Venugopal S

What Are The Major Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents?   Table of Contents   What Are The Major Causes Of 18-Wheeler Accidents? Introduction Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents On Highways Driver-related causes Vehicle-related causes Weather/environment-related causes Operational or external factors What Causes Most 18-Wheeler Crashes in the U.S.? How driver fatigue contributes to 18-wheeler crashes Signs of a fatigued driver Factors contributing to driver fatigue Driver negligence as a cause of 18-wheeler accidents What’s driver negligence in an 18-wheeler collision? Examples of driver negligence Speeding and reckless driving by truck drivers Lack of driver training causing 18-wheeler collisions Truck driver distraction from GPS or radio use Unsafe lane changes by 18-wheeler drivers Leading Reasons Behind 18-Wheeler Accidents and Collisions Complexities in operating commercial vehicles like an 18-wheeler Mechanical failure leading to 18-wheeler truck wrecks Human error Poor truck maintenance causing 18-wheeler accidents Inadequate vehicle inspection before long-haul trips Vehicle inspection checklist for 18-wheelers Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks causing accidents Dangers of overloaded or improperly loaded trucks How overloaded or improperly loaded trucks lead to accidents Weather-Related Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents Common weather conditions that lead to semi-truck accidents Driver responsibility in bad weather Other key points to remember Blind Spot Errors Leading to 18-Wheeler Side-Impact Crashes The four major blind spots in 18-wheelers Why blind spots are more dangerous Blind spot accident liability Blind spots leading to side-swipe collisions What Can Be Done to Avoid the Risk of 18-Wheeler Accidents? Proper training for truck drivers Adhere to legal driving hours Regular tests for impaired driving Proper maintenance of vehicles Tips for Sharing the Roads and Reducing Accidents Ensure a safe following distance Stay out of blind spots Slow down Don’t cut trucks off Let trucks turn Protecting Your Rights After an 18-Wheeler Accident Legal support and compensation Final thoughts 18-wheeler trucks are crucial in transporting goods across the nation. However, they are dangerous due to their sheer size and weight. Hence, if these vehicles are involved in an accident, the consequences can be deadly. With so many 18-wheelers and other large trucks moving through the roads of Riverhead, New York, accidents are unfortunately common. In such cases, consulting a New York truck accident lawyer can help victims understand their legal rights, gather crucial evidence, and pursue rightful compensation. It is therefore important to understand the causes behind these accidents and how to prevent them. This blog focuses on ‘What are the major causes of 18-wheeler accidents? Read on to know why such accidents happen and know the ways to stay safe on the road and navigate the aftermath of the accident. Common Causes Of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents On Highways There are several reasons for an 18-wheeler truck accident. Though the major causes fall on driver error, other reasons, such as operational and external factors, weather and road conditions, still contribute to a significant number of accidents on highways. Let’s see some common causes here: Driver-related causes: Driver Fatigue Distracted Driving Over speeding Poor training Impaired driving Cellphones & Text Messaging Aggressive/reckless driving Vehicle-related causes: Tire blowouts Poor Vehicle Maintenance Defective parts or equipment failure Improperly loaded cargo Weather/environment-related causes: Poorly maintained roads Bad weather conditions Lighting issues Operational or External factors Blind spots Pressure from employers Violating regulations Underride collisions What causes most 18-wheeler crashes in the U.S? Large commercial trucks that include 18-wheelers and semi-trucks contribute to nearly 13% of overall motor vehicle collisions in the U.S. If an 18-wheeler accident happens, it results in catastrophic consequences, often ending up in major injuries or fatalities. One of the major causes for most 18-wheeler crashes in the U.S is Driver fatigue. Unlike other drivers, truck drivers typically spend weeks on the road and have tight delivery schedules and limited rest hours. However, the FMCSA Hours of Service rules limit driving shifts and require taking mandatory rest breaks.  