Commercial trucks are the largest and most dangerous vehicles on the road. They can cause serious accidents in the event of negligent driving and/or inclement weather. For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that winds over 25 miles per hour can affect a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely. Continue reading below to learn more.
What are Causes of Wind-Related Truck Accidents?
When there are strong winds present on the road, it increases the odds that a truck driver can be involved in or cause an accident. This can happen in the event of the following:
- High crosswinds: High winds can cause a truck to sway or tip on the road.
- Improperly loaded cargo: If cargo moves in the truck, it can cause uneven distribution of weight and make it hard to navigate the vehicle in high winds.
- Failure to take appropriate action for weather conditions: Truck drivers must be up to date on the weather so they know what precautions to take on the road, such as slowing to a safe speed, pulling over until conditions improve, planning an alternative route, etc.
What Types of Accidents are Caused by Strong Winds?
There are many different types of truck accidents that can occur as a result of high winds on the road. This can include:
- Rollover accidents: Strong winds can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and roll it on its side.
- Underride accidents: Truck drivers who step on the brakes after being hit by wind can cause a closely following vehicle to crash and slide underneath the truck.
- Jackknife accidents: When a driver hits the brakes too hard, the truck can fold in on itself and form a 90-degree angle.
- Lost load accidents: Improperly loaded cargo can come loose and fall out of the truck onto the road.
What do I do if I’m Injured in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents can be devastating and cause severe injuries to the people who are involved. That is why injured victims may choose to pursue legal action in order to recover compensation for any damages incurred due to the accident. To do so, they must file a personal injury claim. During this time, they are required to prove negligence caused the accident and their injuries. Evidence that can help to back up a claim can include medical documentation of the injuries, pictures or video of the scene, witness testimonies, etc.
Contact our Firm
Our firm understands how serious criminal and personal injury cases are. We are prepared to guide you towards a favorable outcome because we believe false accusations or preventable injuries should never cause a person harm. This is why those who require experienced legal counsel in New Jersey should do themselves a favor and contact The Law Office of Andrew S. Maze today for any criminal and personal injury matters.