Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States

Posted on November 11, 2022 by admin

As anyone who has driven on a highway knows, large trucks can be dangerous. Trucks like big rigs, semi-trucks, boom trucks, delivery trucks, box trucks, semi-trailers, and similar commercial vehicles are often involved in serious accidents that can cause injuries and deaths. But just how common are large truck accidents in the United States? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were nearly 4,000 fatal large truck accidents in the U.S. in 2018. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, but it is still a significant number.

There are several factors that can contribute to large truck accidents, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, and improper maintenance of the vehicle. When these accidents do occur, they can be devastating not only for the people involved, but also for their families. If you or someone you know has been involved in a large truck accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Indiana truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

In the meantime, continue below to learn more about the leading causes of big truck accidents in the United States, plus how to get started on your personal injury claim today.

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National Trucking Regulations

As the trucking industry continues to grow, so do the regulations that commercial truck drivers must follow. Whether a new truck driver or an experienced one, it’s important for all truck drivers to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for setting and enforcing the regulations that truckers and their employers must follow. Some of the most important regulations that large truck operators must adhere to include hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualification requirements. Not following the regulations can result in serious penalties, including fines and suspension of their commercial driver’s license.

Commercial truck violations are one of the leading causes of accidents on our nation’s roads. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries or death. As we pointed out earlier, commercial trucks are subject to strict regulations, and when these regulations are violated, it can result in a dangerous situation for other motorists.

Some of the most common commercial truck violations that can lead to accidents include:

▶ Speeding: Commercial trucks are often required to travel at lower speeds than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds the posted speed limit, it can put other motorists at severe risk given how long it takes for heavy vehicles to stop.

▶ Improper Lane Changes: Large trucks require a significant amount of space to safely change lanes. When a truck driver makes an improper lane change, it can result in a sideswipe accident or even a head-on collision.

▶ Following Too Closely: Commercial trucks need a greater distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver tailgates another vehicle, it increases the risk of a rear-end collision.

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck in Indiana, it is vital to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will often try to minimize their liability in these accidents. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Trucking Accidents?

If you or someone you love has been injured in trucking accident, it is important to understand the potential causes of these accidents. Most large truck accidents are caused by human error. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the leading causes of large truck accidents are:

▶ Driver Fatigue
▶ Speeding
▶ Reckless Driving
▶ Impaired Driving
▶ Distracted Driving

All of these factors can be attributed to human error. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure from their employers to meet deadlines and may feel that they have to push the limits and sometimes go beyond the limits in order to do so. This can lead to dangerous decisions being made behind the wheel. Big trucks are much more likely to be involved in an accident than smaller vehicles. This is due to their size and weight, which can make them difficult to control. When two large trucks collide, the results can be catastrophic.

Indiana Truck Accident Victims Deserve Justice

If you have been involved in a large truck accident in Indianapolis, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer will be able to investigate the cause of the accident and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorney, today. We offer free initial consultations over the phone, via video, or in person at our office. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start obtaining evidence critical to your case. We represent clients all throughout the state and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations

Posted on September 13, 2022 by admin

Like any other driver on the road, commercial truck drivers are subject to being ticketed for traffic and safety violations. In more serious cases, commercial truckers are ordered to refrain from driving until such violations are addressed in accordance with local and state law.

It is important for law enforcement to hold industry truck drivers strictly accountable for violating safety protocols and regulations while operating a big rig or commercial truck because such trucks pose a higher level of threat to other vehicles, pedestrians, and properties; and not just due to their size, but also the quantity of momentum gained while operating at high speeds. Essentially, semi-trucks and similar commercial vehicles are like multi-ton missiles and tanks out on the road.

Continue below to learn more about the recurrent types of commercial trucker safety violations and better protect yourself from negligent trucker accidents.

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Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Regulation in the United States:

Although it is fairly common for commercial truckers to violate important traffic and safety codes on the road, there are systems in place to abate and create awareness for trucking safety. For instance, the Indiana State Police has an entirely separate department that is solely responsible for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) law enforcement.

Additionally, the United States trucking industry in whole is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA performs routine inspections on all trucking companies and operators in the country, plus aggressively seeks grievances and criticism about truck safety issues in local communities and cities. They also maintain an active website that offers a National Consumer Complaint Database portal for submitting complaints about unsafe truck drivers in your area.

