Truck Accidents — 5 Main Causes and Compensation Involved

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers operate trucks that are huge in size as compared to the average-sized vehicles on the road. Even a low-impact collision with such a giant-sized vehicle can lead to injuries that can have long-term effects and deteriorate your quality of life. So while it’s a good idea to be careful while behind the wheel, it also makes sense to maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and CMVs, especially large trucks.

Because of the sheer size of commercial trucks compared to average-sized consumer vehicles, truck accidents can be catastrophic. They can result in some of the most severe injuries and fatalities. Sometimes accident victims delay treatment of their injuries, assuming the pain will go away on its own. That never happens. Instead get yourself evaluated at an accident clinic in Miami at the earliest.

Damages and Compensation

If you are involved in an accident with a truck or other CMV driver, you are eligible to receive compensation and damages for your loss and injuries. To keep CMV operations safe, laws are enforced in Florida by the Florida Highway Patrol. Trucking regulations in Florida state that in the case of a truck accident, it is the motor carrier, truck driver, or the vendor who will be held responsible for negligence.

There are a number of expenses for which you can be compensated for. These damages include:

            •           Medical expense

            •           Lost wages

            •           Mental and physical distress

            •           Loss of future ability to earn

            •           Special damages (all monetary losses)

            •           Loss of companionship

Apart from knowing the above information it would also help if you knew about some of the main reasons that cause big rigs and trucks to be involved in an accident. While it is true that road mishaps are almost unavoidable most of the times, knowing why CMVs get into an accident can at times help you prevent collisions and crashes when you’re behind the wheel.

Here are the top 5 you can watch out for.

            •           Speeding

Speeding is dangerous for every driver on the road, irrespective of the size of the vehicle being driven. But speeding becomes even more dangerous when it involves a large truck or CMV. When driving large vehicles like trucks, drivers have less control over the vehicle. Speeding reduces control even further, resulting in major crashes and road accidents that could have been easily avoided had the driver stuck to the speed limit. Many companies use speed limiters or speed trackers in their vehicles, but this technology is right now restricted to only a small section of truckers.

            •           Adverse Weather Conditions

Trucking usually involves traveling long distances for extended periods of time. The stress of deliverables can sometimes make it difficult for a driver to get off the road even during adverse weather conditions. Inclement weather can lead to reduced visibility making it extremely challenging for the drivers to be able to maneuver and control their large-sized CMVs. Their work commitments may force them to drive through snow, rain, ice, wind, fog, and even storms at times to get to their destination. This is extremely risky not only for the truck drivers but also for others out on the road.

            •           Driving Under the Influence

Drivers on duty obviously cannot consume alcohol. They are not permitted to consume any intoxicants within four hours of driving a company CMV. As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) threshold cannot cross .04% for drivers holding CDLs and .08% for other drivers. It is a crime to drive under the influence, no matter what the conditions or circumstances. The consequences are extreme, both for the truck driver as well as for those on the road.

            •           Large Loads

CMVs carry large loads and may sometimes also be overloaded with cargo. The excessive load can cause the tires to burst or the truck to tip over while taking a turn or when trying to change lanes. With so much load, drivers can lose control over their vehicle and cause an accident. That is why it makes sense to maintain distance from such large vehicles while out driving. If they overturn or are involved in a crash, you could be hit by the flying debris if you are driving close to the truck.

            •           Vehicle/Brake Failure

Sometimes a crash may not be due to the driver’s fault at all. A vehicle failure or some defect in the truck can lead to an accident. Brake failure is one of the major causes of truck crashes. Before hitting the road, trucks are inspected thoroughly for any defective parts or faults. In the event of an accident due to vehicle failure, either the vehicle manufacturer or the trucking company is held responsible for negligence.

Heal from Your Accident Injuries with Chiropractic Care

If you have recently sustained injuries in a crash that involved a truck you can seek chiropractic care at an accident clinic in Miami. Chiropractic is the natural and holistic way of treating injuries. It is extremely beneficial for soft tissue injuries, concussion, herniated disc, or any such musculoskeletal-related injuries.

Chiropractors are experts in treating accident-related injuries. They do not carry out any surgical procedures or prescribe any medications. The entire treatment plan involves treating the source of injury and working with the body to cure it from within. To know more about using chiropractic care to heal from your accident injuries you can call 305-928-2828 and speak to our chiropractic experts.