The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the United States. But commercial vehicles are large, complex machines with thousands of intricate parts. The laws that oversee their use are just as complicated.
Even a small trucking accident can have huge consequences for the victims. That’s why you need the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer to protect your interests. Otherwise, you may never receive the compensation you deserve. If this has happened to you, you need the Bart Bernard team of Eunice personal injury lawyers.
No Margin for Error
Almost 5,000 large trucks were involved in fatal crashes in 2017 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Thousands more were involved in non-fatal crashes that caused injuries and damaged property. Many occurred in or near the Eunice area.
The five most common causes of trucking accidents are:
- Driver error: A moment’s inattention is all it takes to send a large commercial vehicle careening out of control. The odds of this happening are especially high when the driver is drowsy or distracted.
- Poor maintenance: Large trucks require regular care to function safely. But trucking companies sometimes overlook important safeguards. When that happens, innocent people often pay the price.
- Defective equipment: Sometimes the blame for a trucking accident lies squarely on the manufacturer, not the trucking company. Even brand-new recently inspected components can contain serious flaws.
- Inclement weather: Snow, ice, rain, or fog can all impair a driver’s ability to do their job. Truckers are supposed to take extra precautions during bad weather.
- Mismanaged loads: It takes skill to load an enclosed or flatbed trailer properly. A vehicle that’s carrying an excessive or unbalanced load is more likely to cause an accident, either through a collision or by dropping heavy cargo.
What to Do If You’re in a Truck-Related Accident
The health and well-being of you and anyone else involved in the wreck takes top priority. Seek medical help right away. If the situation allows it, take steps to document the incident. This information may prove crucial later. It can include:
- Eyewitness testimony: You should get the names and contact information for any witnesses you meet. You should also get their on-the-spot accounts of what happened.
- Take pictures or videos: This is one of those times when a tablet or smartphone can come in handy. Try to use your own device instead of borrowing someone else’s.
- Facts about the surrounding conditions: You should make notes about the surrounding environment. This may include the time of day, amount of visibility, approximate vehicle speed, road conditions, traffic patterns, and the weather.
Dealing with Trucking Law Takes a Professional
You need a law firm with special training in transportation law to protect your interests. The trucking companies have the best lawyers money can buy. Shouldn’t you enjoy the same advantage? The Bart Bernard team of Eunice personal injury lawyers specializes in trucking and transport law.
Initial consultations are always free. We work on a contingency basis—we don’t get paid until you do. There are no upfront costs. Contact us today. Be smart. Get Bart.™
