Trucking Accidents

According to the American Trucking Association, there are approximately 15.5 million trucks on the road in the U.S. Of these, 2.1 million are tractor trailers. Commercial trucking has grown exponentially over the past decade, and has a large role in supporting our economy. The downside of this however, is that an abundance of trucks on the road means dangerous conditions for the average driver. Commercial trucks are substantially heavier and larger than an automobile. When there is an accident even a slow speed, the damage can be significant. If you have been involved in a truck accident, speak to The Schlemmer Firm for guidance and to learn about what legal options are available to you. While there are state and federal regulations in place to minimize the likelihood of a truck accident, they still occur frequently. Some of the most common causes include: Driver Fatigue Driver fatigue is the number one cause of truck accidents. Laws have been put in place to try and minimize this, but unfortunately serious accidents still occur. Time spent on the road vs. consecutive off hours are now regulated to prevent accidents. Also, an employer can be held legally responsible for not adhering to these laws. Speeding According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), 25% of fatal truck accidents involved a truck driver that had been previously ticketed for speeding. Faulty Maintenance Trucking companies and their drivers are obligated to periodically inspect and maintain their vehicles. This should include regular schedule maintenance and pre-trip inspections. Poorly Loaded Trailers If the truck is not loaded properly, the imbalance can cause an accident. Often an accident involves the driver not following the rules of the road (taking a turn too fast for instance) in combination with a poorly loaded trailer. Substance Abuse Truck drivers characteristically put in very long hours. Because of this, substance abuse is not uncommon. Employers are required to perform drug testing on their drivers upon hiring and periodically throughout their employment. Unfortunately this doesn’t always prevent an accident. If you have been involved in a truck accident, contact The Schlemmer Firm to learn more about your legal options. Mr. Schlemmer can guide you through what can be a complicated legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.  Call 212-390-8030 or toll free at 888-458-8500 today.