In the immediate aftermath of your auto accident with an 18-wheeler truck, you may be quick to blame a truck driver. This is because the involvement of an 18-wheeler may have amplified your injuries and damages, and ultimately caused your accident to be a catastrophic one. However, this does not necessarily correlate with a truck driver being the absolute at-fault party. Follow along to find out when a truck driver might be to blame for a trucking accident and how a proficient St. Mary’s County truck accident lawyer at The Dorsey Law Firm can help you hold the appropriate party accountable.
Under what circumstances is a truck driver to blame for a trucking accident?
A truck driver being at fault for a trucking accident ultimately boils down to their negligence while behind the wheel. More specific examples read as follows:
- A truck driver may have failed to leave enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them during times of traffic congestion.
- A truck driver may have failed to come to a complete stop on time when approaching an intersection or yield sign.
- A truck driver may have failed to put their headlights on at nighttime or poor inclement weather conditions.
- A truck driver may have failed to abide by road signs restricting trucks from entering certain roads.
- A truck driver may have failed to check their blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
Who else is possibly to blame for a trucking accident?
Importantly, the truck driver involved in your accident very possibly may have been practicing an abundance of caution in the moments leading up to the collision. In this case, there may have been another party or parties to blame. More specific examples read as follows:
- A truck manufacturer may have been to blame if:
- They failed to include necessary safety features in the truck design.
- They failed to promptly release a recall notice on a faulty or malfunctioning truck part.
- A truck driving company may have been to blame if:
- They failed to give a truck driver a necessary break before sending them out onto the road again.
- They failed to check a truck driver’s tests and licensing before sending them out onto the road.
- They failed to frequently inspect the truck before sending it out onto the road.
- Another standard motor vehicle driver may have been to blame if:
- They recklessly weaved around a truck during times of traffic congestion.
- They were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision.
- They were texting while driving or otherwise distracted at the time of the collision.
Even if you are only considering a personal injury claim, you must first consult a talented St. Mary’s County auto accident lawyer from The Dorsey Law Firm. Contact our firm today.
