehicle to come to a complete stop.
However, air brakes are slower than hydraulic brakes. They are also prone to more problems. When air brakes aren’t maintained or replaced frequently enough, they may fail and cause tragic accidents.
Distracted or Impaired Drivers
Finally, tractor trailer accidents in Irving can be caused by distracted or impaired drivers. Some examples of distracted driving behaviors include:
- Texting or using smartphone apps
- Taking photos or videos
- Eating
- Shaving or applying makeup
- Talking to a passenger
Each of these activities slows the driver’s reaction time. When a tractor trailer driver becomes distracted, they can struggle to regain control of their vehicle when facing a hazard. Distracted driving is especially dangerous for tractor trailer drivers because their visibility is already reduced.
Impaired driving also causes tractor trailer accidents. Common examples include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, “legal” impairments such as illness or exhaustion can be just as deadly.
Tractor trailer drivers are often pushed to drive long distances on short deadlines, so drivers may not get enough sleep. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), fatigued drivers are three times more likely to be in a car accident. It’s estimated that exhaustion causes 100,000 accidents every year in the United States.
Get Compensation for Tractor Trailer Accidents
When you’re in an accident with a tractor trailer, seek compensation. Although lawsuits can feel daunting, our Irving legal team can make the process easy and painless. We’ll help you determine liability, gather facts, and fight for your rights in any tractor trailer accident.
To speak to an accident attorney, call (469) 998-4069 today. You can also schedule an appointment on our website. Remember, consultations are 100% free. If we don’t win your case, you won’t pay for our services.
Don’t let a tractor trailer accident in Irving ruin your life. We can help.