Accidents that May Require a Truck Accident Lawyer

Driving a truck is a serious responsibility and requires higher levels of driving skills than most vehicles. Unfortunately, when accidents happen, the consequences can be far more serious, given the weight, size, and cargo of commercial trucks. The following information describes some of the most common causes of trucking accidents. If you have been involved in a trucking accident through no fault of your own, you should contact a truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh today.

The Fault of Other Drivers on the Road

Many times, other drivers on the road do not know how to drive safely and cautiously, especially when around large commercial trucks. Though most commercial trucks have signs on the back of their vehicle warning other drivers to give a wide berth when the truck is turning, some drivers do not pay attention to such cautions. Thus, when the truck is making a right turn, other drivers sometimes fail to wait and try to turn into another lane, causing a collision. Trucks also have limited visibility and other drivers who stay in the low-visibility spots behind and beside the truck can unwittingly cause an accident. Other unsafe maneuvers, like failing to let the truck merge or change lanes, cutting off a truck, and other actions, can cause serious accidents as well.

The Fault of the Truck Driver

Unfortunately, some truck drivers fail to drive safely as well. Proper training and certification are required of virtually all commercial truck drivers, but some companies may fail to insure that the drivers have all been properly trained. Furthermore, many truck companies encourage compensation programs that compel truck drivers to drive further distances at faster speeds with less sleep than is healthy, appropriate, or safe. Truckers must resist the temptation to put their safety—and the safety of others—at risk for unrealistic or unsafe incentives. In some cases, the truck equipment has not been properly maintained or inspected and can lead to malfunctions that cause serious accidents. Some truckers and companies ignore regulations that require regular check-ups and inspections. If this is the case, you need to contact a truck accident lawyer in Pittsburgh right away. If you are not at fault, you need to get the compensation you deserve.