You likely recognize just how dangerous commercial truck accidents can be. Because of the massive size of these vehicles, the occupants of the other cars are far more likely to be seriously hurt in truck crashes. If you or someone you love has been injured in a semi-truck wreck, you should consult with an experienced Bakersfield truck accident lawyer at Swift Justice, Inc. as soon as possible. A compassionate attorney from our firm can guide you through the legal process.

Truck Accidents and Fault

Truck accidents are often caused by a truck driver’s negligence. Truckers are held to strict safety requirements that are based on their commercial status and the immense danger their vehicles pose. When truck drivers behave carelessly or recklessly while driving, it can prove deadly. There are several different kinds of trucker negligence.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers should avoid distracted driving at all costs. All distractions pose a risk, but texting is recognized as the most dangerous. When a trucker who is traveling at highway speeds spends the average five seconds it takes to write a text, they drive about the length of a football field. This puts other motorists in their midst at extreme risk.

Impaired Driving

It is against the law for anyone to drive under the influence of alcohol, but the government takes an even harsher approach when it comes to impaired truckers. Alcohol is closely associated with:

  • Heightened impulsivity
  • Loss of coordination
  • Lack of judgement
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Trouble concentrating

Driving a semi-truck under these conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Drowsy Driving

Drowsiness can cause impairments similar to those caused by alcohol and drugs. Even though there are hours of service restrictions in place to help combat fatigued driving, many trucking companies push their drivers to overperform, leading to wrecks.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive drivers are exceptionally dangerous. When the aggressive driver is operating an 80,000-pound semi, the level of risk involved is difficult to overstate.

Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions

When truckers exceed the speed limit or drive faster than is wise considering the road’s condition, they greatly increase the risk that they will cause a deadly accident. Speeding reduces the amount of time a trucker has to react safely to anything that happens on the road, and it increases their stopping distance, which is already much longer than it is for other vehicles. Driving too fast also increases the chances that the semi will roll over when rounding tight curves.

If you believe any of these forms of negligent trucker behavior contributed to your crash, contact a Bakersfield lawyer for help with your case.

How Do You Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim?

The details of your truck crash claim will be specific to your situation, but there are universally beneficial actions that could help your case. You should:

  • Seek immediate medical attention
  • Carefully follow your medical team’s advice and instructions
  • Avoid conversations with insurance companies until you have a legal representative
  • Retain a dedicated truck accident attorney in Bakersfield as soon as possible and allow them to fiercely advocate on behalf of your rights
  • Take a break from social media until your claim is finalized so the insurance company cannot use your posts against you

By implementing these simple steps, you can significantly impact the outcome of your claim and improve your health and well-being.

Discuss Your Truck Crash Claim With an Experienced Bakersfield Attorney

A truck accident may leave you facing overwhelming physical, financial, and emotional losses with no clear idea about how best to proceed. The good news is that you do not have to deal with this situation alone. A Bakersfield truck accident lawyer from Swift Justice, Inc. could help you. Contact us online or call today to find out more.

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