If you have observed unsafe commercial truckers in your community, you can report your concerns free of charge to the FMCSA database, or you may contact 911 if you see a reckless driver or unsafe truck on the road.

Common Commercial Trucker Safety Violations to Watch Out For

The most common causes for truck accidents involves driver-error. One of the most frequent mistakes trucking companies make is setting unrealistic or arduous deadlines, causing truck driver fatigue, speeding and other short-cuts. Another cause for truck driver accidents involves improper training. When a trucking company fails to properly train their truck drivers through a professional trucking course, it can lead to dangerous driver errors that jeopardize the safety of the drive themselves, as well as others around them. Inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, hazardous chemical leaks, and lack of safety maintenance are other common reasons why commercial truckers cause accidents.

More specifically, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial truckers and trucking companies in the United States are most often cited for the following types of safety violations:

◈ Speeding or Swerving Through Lanes
◈ Tailgating Behind Other Vehicles
◈ Changing Lanes Incorrectly or Unsafely
◈ Making Improper or Illegal Turns
◈ Failing to Yield to the Right of Way
◈ Violating Railroad Grade Crossings
◈ Disobeying Traffic Lights and Signs
◈ Reckless or Careless Driving
◈ Using a Handheld Phone While Driving
◈ Driving While Impaired

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in an accident caused by a negligent commercial truck driver in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free personal injury case evaluation to discuss your truck accident in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

Where to Get Legal Help After Being Injured in an Indiana Trucking Accident

Posted on January 25, 2022 by admin

Were you or your loved one wrongfully injured in an Indiana trucking accident within the last two years? If so, you likely still have time to take legal action against the negligent party who caused your subsequent injuries and losses. With the right legal counsel by your side, you could recover a settlement for your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, lost benefits, pain and suffering and more.

Not sure where to begin? Not to worry; these times are challenging enough for you. Enlist the help of seasoned professionals to protect your best interests and overall quality of life after a serious loss or traumatic experience.

Continue below to learn exactly which personal injury law firm you can trust to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your damages and losses after a serious large truck accident in Indiana.

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Large Trucking Accidents in Indiana

Trucking accidents that cause injuries to other drivers on the road are not so rare. Here in Indiana, more than 100 people have died in a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck for the past 7 years. In 2019, 125 Hoosiers were laid to rest after a trucking accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in Indiana that same year, 2,210 vehicles were in a fatal collision. Of those vehicles, 149 of them were large trucks.

Because large trucks are significantly heavier and bigger in size compared to other vehicles on the road, the amount of damage they can do in an accident can be extreme. Most fatalities in large truck accidents occur to other drivers involved, not the truckers or truck passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recently, in a period of 12 months, there were 3,964 large truck accident victims who died, nationwide. Out of those 3,964 victims, only 17% were the driver or occupant of the large truck.

How an Indiana Injury Lawyer Can Help Truck Accident Victims

Common causes for large truck accidents include speeding, improper cargo loading, distracted driving, poor truck maintenance, truck malfunctions as a result of negligent maintenance, inadequate training, unqualified truckers, drug use, illegal driving maneuvers, and roadway problems. A seasoned personal injury lawyer well-versed in large truck accidents can demonstrate a trucker or trucking company’s negligence, prove your damages, and recover the maximum settlement or verdict for your case.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we have worked with numerous trucking accident victims, including accident survivors themselves and the bereaved of those who lost their lives in a truck accident. We can prove and substantiate your trucking accident case in Indiana based on empirical evidence and cold, hard facts.

Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers have the proven legal strategies to ensure you are protected against financial liability. Whether you are a seriously-injured survivor or the surviving family of a truck accident victim, you deserve justice in the form of full and fair compensation. The most important priority right now is to act fast.

Schedule a case evaluation with our office as soon as possible before time runs out and evidence is lost to support your claim. We can hold meetings and consultations over the phone, via online video conference (Skype, Zoom, etc.), or in person at our Indianapolis-based office. All first consultations are free and we never charge anyone unless we win a verdict or settlement.

Are you ready to get started on your financial justice after being victimized in a serious trucking accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

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Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?

Posted on November 30, 2021 by admin

Big truck accidents are far too common. Not only do they happen quickly, they also tend to result in severe property damages and bodily injuries. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident because of a negligent semi-truck driver or trucking company, protect your rights to a full and fair financial recovery by speaking with a large truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. They can help you understand truck accident liability and determine the best approach to recovering the maximum settlement for your damages.

