Sharing the road with an 18-wheeler can be intimidating. You truly do not know the condition that the truck driver is under. He or she can be fatigued or even under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In any case, a crash with such a large vehicle can be devastating. Our truck accident attorneys in Detroit are dedicated to helping the injured and their families hold motor carriers and their drivers responsible for the damages they cause.

If you were hurt in a crash with an 18-wheeler, contact our law firm for a free consultation. You can reach our office at (833) 738-2529.

detroit truck accident attorneyThe Dangers of Large Trucks

Certain elements of a big rig’s design prohibit it from operating like other vehicles. Truck drivers are required to understand the limitations of their vehicles, and to follow special laws to prevent accidents. If you were hurt because a trucker behaved negligently, our truck accident attorneys in Detroit can help you pursue compensation for any resulting damages.

Here are a few factors that make large trucks particularly dangerous:

  • Larger blind spots. A truck’s blind spots stretch 20 feet from the front, 30 feet from the rear, and diagonally from the left and right sides. The visibility in these blind spots is so minor that other motor-vehicle drivers are advised not to remain in a truck’s blind spots for very long.
  • Longer braking distances. Big rigs need larger distances and longer times to brake. Compared to a standard passenger vehicle, which needs about 300 feet to stop after driving at a rate of 65 miles per hour, a commercial truck traveling at the same speed requires about 525 feet to come to a complete stop. The distances become greater when the truck is carrying heavy cargo.
  • Limited maneuverability. The size and weight of a big rig make it extremely difficult for a truck driver to navigate through intersections and construction zones. For truck drivers to perform easy maneuvers like making a left turn, they need additional space and time. Truck drivers must safely practice extra precautions and procedures to make a left turn, especially around an intersection.

Examples of Truck Driver Negligence

There are all sorts of ways that a truck driver’s negligence can lead to a crash. Our truck accident lawyers in Detroit can review the facts of your case, gather evidence, and consult with experts to determine exactly how your collision occurred. Here are some of the more common examples of truck driver negligence:

  • Running red lights or stop signs. Truck drivers are focused on dropping off heavy cargo and meeting certain deadlines. This pressure may cause them to run a red light or stop sign, especially if they are behind schedule.
  • Failing to check blind spots. Commercial trucks have large blind spots, and drivers need to be trained to make sure they don’t collide with cars within those blind spots.
  • Failing to tightly secure cargo. Auto accidents caused by improperly secured cargo could involve several liable parties, including the driver and / or the service that loaded the cargo.
  • Failing to follow right-of-way laws. Truck drivers must follow all traffic laws regardless of the situation. This includes following the right-of-way laws at intersections.
  • Speeding during certain weather conditions. Truck drivers must reduce their speed when raining or snowing because these conditions make the roads more dangerous. This is especially true in Detroit.

Speak to a Detroit Truck Accident Attorney Today

The truck accident lawyers at The Seva Law Firm have the litigation experience to provide effective representation at all stages of personal injury and wrongful death cases. Call our office at (833) 738-2529 or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation.