Tractor Trailer Accidents Spell Danger for Cars

 Posted on July 08, 2016 in Personal Injury

Drivers who train to operate large tractor trailers are required to know the nuances of how to safely drive the truck. There are more levels of techniques over and beyond that used to operate regular cars or SUV’s. And while fender benders can run the gamut in terms of severity, if you are in a car, the risk of an impact from a truck is much worse. In 2010, Illinois reported 2,569 Injuries in Crashes Involving Large Trucks.

If your loved one has been hurt in an accident involving a truck, you should seek legal assistance. If it turns out that the truck driver was negligent in their operation of the vehicle, and that is what contributed to the accident, compensation may be awarded. Call a personal injury attorney to establish whether a case can be made.

Commercial Driving Techniques

A commercial driver’s license is required for drivers of heavier vehicles because their operation and handling is significantly different to that of a car. That being the case, truck drivers have to be more aware of the techniques they need to employ for the safe operation of their vehicle.

In particular, using the brakes properly is crucial. If not applied correctly, there can be deadly consequences for other drivers and passengers on the roads. That is why “stopping distance” is an important concept for truck drivers to be aware of. The formula to calculate Total Stopping Distance is:

Perception Distance

+ Reaction Distance

+ Brake Lag Distance

+ Effective Braking Distance

-----------------------------

= Total Stopping Distance

In addition, a truck's weight also affects braking and stopping distance whether carrying a load or not. A crash into a car is just a deadly even if the truck is not weighed down with additional cargo. This is especially true if the driver does not give themselves the proper stopping distance

Improper Braking

In addition to a lack of proper maintenance, truck drivers can find themselves in serious situations if they do not brake properly. The following instances demonstrate how accidents can happen:

• Truck drivers braking too late and colliding with other traffic that is stopped
• Truckers braking too hard causing their cargo to become unbalanced leading to a rollover or spillage of contents
• Hydroplaning if not cautiously braking in wet weather conditions
• Truckers failing to apply the brake in a timely manner as they gain speed resulting in difficulty controlling the truck to then slow down
• Truckers improperly applying the brakes causing a jack-knifing situation

These examples can lead to traumatic injuries for innocent drivers and passengers of surrounding cars. If this has happened to you or a loved one, it is time to make a call to an attorney.

Compassionate Attorney

Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices has caring, experienced personal injury attorneys in DuPage County. If a truck on a local highway was involved in the injury of you or a loved one, there may be a case. If the truck driver was negligent in the way they operated the truck and crashed into a car carrying your loved ones, it is clear how the injuries could be devastating. A small car versus an enormous truck which could be weighted with a substantial load can have the capacity to completely annihilate a small car and its occupants. Call today for a free initial consultation to assess the merits of your case.