People who are on public roadways have likely come across semitrucks. These large and heavy vehicles provide the valuable service of hauling cargo between locations. The truckers who drive them are trained professionals, and many of them drive safely.
While many people automatically blame truckers when there’s a crash involving a big rig, there are many other causes that can lead to these wrecks. Understanding these may be beneficial for individuals who suffered an injury and want to seek compensation.
1. Improper cargo securement
Federal regulations dictate how cargo must be secured on a semitruck. When those regulations aren’t followed precisely, there’s a chance the cargo may come off of the truck or cause the trucker to lose control. These can lead to catastrophic crashes that could have been prevented with proper cargo securement.
2. Lax vehicle maintenance
Trucking companies that own the tractors for the truckers to drive must ensure the tractor and trailers are maintained properly. This includes changing tires, brakes and other components as necessary. The issue here is that some trucking companies don’t do these in an effort to cut costs. That decision to put profits before safety can cause life-threatening conditions for the semitruck.
Anyone who suffers an injury in a crash with a semitruck should get medical care right away. They may opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help cover the financial damages of the crash. This has to be done quickly because of time limits in the law, so working with someone who can assist may be beneficial.
