When It Comes to Big Rigs, Size Matters

There is no doubt that the bigger they are, they more damage they cause when involved in a crash.

It doesn’t seem to make any difference how wide the highways are
these days to allow for more traffic and larger vehicles. The problems
are still the same old ones that existed when the highways were only
four lanes instead of six or eight. Smaller cars and other vehicles are
at a supreme disadvantage when it comes to sharing the roads with big
rigs.

The larger trucks can weigh as much as 80 thousand pounds (40 tons)
fully loaded and depending on what they are carrying. That is a lot of
truck and it definitely does not stop on a dime. The facts are that it
takes the entire length of a football field for a large truck to come
to a full stop.

There are actually a wide variety of large trucks on the roads these
days including 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, tanker trucks, garbage
trucks, dump trucks and tow trucks, and armored security vehicles. Put
one of these behemoths beside a car and the car is dwarfed. If an
accident does happen, not only is the driver of the truck considered to
be liable, but so is the owner of the truck if they happen to be
different.

Car drivers have to realize that piloting a large truck is a whole
different proposition than driving a car. Thanks to its oversize
proportions, truck drivers automatically have a greater responsibility
to drive safely and be alert and aware of what is going on around them
at all times. Did you know that regulations require truckers to have a
Class A license and be prepared to submit to random drug and alcohol
tests plus background checks? Contrary to popular belief, trucking
companies really don’t just stick anyone behind the wheel of a huge
truck and turn them loose on American highways.

Unfortunately, truck crashes are often fatal and if the statistics
are any indication, the numbers of deaths due to large truck crashes
are growing every year. In 2008 alone, fatal crashes on the highways
that involved a big rig totaled over 34,000. The wide range of causes
for the deaths included speeding to meet deadlines, inattention,
fatigue, mechanical problems, prescription drugs, and poor weather and
road conditions.
Just because trucking is a vital industry and the country depends on
the prompt delivery of various items on time does not excuse a speeding
truck driver, trying to meet an unrealistic deadline, who gets involved
in a multiple vehicle crash. Big rig drivers need to take the
responsibility to be safe on the road and watch out for other drivers.

When the consequences of a truck accident results in severe injuries
or death, a skilled truck accident lawyer helps victims fight for their
rights to just compensation. Choose the proper legal counsel to help
seek justice.

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