However, often these guidelines are violated by some trucking companies and drivers. How driver fatigue contributes to 18-wheeler crashes? As per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 13% of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers causing accidents are found to be fatigued at the time of collision. Signs of a fatigued driver Drowsy driving Physical or mental exhaustion Decreased reaction time Reduced focus levels on the road Drifting into other lanes/off the road Impaired decision making Factors contributing to driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel Not having sound sleep Poor working and road conditions Medications and health issues Ineffective fatigue management Tight schedules and expectations of employers push drivers to violate rules, speed to their destinations without enough breaks or rest hours. This causes physical and mental pressure and stress to drivers, ultimately increasing the risk of an accident. Driver negligence as a cause of 18-wheeler accidents The negligence of the 18-wheelers can turn 80,000-pound trucks into dangerous incidents. Operating a commercial vehicle like an 18-wheeler or truck is a complicated task that requires specialized skills and focus. If the drivers skip safety guidelines and act negligently, it can lead to major crashes on the highways of Riverhead, New York. What’s driver negligence in an 18-wheeler collision? If the driver fails to drive safely and it results in serious injuries and damages to another vehicle and person, it is the driver’s negligence. Proving the driver’s negligence is an important aspect in claiming compensation for truck accident claims. Examples of driver negligence Not adhering to the service laws Changing lanes without checking blind spots Drunk driving Using cell phones while driving Speeding Speeding and reckless driving by truck drivers Speeding is dangerous with any vehicle. It is still more dangerous with 18-wheelers. FMCSA indicates that speeding remains a major factor, and it contributes to 23% of accidents in a year. Speeding and reckless driving include: Exceeding the posted speed limit Fast driving in traffic or weather conditions Pushing maximum speed Aggressive driving Not adjusting for road hazards, curves, gradients or traffic congestion Lack of driver training is causing 18-wheeler collisions Drivers require special driving skills to operate a large commercial vehicle. When

What Are The Types Of Compensation Victims Can Claim After A Truck Accident? Table of Contents Introduction The impact of truck accidents on victims Why compensation matters after a truck collision Understanding Claims in New York After a Truck Accident How truck collisions differ from car accidents The no-fault insurance system in New York Challenges faced by victims in getting compensation Types of Compensation Available After a Truck Accident3.1 Economic Damages Medical expenses Lost wages Loss of earning capacity Property damage Out-of-pocket expenses 3.2 Non-Economic Damages Pain and suffering Emotional distress Loss of enjoyment of life Permanent disability Loss of consortium 3.3 Punitive Damages When punitive damages apply Common scenarios of recklessness or misconduct Key Takeaways Under New York’s Federal Law Categories of damages recognized Mandatory insurance requirements for trucking companies Statute of limitations for truck accident claims Pure Comparative Negligence Rule in New York How shared fault affects compensation Examples of fault distribution Detailed Overview of Economic Damages6.1 Medical Expenses Compensation After a Truck Accident What medical expenses can be claimed Future and long-term medical costs 6.2 Lost Wages Claim After a Semi-Truck Accident Compensation for temporary and permanent income loss 6.3 Property Damage Compensation Vehicle and personal property repair or replacement Non-Economic Damages Explained Compensation for pain, suffering, and emotional trauma Real-life example: long-term emotional effects of a truck collision Financial Compensation for Truck Accident Victims Factors influencing settlement value Severity of injuries Number of liable parties Insurance coverage and limits Role of evidence and documentation How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Truck Accident Injury? Common methods of calculation Multiplier Method Per Diem Method Expert opinions and assessments Factors influencing compensation range Legal Compensation Options for Truck Accident Victims Statute of limitations and deadlines No-fault insurance coverage Serious injury threshold under New York Insurance Law § 5102(d) Comparative negligence principle Truck Accident Settlement Types and Amounts Economic damage settlement ranges Non-economic damage settlements Emotional distress damages Long-term disability compensation Wrongful death compensation How to File a Truck Accident Compensation Claim12.1 Filing a No-Fault Claim With Your Insurance Provider Procedure and documentation needed 12.2 Filing a Claim Against the At-Fault Party Steps to initiate and support your claim Negotiating settlements or going to trial Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact a Skilled Truck Accident Attorney Importance of legal guidance How an attorney can maximize your compensation Passengers’ vehicles share the road with other vehicles. When such vehicles collide with larger commercial vehicles like trucks, the consequences are drastic. This results