Dangers of Commercial Trucking

Experience Attorney For Your Columbus Truck Accident

Commercial trucks can be seen on the roads of Central Ohio every day, traveling down major highways and navigating the streets of cities and towns to make deliveries. But when they are involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle, people can be seriously hurt. Truck accident attorney Scott Elliot Smith knows the dangers posed by commercial trucks and fights for the rights of victims.

What makes commercial trucks so dangerous on the road?

Size

Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles, and can cause a tremendous amount of damage in a collision. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. When a tractor-trailer hits a passenger car, the results can be devastating and leave victims with serious injuries. Even other types of commercial trucks-such as box trucks, dump trucks, delivery vans and flatbed trucks-can cause significant damage due to their large size.

Maneuverability

Because of their large size, commercial trucks are more difficult to handle on the road than passenger cars. It is harder for them to make turns. It takes longer for them to come to a complete stop. Trucks also have blind spots where the driver cannot see cars behind them or in the next lane. That's why the drivers of commercial trucks need extensive training and must get a commercial drivers' license.

Heavy loads

Trucks can carry loads that thousands of pounds. If a load is improperly stacked or secured, it can fall or shift suddenly while the truck is on the road. The force this creates can cause a driver to lose control of the truck, leading to a collision that leaves people seriously injured. And loads that fall from a flatbed truck can spill onto the highway, causing multiple accidents and injuries.

Long shifts

Federal law limits how long commercial drivers can spend on the road each day. But even within those limits, they spend long hours behind the wheel, with few breaks in between. That can get monotonous, and drivers can get bored or tired. A drowsy or inattentive driver will make mistakes, which can lead to a serious accident where people get hurt. And there are some drivers who exceed the federal limits, increasing their risk of causing an accident involving other drivers.

Unrealistic schedules

Many trucking companies care more about profits than people. These companies may give their drivers unrealistic delivery schedules in order to make more money. This means drivers have to work longer hours and give up breaks to make up time. They may also drive at unsafe speeds in an attempt to meet their schedule. All of these behaviors increase the risk of an accident that can leave people with serious injuries.

Injured In A Truck Accident? Call Scott Elliot Smith

A truck accident can leave you with serious injuries and mounting medical bills. You may also be unable to go back to work. But trucking companies and their insurance carriers are only interested in making your claim go away as quickly and as cheaply as possible. That's why you need the Smith Law Office.

Scott Elliot Smith builds a strong case that proves the negligence of a truck driver and/or trucking company was responsible for the accident that left you injured. He knows where to look for evidence of negligent behaviors and will review all relevant documents, interview all witnesses and bring in experts as needed.

Attorney Scott Elliot Smith will fight aggressively for your rights. He knows how to take on trucking companies and insurance companies to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call today at 614-874-1056 for a free consultation. Or contact us online. We don't collect a penny unless we come through for you.