Continue reading to learn some facts about truck accidents, including who is usually liable and how to get started on your Indiana injury claim.

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Truck Accident Liability in Indiana

In most cases of motor vehicle collisions caused by large trucks, such as semis and Landolls, the trucking company is liable for the injured victim’s damages and losses. Most large truck drivers and operators are employees who work for a trucking company, but some are independent contractors known as owner operators. Either way, if a truck driver is negligent and their negligence causes a car crash that harms the driver and/or passengers, the trucker and their employer will be held legally responsible. In any event, any settlement or verdict would be paid by the defendant’s insurance carrier.

Thanks to a doctrine known as respondeat superior, all employers are accountable for their employee’s negligence. So, if a negligent truck driver causes a serious accident, the trucking company they work for would be sued, and the trucking company’s insurance plan would pay the settlement to the victim or victims.

But what about owner operators; you ask? Well, thanks to Federal regulations, all trucking companies are responsible for their employee’s negligent acts, even if they are contracted out. So, if an independent trucker is hired to carry and transport a load for a trucking company, the trucking company would be liable in the case of a negligence act or accident.

Warning to All Truck Accident Victims

If you or your loved one was recently injured in a car crash that was caused by a negligent or careless trucker, it is critical to understand that the trucking company’s insurance carrier is not your friend. Their primary role is to pay as little as possible to accident survivors.

For this reason, it is vital to hire a specialized personal injury lawyer to represent your trucking company accident claim in Indiana. Act now, however, before evidence is lost to support your claim, or time runs out to file.

Not sure which personal injury law firm to trust with your financial recovery in Indiana? Skip the search and go straight to the esteemed and trusted professionals and associate legal teams at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.! Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer, today. No need to travel, as we can hold meetings over the phone or via online video conferencing if needed.

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The Most Common Reasons Why Semi Truck Accidents Happen

Posted on November 6, 2020 by admin

Trucking companies are obligated by law to obey strict regulations and safety procedures to ensure the safety of their drivers and all other drivers on the road. Learn what happens after a trucking accident and who to turn to for help if injured by a truck driver on the road.

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Causes and Effects of Semi-Truck Accidents

The most common causes for truck accidents involves driver-error. One of the most frequent mistakes trucking companies make is setting unrealistic or arduous deadlines, causing truck driver fatigue. This can lead to accidents on the road because a sleepy driver cannot possibly remain alert enough to operate a 5 ton truck safely. Another cause for truck driver accidents involves improper training.

When a trucking company fails to properly train their truck drivers through a professional trucking course, it can lead to dangerous driver errors on the road, and put other drivers in danger as well. More causes of trucking accidents include speeding, distracted driving (i.e. eating, phone calls, text messages, etc.), inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, and lack of safety maintenance.

Trucking Company Tactics After an Accidents

When an innocent driver or pedestrian is injured by a truck driver on the road, there are certain actions that will take place immediately. These pieces of information are important to know if ever involved in such an accident. First, the trucking company will immediately send their attorneys, investigators, and insurance adjusters to the scene of the accident if possible or to you as soon as they can. They do this to collect statements, persuade you to not hire a lawyer, and to minimize your claim. Afterwards, trucking companies, or their insurance adjusters, will try to delay the claim as long as possible in hopes that the claimant becomes frustrated and gives up.

This is why it is vital to hire an Indiana personal injury attorney if you are ever hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Your personal injury lawyers will investigate and collect evidence: such as pictures, black box information, and more. They use this collection of evidence and information to reconstruct the accident to show what took place. They will further investigate by obtaining maintenance records on the truck, truck driver driving history, and more. They remain aggressive against adjusters trying to minimize your claim!

Indiana Large Truck Accident Lawyers Who Will Fight for a Full Settlement

Call the experienced personal injury lawyers of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you or your loved one was recently injured in a large truck or semitruck accident in Indiana, call our licensed personal injury attorneys right away. There are statute of limitations in Indiana that regulate the amount of time a victim has to legally pursue compensation for a serious injury. When you need strong and successful legal representation following a serious car, large truck or semi accident, we are the trusted personal injury lawyers you need. Schedule a free initial consultation, today.

Craven, Hoover, & Blazek P.C.

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