in expensive medical expenses, financial loss, and lost wages for victims. The victims of such situations are often overwhelmed with the question, “What are the types of compensation victims can claim after a truck accident?” Fortunately, in New York, victims are allowed to pursue different types of compensation with the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer. A skilled attorney can help victims understand their legal rights, evaluate the extent of their damages, and pursue the maximum settlement possible. When we talk about the claims that can be recovered by the victims, in most cases, it typically refers to financial recovery. However, the type of compensation that the victims can claim after a truck collision extends beyond that. Let’s explore the various compensations to collect in this blog. Understanding claims in New York after a truck accident Every day, thousands of accidents happen across the roads of America. Especially in busy streets like Riverhead, the possibilities for collisions are even greater. There is a key factor that differentiates truck collisions from conventional car accidents. It is nothing but the sheer size and immense weight of commercial vehicles. Since commercial vehicles are nearly 80,000 pounds in weight, if they collide with other vehicles, it is very dangerous. New York is a no-fault insurance system state, which indicates that when there is a vehicle collision, the insurance of each driver pays for their own losses and medical expenses. This system aims at reducing lawsuits for minor injuries and fasting claims. Does it sound great? Maybe! Still, the difficulty is that the truck drivers and companies make the situation harder by avoiding paying claims. Victims might wonder, Who will pay the bills for accidents? Will I be able to compensate for all losses? When someone is injured in New York in a truck accident, there are diverse categories under which the damages can be covered. Types of compensation available after a truck accident After a truck accident in Riverhead, New York, the victims are eligible to pursue compensation under three major categories: Economic Damages Non-economic Damages Punitive Damages Economic Damages: The types of damages are tangible compensation and typically cover: Medical expenses Lost wages Loss of earning capacity Property damage Other out-of-pocket expenses Non-economic Damages: Non-economic damages allow victims to compensate for intangible losses, which will not have a direct monetary value, but still majorly affect their lives. It includes: Pain and suffering Emotional distress or mental anguish Loss of enjoyment of life Permanent disability Loss of consortium Punitive Damages: Punitive damages are generally awarded in cases where the trucking company, trucking driver or any other party has acted with recklessness, negligence or purposeful misconduct. These kinds of damages are given to punish the liable party and avoid such negligence or carelessness in the future. Common scenarios where punitive damages are claimed: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs Over-speeding or reckless driving Improper maintenance of the truck caused a mechanical failure Not obeying federal trucking guidelines False driver log records and extending legal driving hours What damages can you claim after a truck crash? Recovering the damages after a truck crash involves processes that are governed by both state and federal regulations. Victims of the truck accident are entitled to different types of compensation. As every case is different, the type of compensation can vary based on the severity of injuries and losses. Key takeaways as per New York’s Federal Law Victims can claim economic, non-economic and punitive damages The federal law states that the trucking companies

Table of contents A significant part of California’s economy depends on big trucks that are helpful in transporting goods across the country. However, the concern is that the size and weight of these trucks often lead to major accidents on the road. The consequences of such accidents can be devastating — and that’s where an experienced truck accident attorney can help victims recover compensation and justice. Understanding what are the common types of truck accidents will aid in avoiding the situations and improve the chances of effectively navigating the aftermath complications. Types of truck accidents There are different kinds of truck accidents that you probably can come across while riding on the roads of California. Let’s see typical truck collision types here. Rear-End Collisions These kinds of collisions are very common truck accidents. Such accidents occur when a truck hits the rear side of the other vehicle. As the trucks require considerable stopping distance, these kinds of accidents will most likely happen during sudden stops or heavy traffic. Every vehicle stands closer during traffic jams. In such scenarios, moments of distraction can lead to a rear-end