Semi Truck Crash Caused by Lost Load – Speed – Distracted Driver
PritzkerOlsen, P.A. is a national personal injury law firm with a “home town” feel. Our attorneys have been interviewed by CBS News, Fox News, KARE-11, KSTP-5, WCCO-4, and other news programs. We recently won $2,560,000 for a husband and wife whose vehicle was hit by a semi-tractor-trailer rig. Call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or 612-338-0202 for a free consultation with a Minnesota semi accident lawyer or submit our online contact form to the right.
Driving a semi is a big responsibility. There are products to deliver, schedules to keep and money to be made. There are also laws to obey. Too many semi truck drivers become complacent and start cutting corners to beat the clock or make a buck.
That means other drivers need to drive defensively around semi trucks. Here are some things to remember when driving near a semi tractor trailer truck: truck drivers are on the road for long hours and the trucks they drive are usually pulling a significant amount of weight. The heavier the truck – the more difficult to control, stop and turn.
Danger Zones for Semi Truck Drivers
Some accidents cannot be avoided, but being aware of the following factors may help you drive more intelligently around trucks and reduce the risk of a semi truck accident:
- Blind spots (also called no-zones): Trucks have much larger blind spots than regular motor vehicles. The area directly behind the semi truck and diagonally to each side of the truck are not seen by the truck driver. These areas should be considered “no-zones” to other drivers. Meaning: Do not drive in those areas. Move through them quickly. Remember, if you cannot see the truck driver in his mirror, he cannot see you. Common blind spot accidents include trucks changing lanes into a vehicle located in a blind spot or a truck driver braking suddenly when there is a car directly behind them.
- Wide turns: Because of the size of big rigs, trucks have to swing wide to the left when making right turns and wide to the right when making left turns. Accidents may occur in these situations when trucks fail to see smaller vehicles on either side or when cars or motorcycles pull up to the side of the truck when the truck is turning. Be alert to trucks making turns.
- Weight distribution: Trucks are frequently top-heavy with cargo making them more susceptible to rollovers if turned too fast or on entrance and exit ramps. Adverse weather conditions can also lead to rollovers.
- Jackknifing: The heavier the load, the easier to lose control. If a truck driver loses control of their truck, the cab of the truck can do one thing and the trailer of the truck do the opposite. This may lead to the trailer swinging around 360 degrees, hitting any vehicle in its path. This can happen if a truck driver brakes too fast or makes a sudden changes in direction.
Distracted Driving and Other Factors Leading to Semi Truck Accidents
Here are some common causes of truck accidents in which the truck driver is at fault:
- Distracted Drivers: Truck drivers can get drowsy, lonely and bored on the road. Some truckers have come up with some less-than-safe ways to keep busy. Little TVs, CB radios, cell phones (including texting while driving), and other mobile devices can take their attention off the road and easily lead to truck accidents. Incidents of distracted driving accidents are on the rise. It has been attributed mostly to texting and cell phone usage.
- Speeding: This is a no-brainer – high-speed, big rigs is not a safe combination. Speeding is probably the most common cause of truck accidents. Speeding in a truck that weights up to 40 tons can have devastating results. Trucks take a longer time to brake.
- Driver fatigue: Studies are now showing that driving tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk. Despite federal regulations for time on the road, fatigue still happens. Since driving is their job, and they make more money the more they drive; drivers may falsify their driving log and stay on the road for far too long to drive safety.
- Driving under the influence: In order to stay more alert while driving, some truck drivers take uppers or sometimes prescription medications interfere with driving safely. Other drivers may drink due to loneliness and addiction problems. Truckers are not allowed to have a blood alcohol level about 0.02.
- Poorly loaded or secured cargo: Truck cargo must be properly loaded and secured for maximum safety. If the cargo is off balance or shifts during transportation, it can cause the truck to jackknife or rollover. If the cargo is not properly secured, it could fall off the trailer, causing serious or even fatal accidents.
- Adverse weather conditions: Rain, high winds, snow or ice can spell trouble for semi trucks. Weather conditions can make it difficult for the trucker to stay in his lane and maintain control. In poor weather conditions, a semi needs more distance to stop.
- Inexperienced truck drivers: There is a disproportionate number of truck accidents involving truckers in training or truckers with little experience.
- Mechanical failure: Trucks require extensive maintenance. Federal law requires pre-trip inspections to prevent a poorly working truck from being on the road and a hazard to others. Mechanical failure (brakes and tires) is a leading cause of truck accidents.
“Hit by a Semi” Accident Attorney
If you have been hit by a semi, call PritzkerOlsen, P.A. at 612-338-0202 for a free consultation. We will immediately launch our own investigation into the accident to determine fault and obtain critical evidence to prove your case.
Car Hit by a Semi Truck
Pritzker Olsen, P.A. is a Minnesota personal injury law firm with a national reputation. Our attorneys have been interviewed and quoted in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and other publications. We recently won $2,850,000 on behalf of the family of a man who was killed when his vehicle was struck by debris from a truck. Call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) for a free consultation with a Minnesota semi accident lawyer or submit our online contact form.
