Examples of Truck Driver Negligence

The injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident can be devastating. Because trucks are so massive, the accidents can be even worse. Often, these collisions are caused by negligence on the part of a truck driver. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries because of a collision caused by the negligent acts of a commercial truck driver, you deserve to know your rights. You may be entitled to payment for the vast amount of expenses and suffering you have endured because of the accident.

Common Causes of Truck Driver Negligence

Truck drivers can be negligent in a wide variety of ways. Some of the more common negligent acts of truck drivers include the following:

• Negligent traffic maneuvers: Truck drivers might change lanes without first properly checking to see if the lane is clear. Additionally, a truck driver may fail to observe and obey traffic control devices. Moreover, a truck driver may fail to give the right of way to oncoming traffic, or a truck driver could make an improper turn.
• Truck driver fatigue: truck drivers may be negligent if they operate their vehicles while excessively tired or fatigued. In fact, the law sets the maximum number of hours that truck drivers can operate their vehicles without rest. If a negligent truck driver fails to follow these regulations, not only will he be accountable for his negligence, but the trucking company may be negligent for entrusting the fatigued driver. In addition, the trucking company could be responsible for failing to train the negligent driver.
• Negligent disregard: Despite operating a massive 18-wheeler, sometimes truck drivers simply do not pay attention to the roadway in front of them.This situation is more common when construction, maintenance, or accidents further down the roadway have caused traffic to back up. If a truck driver fails to pay attention to traffic in front of him, he may cause a devastating rear-end collisions where his tractor-trailer slams into the rear of a small passenger vehicle. The inhabitants of the passenger vehicle are often hopeless in these situations. These collisions are severe and often lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Intoxicated driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, or over-the-counter drugs can impair a driver’s coordination and judgment and could lead to a devastating accident. When it comes to alcohol, the legal limit for civilian drivers is .08% blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but for commercial drivers, the limit is lowered to .04% BAC.

Truck drivers have a responsibility to inspect their vehicles before driving and to operate them with care and caution on the road. If they are negligent in any way and cause a severe injury crash, those who’ve been hurt have a right to seek full and fair compensation for the harm they’ve suffered.

Contact a New York Truck Driver Negligence Lawyer

Were you hurt in a truck accident caused by a driver’s carelessness or recklessness? If so, be sure to contact an experienced New York trucking accident attorney of Hach & Rose, LLP right away. We will investigate the crash, gather vital evidence, and seek compensation for you and your loved ones. We will be ready to speak to you during a confidential consultation, so call us at (212) 779-0057, fill out a contact form, or chat with us live.