collision. As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end car accidents contribute to 29% of overall U.S. crashes. Common causes of rear-end collisions: Typical rear-end collision injuries: Depending on the type of crash, the injuries can be minor or fatal. Types of compensation to recover after a rear-end collision Economic damages: Non-Economic damages: Punitive Damages (in rare cases) If the at-fault driver is found to be reckless or acted negligently, the court will award punitive damages. Rollovers Rollover accidents are among the deadliest truck accidents. These accidents happen when a truck tips over its roof or on its side. As such incidents can involve multiple vehicles, the consequences are very serious. If the load of the truck shifts suddenly, the center of gravity of the truck collapses, leading to instability of the truck. What causes a rollover? According to the FMCSA, over 80% of truck rollovers occur due to the driver’s error. Other common causes include: Truck rollovers cause major injuries When a truck rollover happens, the victims of the accident are at major risk of severe injuries or even death. Since the heavy load of the truck can translate into a huge force, the smaller vehicle will have serious damage. Some of the major injuries due to rollovers are: Who is held liable for a truck rollover? Determining the liability for the truck rollover is a complex task. Based on the situation, there could be more than one person liable for the collision. Hiring a skilled attorney helps in identifying the underlying cause of the collision, and they will find out the potentially liable parties for the accident. Drifting/Driving Off a Roadway When a commercial truck or semi-truck unexpectedly leaves the road and deviates from its lane, it puts everyone into a dangerous situation. As the trucks will be moving on a multi-lane road (interstate pathway), drifting or driving off the roadway will also force other drivers off the road. Common causes of drifting or driving off the road truck accidents Your legal course of action after a drifting or driving off the road truck accident Truck Tire Blowouts Large trucks typically have 18 wheels and are paired side-by-side. If any of these wheels blow out on the road, the truck will lose its control and can rollover or swerve into another lane. A truck tire blowout can happen in a fraction of a second and may lead to severe injuries and fatalities. The explosion of the truck’s tire can tip the vehicle off balance. Even a skilled driver may lose control of the vehicle. Common causes of truck tire blowouts: What causes the accident after a truck tire blowout? There are several aspects that may lead to an 18-wheeler collision. These cover: Underride & Override Accidents Underride accidents happen when smaller vehicles slide under the side or rear of the large trucks. Cause of underride accidents: When a truck suddenly stops, and a smaller car that follows the truck can’t prevent sliding under the truck An override accident can occur if the truck’s front end on the roadway crashes into the back side of a passenger car. Common causes of override accidents: Jackknife Accidents When looking at the most common truck accident types, the next comes the jackknife accidents. These accidents happen when the back of the trailer of the truck swings forward and creates a sharp ‘V’ shape, and the driver loses control over the truck and causing an accident. When the truck swings extensively into a jackknife position, it bangs drastically into other vehicles. During truck jackknifes, there is a possibility for multi-vehicle collisions. What Causes a Jackknife Accident? Human errors: Mechanical issues: Weather conditions: Why are jackknife accidents very dangerous? As these accidents occur on the roadways and can happen quickly and without any warning signals, they are hazardous to other vehicles, too. “Jackknife” truck accident example A snowfall leads to a slippery road surface. If a semi-truck driver loses vehicle control and tries to make an abrupt brake, it leads to a jackknife accident. Blind Spot Accidents Trucks have certain blind spots, which are the typical areas where the driver can’t see other vehicles. These areas are called no-zones. Vehicles caught in such areas can be sideswiped if the truck collides or changes lanes without seeing those vehicles. The risk of blind spot accidents is higher among semi-truck accident types, as the trucks have many larger blind spots. Where are the blind spots of a truck? Ways to Avoid Blind Spots around 18-Wheelers Head-On Collisions When you are thinking about ‘what are the common types of truck accidents’, here comes the head-on collisions that occur when a truck swings into oncoming traffic. If the truck crashes head-on with the other vehicle on the road, it will lead to severe consequences. Head-on crashes are destructive since these accidents combine the force of both vehicles. Head-on collisions contribute significantly