When you’re driving in Greenbelt you see all kinds of vehicles on the road. In addition to other passenger vehicles, large trucks may also be in the lane next to you. Because of their considerable size and weight, trucks can cause deadly accidents if something goes wrong. If you or a loved one was harmed in a collision, the Greenbelt truck accident lawyers from Belsky & Horowitz, LLC will fight for your rights.
We understand how severe truck accident injuries can be. Greenbelt citizens deserve to have representation that will fiercely advocate for them to get the compensation they deserve. When we take on your personal injury case, we’ll fight for you to get results, whether it’s through a settlement or jury verdict.
A major aspect of your claim will include details of how the accident happened. Let’s take a look at what can contribute to these kinds of collisions.
Blind Spots for an 18 Wheeler
Large vehicles like 18-wheelers have different blind spots than a standard sedan. Truck drivers need to be attentive and aware of the vehicles around them, including knowing their blind spots. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucks have four major blind spots:
- 20 feet in front of the truck
- 30 feet behind the truck
- One lane to the left of the driver’s seat
- Two lanes to the right of the driver
If a car is too close to the front or back of the truck, they’re in danger of override and underride collisions, where the vehicle becomes stuck under the truck. In accidents, the car can be crushed. When a car is in the blind spots on the side, a truck could change lanes or turn and collide with the person in the lane.
New, inexperienced drivers may not always keep these hazards in mind when driving. However, an exhausted, seasoned truck driver could make the same mistake.
Tractor-Trailer Rollover Accidents
When a big rig is on the road, one of the most dangerous types of accidents it can have is a rollover. According to a study, most rollover accidents occurred because:
- The truck was going too fast for a curve.
- There was an issue with the load the truck carried.
- The brakes weren’t in good condition.
- The road surface was poor.
- The driver was inattentive or falling asleep.
- The truck was over-steering or overcorrecting.
The truck rollover may have occurred because of driver error, but there may be other responsible parties. Issues due to improper loading may place liability on the trucking company. They know there are weight limits to how much cargo they can transport. Ignoring these limits puts the trucker in danger because the truck’s axles could fail, or they could lose control of the trailer in a jackknife accident. If the truck’s brakes didn’t work, they may have a defect, in which case the manufacturer may be held liable for the crash.
Greenbelt has seen truck rollover accidents in the past. In 2013, a truck carrying trash overturned and the trash fell on another car and the highway. Another accident occurred just the year before when a truck with a propane tank rolled over after it was in an accident with another vehicle. Three people had to go to the hospital. While hazmat crews went to the scene, there weren’t any leaks.
Rollovers pose a number of threats when they occur. When the truck initially loses control, vehicles around them are in danger of colliding with the truck or the contents of the truck could hit the car. If it’s carrying heavy items, they could possibly break through a car’s windshield and hit the driver or the occupants. The truck’s load could also land on the street and could cause tire blowouts.
A truck could also be transporting hazardous chemicals. If those chemicals leak out of the truck, they could cause a fire. It’s possible for those involved in the accident to sustain burn injuries, which require immediate medical attention.
If the chemicals get into the environment, they could cause many environmental problems down the line. Those living near the accident site may be affected but not realize it. When chemicals get into the air or the ground, people can breathe them in, or the chemicals can get into their system through water or food grown from the soil. They may not show symptoms of having the chemical in their bodies, but over time they may develop a serious illness. Toxic exposure can cause illnesses like cancer.
Get the Representation You Deserve
A semi-truck collision may result in catastrophic injuries. If you’re no longer able to work, you may be wondering about your future. Our Greenbelt truck accident lawyers are here to help you secure stability for yourself and your family.
We’ll fight for your compensation to cover the costs of your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Your focus shouldn’t be worrying about how you’re going to afford the care you need—you should be able to focus on healing. To get started on your claim, contact our office today.
