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Negligence: The Disastrous Effects of Tractor Trailer and Automobile Collisions
When large trucks or tractor-trailers are involved in accidents with passenger automobiles, the results are usually disastrous. The sheer size and weight disparity between these two types of vehicles mean that even minor accidents have the possibility of causing serious injuries and even death. When you add a careless truck driver to the mix, it is certainly a recipe for catastrophe.
In 2013, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates that large trucks were involved in over 7,000 accidents across the state of Wisconsin, resulting in 86 deaths and approximately 1,500 injuries. Unfortunately, trucking accidents are part of sharing the roads and highways with commercial trucking vehicles. In 2012, the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration estimated that large commercial trucks were involved in over 330,000 accidents that resulted in approximately 3,900 deaths and 104,000 injuries. In any event, the law in Wisconsin, and the majority of the United States, provides that when the negligence of another driver contributes to an accident and causes you to suffer injuries, you are entitled to compensation for those injuries.
Recent Accident Illustrates Devastating Effect of Accidents Involving Passenger Automobiles and Large Trucks
Recently, it was reported that a large semi-truck was involved in an accident with a pickup truck in the Janesville, WI area. The driver of the semi-truck was driving northbound when he subsequently crossed the median into the southbound lane where he struck the pickup truck. The driver of the pickup truck died at the scene, while the driver of the large semi-truck suffered minor injuries and was released shortly after the accident.
Common Causes Contributing to the Negligence of Large Truck Drivers
Negligence is usually evaluated by the standard of reasonable care. Reasonable care means that the driver of a large semi-truck, when sharing the road with other motorists, needs to act as a reasonably prudent large semi-truck driver would under similar circumstances. When negligence occurs, the large semi-truck driver failed to act as a reasonable large semi-truck driver would under the circumstances. This also includes times when the driver fails to act when a reasonable person would act under similar circumstances. Many factors can contribute to accidents involving large trucks. These factors can possibly include:
- Faulty brakes or defective parts;
- Poor maintenance;
- Improper lighting;
- Speeding;
- Reckless driving;
- Improper loading of the trailer;
- Fatigue; substance abuse (drugs and/or alcohol);
- Tailgating;
- Failing to secure the load;
- Overloading the vehicle;
- Failing to pay attention (distracted driving);
- Failing to take mandated driving breaks;
- Mechanical failures; and
- Negligent hiring practices.
If a large commercial truck is involved in an accident that causes injuries, the driver and the trucking company who employs the driver may be held liable for your injuries.
Contact an Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered injuries as a result of an accident with a large commercial vehicle, you should immediately contact an experienced Milwaukee personal injury attorney who will hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and get you the compensation you deserve.