Car Hit by a Semi Case Development
There are many complexities in semi accident cases that need to be examined or investigated, including:
- Multi-layers of liability: truck driver, trucking company, owner of the truck and trailer, owner of the freight, maintenance company and the truck manufacturer
- Size and weight of the semi: an important factor because the size may reduce the visibility, weight alters stopping distance needed, both need to be in compliance with federal regulations
- Truck driver’s license and driving record: must have a current commercial driver’s license (CDL), need to check for violations and restrictions
- Compliance with trucking regulations: not only obey laws but comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, including driving times, log books and truck maintenance
- Electronic systems: sophisticated electronic systems provide additional, invaluable information pertaining to tire pressure, speed control, engine control modules and other recorded statistics
- Scene of the accident and vehicles: accident reconstruction specialists and other experts may be hired to examine case and then used as expert witnesses
ASK A LAWYER ABOUT ACCIDENT VICTIM COMPENSATION >>>
The money is secondary for many of our clients. They want to know the truth and to hold all responsible parties accountable for the injuries. Our law firm has the experience, skill and money to accomplish that.
Fred Pritzker has successfully litigated many complex truck accident cases over a 30 year span. The Pritzker Olsen team knows how to gather evidence and use it effectively. Call toll-free 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.
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Navistar Trucks Recalled Over Fuel Leak Fire Hazard
A Navistar Workhorse truck recall has been issued due to the possibility of a fuel leak, which poses a fire hazard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced. Two Navistar Workhorse models are being recalled by Navistar, Inc.:
- Workhorse R26 Model year 2011
- Workhorse W22 Model year 2011
These models were manufactured from February of 2007 through May of 2010 and could pose a fuel leak and vehicle fire hazard because their gas cap assemblies contain materials that are non-compliant with design specifications. According to the recall announcement:
“THE FUEL-FILL CAP ASSEMBLIES USED TO SEAL THE UNUSED SIDE OF THE DUAL-FILL GASOLINE FUEL TANK WERE PRODUCED WITH A HOSE MATERIAL THAT DID NOT MEET DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS. DURING NORMAL USAGE THE HOSE MATERIAL MAY DETERIORATE WHICH MAY RESULT IN FUEL LEAKS.”
Over one thousand trucks are involved in the recall. Navistar dealers will repair the fuel cap assemblies with the correct materials free of charge.
Daimler Freightliner Fuel Leak Hazard Prompts Recall
Over 13,000 Freightliner trucks are being recalled by Daimler Trucks North America, the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA) announced. The trucks have a fuel pump that could develop a crack and lead to a fuel leak, which increases the risk of a truck accident.
The Daimler Freightliner recall includes model years 2009 through 2011. These models were manufactured between February 2009 and July 2010 and may have a defect that could lead to a fuel leak. According to the NHTSA announcement:
“EQUIPPED WITH SPECIFIC DD13 AND DD15 ENGINES ASSEMBLED WITH A BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT WHICH MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION. OVER TIME THE BARREL OF THE BOSCH HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ELEMENT USED ON SPECIFIC DD13/DD15 ENGINES MAY DEVELOP A CRACK DUE TO HYDROGEN INDUCED STRESS CORROSION RESULTING IN A DIESEL FUEL LEAK.”
Daimler Freightliner Truck Recall Models
- Cascadia
- Century
- Columbia
- Coronado
- M2
- 4900
Dealers will perform free repairs on the trucks.
Rear Ended by a Semi Tractor Trailer Truck
Pritzker Olsen, P.A. is a Minnesota personal injury law firm with the expertise and resources available to conduct our own investigation into your accident. Our lawyers represent people who have been rear ended by a semi or other commercial truck. Fred Pritzker has been named for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, 2010 edition. Fred has appeared on the CBS News, KARE-TV, KSTP-TV and WCCO-TV. To contact a Minnesota semi accident lawyer, please call 1-888-377-8900 or submit our free consultation form.
FREE CONSULTATION WITH A MINNESOTA SEMI ACCIDENT LAWYER >>>
Semi truck drivers have a duty of care to drive safely. When we investigate a rear end semi accident case, we look for evidence of speeding, tailgating or distracted driving. We also look at the road and weather conditions at the time of the accident to help determine whether the driver was driving responsibly.
Rear Ended by a Semi Truck Compensation
Commercial truck accident victims can sustain serious life-changing injuries, including burns, kidney damage, kidney failure, amputation, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or spinal injuries. The amount of compensation awarded depends on many factors, including:
- Severity of the injuries
- Financial, physical and emotional impact of the injuries
- Number of parties liable
- The available insurance benefits
- Other specific facts about the case
If the victim of a rear end accident sustained critical injuries, we take time to get to know the family dynamics and the overall affect of these injuries. This is a critically important step in order to obtain the needed and deserved compensation.
Our attorneys have successfully litigated hundreds of complex truck accident cases. To contact a semi accident lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, P.A. for a free consultation about your rear ended by a semi accident case, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or submit our online form for review by one of our attorneys.
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