Truck accidents can be life-altering, causing severe injuries, death, and extensive property damage, explains a Miami lawyer. Some causes are responsible for a considerable share of all truck accidents. In this study, some of the leading causes of truck accidents and their legal implications were discussed.
Causes of truck accidents
- Driver Fatigue: One of the leading causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Extended hours on the road, tight deadlines, and the pressure to satisfy delivery times frequently result in drowsy or fatigued truck drivers, placing all other drivers at risk of accidents.
- Distraction: Distractions like texting, cellphone use, food, and, most notably, GPS devices remove the truck driver’s attention from the road, thus resulting in accidents.
- Speed: Due to trucking requiring more stopping space than other automobiles, excess speed reduces a trucker’s chance of averting an accident on the freeway.
- Loading: Failure to secure all goods appropriately may cause trucks to become unbalanced or unsound on the highways, often causing rollovers.
Legal Implications:
Vicarious Liability
Vicarious liability makes the trucking company responsible for its drivers’ and employees’ negligent acts. Even if a truck driver is an independent contractor, the trucking company is legally responsible for that driver’s actions.
Product Liability:
A truck accident may be caused by a defective component or truck part, including malfunctioning brakes or tires can suggest one of the companies be responsible for the incident if a product liability allegation can be proven.
Federal Regulations:
Trucking companies and drivers are subject to several federal requirements about many features of the trucking industry, like weights, hours of service, and maintenance. If violated, those regulations may impose liability on individuals or companies tipped for the accident.
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Comparative Fault:
In certain cases, more than one truck driver is considered liable for an accident. In these cases, the “comparable fault” of each party to the neglect is decided. This fault division determines the extent to which the accident-inflicted party will be entitled to compensation.
To conclude, truck accidents are very harmful, and drivers and passengers of other cars involved suffer. Determining an incident’s cause is equally crucial for the establishment of legal responsibility and recovery of reimbursement. With an understanding of the origins of truck accidents and their legal implications, an accident’s victim’s legal rights are handled, and the deserving compensation is demanded. Hence, if you or a relative has been involved in a truck accident, you must contact a truck accident lawyer who is best able to explain the legitimate options.