Approximately 2.97 million semi-trucks are registered in the United States, and though their drivers receive special training to operate them, these trucks still pose a far greater risk on the road compared to other non-commercial vehicles.

Their large sizes and increased weights make them much more difficult to control, and as is the case with other commercial trucks, they take longer to brake than most vehicles. Add to that the fact that many semi-trucks carry hazardous materials, and altogether, they have the potential to be especially dangerous on the road.

With that in mind, if you have been in an accident that involved a semi-truck, you may be able to receive compensation for any injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering you have experienced. At Gerber Injury Law, our lawyers are here to guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Most Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Approximately 116,500 semi-trucks are involved in accidents in the United States each year, and there are a variety of factors that contribute to such a large total:

Distracted Driving

Just as it is in most other types of crashes, distracted driving is one of the most common causes behind semi-truck accidents. Distracted semi-truck drivers may take their attention off the road for a moment to focus on their GPS or phone or even just to reach for something in the cabin, but if they do not retain complete focus on what’s ahead, accidents can occur.

Reckless Driving

Similar to distracted driving, reckless driving is a serious concern for drivers of all kinds of vehicles, but it is one that can be particularly dangerous for those driving semi-trucks to engage in, whether by running stop signs, texting while driving, or racing other vehicles.

Speeding

Speeding can also lead to accidents regardless of the vehicle(s) involved, but seeing as how semi-trucks have a hard time braking quickly, it’s a highly dangerous action for truck drivers to take. Additionally, given their size, semi-trucks are also far more likely to cause significant damage when they hit another vehicle at high speeds.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence is another common cause of semi-truck accidents. Intoxication slows your reaction times and impairs your coordination, and since driving a semi-truck already requires greater coordination and reaction times to make up for the delays in braking, any degree of intoxication can be immensely dangerous for a semi-truck operator.

Increased Weight

Semi-trucks carrying exceptionally heavy loads are also more likely to cause accidents. When a truck carries heavy cargo, braking takes even longer; not only that, but the truck could descend an incline much faster than expected, causing drivers to lose control more easily. Semi-trucks that have been loaded improperly with heavy cargo may lack balance, as well, potentially leading to the vehicle tipping over.

Fatigue

Fatigue is another common issue that leads to semi-truck accidents. Drivers often spend hours on the road and get little in terms of break time, which can cause weariness and exhaustion that, in turn, causes drivers’ response times to dwindle, meaning they may be more likely to run red lights and stop signs.

Inadequate Training

One last cause of semi-truck accidents — and one that is specific to these vehicles as opposed to other non-commercial ones — is the fact that not all trucking companies offer the right amount of training to their drivers, putting them and others on the road at risk. A driver without adequate training is much more likely to lose control of the semi-truck.

Truck Accident Lawyer: What Damages a Lawyer Can Help You Claim

If you’ve been in a (semi)truck accident, one of the first things that you have to do is to reach out to a truck accident lawyer. With the right attorney by your side, you’ll get the guidance you need to file a personal injury claim if the semi-truck driver is at fault.

Medical Fees

Truck accidents usually result in considerable injury, which can take a toll on your finances and your overall well-being. That said, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you shouldn’t have to pay out-of-pocket for any medical assistance you need.

A truck accident lawyer can help you get compensation for expenses that include the following:

• Hospital bills
• Pharmacy bills
• Therapy costs
• Cost of equipment
• Cost of diagnostic testing

Any expenses associated with medical care that you require as a result of the accident can be covered, as can any future medical expenses; if you suffered an injury that left lasting damage or caused disabilities, you can also receive compensation that covers ongoing treatments.

Property Damages

If your car was damaged or totaled by the accident, turning to a truck accident lawyer can help you get the necessary compensation to pay for repairs or a full replacement. The same concept applies to any other property damage you may have suffered, including damage to cell phones, tablets, and other devices.

Lost Wages

Suffering injuries that require you to spend time in the hospital or attend therapy sessions — or needing your car repaired — generally means missing days of work and (by extension) the wages you would have received. Your lawyer can help you file damages for these lost wages, which can reimburse you for what you would otherwise have earned if the accident hadn’t happened.

It’s also possible to file for the loss of future wages. Suffering a severe injury that leaves you disabled means that you may not be able to work as you did before the accident, and you have a right to seek compensation for that.

Pain and Suffering

Going through an accident on the level of a semi-truck crash is undoubtedly traumatic, and it can cause you to not only sustain severe injuries but also experience mental health concerns like anxiety or depression as well. A truck accident lawyer can help you file a claim that seeks compensation for your pain and suffering and ensures your rights are respected.

Wrongful Death

If you’ve lost a loved one in a semi-truck accident, you have the right to claim wrongful death damages that cover the costs of funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium (the sudden deprivation of the relationship you had with the deceased).

Gerber Injury Law: Helping You Get Compensation

The right lawyer will help you understand the claims you can make after being involved in a semi-truck accident, and they can guide you through the complexities of such cases, including those that involve truck drivers with high-risk truck insurance.

At Gerber Injury Law, we offer clients throughout Arizona professional assistance, and we have done so for more than 25 years. In that time, we’ve recovered more than $100 million in compensation from settlements and trials.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that if you don’t get paid by the end of your case, neither do we. When you turn to us, you won’t have to worry about immediately paying any legal fees on top of the medical bills and other expenses you’re dealing with; we believe everyone should get a chance at fair compensation.

By turning to Gerber Injury Law, you are turning to professionals who know how to offer the support you need throughout the entire process. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.