Truck Accidents | Personal Injury Blog
Truck Brake Errors That Endanger Everyone
In a big rig, the braking systems are far different than is found in a passenger vehicle. A truck’s brakes must have the power to stop incredibly heavy vehicles, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Truck drivers need a special skill set correctly use air brakes, disc brakes, or drum brakes, or hydraulic brakes, particularly when traveling on a downhill slope. When drivers do not use the correct braking technique, it can cause the brakes to fail, leading to a deadly crash.
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High Trucker Turnover Endangers Everyone on the Road
Experience matters in any job. And it makes a huge difference in the trucking industry. Inexperienced drivers make more mistakes, and those mistakes cost people their lives.
In recent years, several factors have combined to cause a surge in the number of people who are leaving the trucking industry. Poor working conditions, low pay, and long hours are some of the reasons why so many truckers are looking for new career opportunities.
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Why Nebraska Truckers Fall Asleep at the Wheel
Fatigued truck drivers are a menace to everyone on the roadways. It is extremely dangerous for any driver to fall asleep at the wheel. When it happens to a trucker controlling a big rig weighing in excess of 80,000 pounds, the results can be catastrophic. Statewide in 2020, as reported by the Department of Transportation (DOT):
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Were You Injured by an Unqualified Truck Driver?
A fully loaded big rig truck weighs up to 30 times more than a car. When a negligent truck driver crashes into a car, it does serious damage. In a recent year there were 350 crashes in Nebraska involving big rig trucks that resulted in 23 fatalities.
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Do Trucks Have a Black Box?
If you get into an accident with a big rig truck, the insurance company will do everything they can to prevent you from getting a fair settlement that will cover the cost of your medical care and other expenses caused by the accident.
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How to Avoid Accidents with Trucks
In a collision with a fully-loaded 18-wheeler weighing 80,000 lbs. or more, occupants of a 4,000 lb. passenger vehicles are likely to suffer serious injuries. A total of 5,005 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2019, including 64 in Nebraska, as reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA). With the rapid increase in online buying, there are more large commercial trucks than ever on the roadways today. It makes sense to learn what to do to avoid a serious truck accident. The following tips can help you keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Determining Who Is Responsible for a Truck Accident
Commercial truck accidents remain one of the most dangerous types of collisions on the roads around Nebraska, killing multiple drivers and pedestrians every year. If you were injured or lost a loved one in a truck wreck, you may be looking for someone to hold accountable for your medical bills. But these cases are complex and require an in-depth investigation to determine how the collision occurred and who is responsible.
New Technology May Reduce Truck Crashes
It seems like every year, auto manufacturers come out with a new piece of technology. Whether it was heated seats, Bluetooth, built-in GPS, or auxiliary cables, many of these changes made cars more comfortable to drive but didn’t have major safety improvements. It was not until recently that cars were upgraded with backward-facing cameras to help protect pedestrians when drivers are backing out of their garages.
The Risk of an Ethanol Truck Spill
Ethanol and other biofuels have become popular alternatives to oil for powering our vehicles, especially as our country tries to find renewable sources of energy. Ethanol production relies heavily on farms throughout the Midwest, including Nebraska and Iowa. While it has been a boon for our economies, safely transporting ethanol is still a major concern on our roadways, as a single ethanol spill can be devastating for auto accident victims and local communities.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
Accidents that involve large trucks often lead to disaster. If you or a loved one has suffered serious or catastrophic injuries in a truck accident, the stress and trauma have likely left you uncertain about your next steps and your options.
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