Eighteen-wheelers, also known as tractor trailers, are huge vehicles. When you are driving next to one, you cannot help but think about how much damage they could cause in the event of an accident. Driving behind one, you probably wonder if their cargo is secure, especially if there are a bunch of freshly cut down trees on the back.
At the SMT Legal, we know that most of these large vehicles operate safely. We also know that there are times when the negligence of a truck driver or company causes serious harm to people on the road. We are here if you need a tractor-trailer accident lawyer. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Do These Trucks Do?
Tractor-trailers are everywhere and they provide valuable services to our economy. You often see these vehicles delivering goods to our stores, moving livestock and vehicles around, and hauling trees down the road. There are plenty of these trucks all across the country, with over 3.5 million truck drivers behind the wheel on a daily basis. Many tractor trailers are individually owned and operated and others are part of larger company fleets.
We do know that many tractor-trailer accidents occur right here in Pennsylvania. For the latest reporting year, there were 6,807 total crashes involving heavy trucks according to the DOT. When these vehicles get into accidents, they have the potential to cause severe damage and injuries because they can weigh a tremendous amount when they are carrying a load of material.
Why They Happen
The Pennsylvania DOT says that the majority of large truck accident occurs due to vehicle failure of one or more of the following systems:
- Tires and wheels
- Braking system
- Powertrain failure
- An unsecured load
- Overloaded trailer
- Suspension system
Think about how deadly it would be if a driver is moving 60 mph down the highway and the brakes go out. That is why it is so important for truck companies to regularly maintain and inspect their vehicles. Skipping maintenance, whether as a cost-cutting measure or out of carelessness, is simply negligent.
We also know that it is important for tractor-trailer drivers to obey all state laws and regulations regarding how much weight they can carry as well as how many hours they can safely operate during a 24-hour period.
After A Crash
Even though you probably just want this nightmare to be over with, it is important that you secure an attorney if you suspect the large truck crash you were involved in was the result of another person’s negligence. At the SMT Legal, our team will work to protect you and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. This can include your medical expenses as well as other hidden costs associated with these crashes.
