Thousands of large trucks share the roads with passenger vehicles every day. While most truckers are responsible professionals, some trucks pose significant risks to other drivers.
If you have been involved in a truck accident, understanding the signs of a dangerous truck can help you build a strong compensation.
Indicators of a potentially dangerous truck
There are indicators that a truck may be accident-prone, such as:
- Erratic driving: Sudden lane changes, swerving or inconsistent speed can indicate an impaired or distracted driver.
- Poorly secured cargo: Loose or improperly tied-down loads may fall onto the road, causing hazards for other vehicles.
- Visible mechanical issues: Smoke from the engine, flat tires or dragging parts are red flags for potential accidents.
- Aggressive behavior: Tailgating, excessive honking or cutting off other drivers suggests a reckless truck operator.
- Ignored traffic signals: Running red lights or failing to yield right-of-way increases the risk of collisions.
- Speeding: Trucks traveling above the speed limit have reduced control and longer stopping distances.
- Overloaded trailers: Excess weight can lead to tire blowouts, brake failures or rollovers.
Driving alongside trucks is inevitable, so extra care might be necessary when you notice these signs. This could mean maintaining a safe distance from trucks or not cutting them off.
Many truck accidents are preventable if truck drivers and trucking companies follow strict hours-of-service regulations, weight limits and other specific road safety laws. Accidents are often a result of their negligence or reckless behavior.
Seeking justice with the help of an attorney
The consequences of truck accidents are usually tragic, including injuries, property damage and fatalities. Victims often encounter challenges when attempting to obtain compensation.
In most cases, the at-fault party’s insurers try to minimize their liability or shift blame onto other parties. If you or your loved one have been involved in a truck accident, it is best to seek legal representation when fighting for the compensation you need for your recovery.