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Significant truck traffic can create a high number of dangerous crashes. While no two truck crashes are exactly alike, there are several common causes of truck accidents in Little Rock. If a negligent driver injured you, an experienced truck wreck attorney at Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC could provide the legal knowledge and insight to help. Contact us today to get started.
In Little Rock, many factors can cause truck wrecks, but most crashes are attributed to driver negligence. When a truck driver fails to act safely, the likelihood of causing a crash increases significantly. Several forms of dangerous truck driver negligence warrant attention.
Professional truck drivers are responsible for operating massive vehicles safely through traffic, and as a result, they must follow strict safety regulations. The law does not tolerate impaired driving in any form, and the restrictions are even tighter for truck drivers. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 percent for most drivers, but the BAC limit for truck drivers is just 0.04 percent.
Truck drivers must manage many responsibilities behind the wheel, and any form of distraction can be deadly. Federal law prohibits truckers from using handheld devices, including smartphones, while driving. All communication by phone or radio must occur through hands-free technology.
Driver exhaustion is another serious concern in the trucking industry, which operates in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment. This form of negligence causes impairments similar to those experienced by drunk drivers. In response, federal hours-of-service restrictions help prevent drowsy truck drivers from endangering others on the road.
Truck drivers need considerably more distance to stop safely than other motorists, and speeding increases the distance needed to come to a full stop. When truckers fail to adjust their speed for adverse weather, such as ice, rain, or high winds, they increase the risk of deadly accidents, including rollovers and jackknifes.
Tailgating is always dangerous, but if a truck driver follows you too closely, the risk of a serious crash increases. Trucks require much more distance to stop safely, and tailgating demonstrates reckless and aggressive behavior.
Although truck driver negligence in Little Rock frequently causes truck crashes, drivers are not the only ones who may be liable for your injuries and losses.
The trucking company also carries significant responsibility for truck safety. It must hire experienced drivers, maintain safe and roadworthy vehicles, implement effective safety protocols, and enforce compliance.
Regardless of who is at fault for your accident, you will likely file your personal injury claim with the trucking company that owns the involved truck. Employers are responsible for covering the losses their employees cause while performing their jobs, even when the employer did not act negligently.
Some truck accidents result from defective truck parts or improperly built vehicles. If a design defect, manufacturing flaw, or inadequate instruction or warning contributed to your crash, the manufacturer may be liable.
Common causes of truck accidents in Little Rock vary considerably, but every crash poses a serious risk of injury or death. If a negligent driver, trucking company, or manufacturer caused your injuries, an attorney at Mays, Byrd & O’Guinn, PLLC could help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.