Tractor-trailers are massive vehicles that require operators who have been properly trained and have extensive experience. This is especially crucial because commercial trucks share the road with other vehicles and if the truck driver is unsure or inexperienced on how to handle these massive vehicles, the results can be tragic.
A truck accident attorney will have extensive experience advocating for truck accident victims and their families and know that many truck accidents are the result of truck driver error. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the damages that those injuries have caused you to suffer.
Truck Driver Error
One of the most common causes of the truck accidents our firm has successfully represented is truck driver error. These errors are broken into four different categories: decision, performance, non-performance, and recognition. The type of errors that fall into each of these categories include:
- Decision: Driver errors that fall under this category include factors such as speeding, driving too fast for road or weather conditions, incorrectly assuming the actions of another driver.
- Performance: There are many actions that fall into this category, including the driver overcorrecting when taking a turn or not knowing how to navigate through a situation.
- Non-Performance: The driver suffered from a medical condition, such as a seizure or a heart attack, or the driver fell asleep while operating the vehicle.
- Recognition: The driver was engaged in some sort of distracted driving behavior, such as texting or setting the GPS. This distracting behavior causes the driver to miss something either inside the vehicle or outside on the road that results in the crash.
Unfortunately, there is a serious shortage of qualified driver in the trucking industry. Currently, that shortage is estimated to be approximately 50,000 drivers but the prediction by transportation experts is that shortage will have spiked to 175,000 in the next six years. This shortage often results in companies hiring drivers who have not had enough training or experience to be operating such massive vehicles. It also means that companies often pressure drivers to meet almost impossible schedules, as well as stay behind the wheel of their trucks for more hours than is federally allowed. The results of these decisions lead to devastating truck accidents far too often.
Let a Truck Accident Attorney Fight for You
Injuries from truck accidents are often catastrophic and require months – if not years – of medical treatments and rehabilitation. Many victims are left with permanent disabilities and their lives, as well as their family’s lives, are forever changed.
A truck accident lawyer in Virginia from MartinWren, P.C. can evaluate your case and determine what type of legal recourse you may have. Call today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Call 434-817-3100 or complete a Case Evaluation form
