Duluth Truck Accident Lawyer: No Win, No Fee

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents happen for a variety of reasons. Negligence is a common factor in many of them. If you were involved in a truck crash caused by negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation from the at-fault party. A Duluth truck accident lawyer can help with your case.

Some of the most common causes of truck crashes include the following:

• Distracted driving: Occurs when a truck driver gets distracted by another activity while operating their vehicle. Common examples of distracted driving include texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the radio, personal grooming, eating and drinking, and more.
• Drunk driving: Alcohol and drugs can inhibit a truck driver’s ability to concentrate, impair their judgment, and reduce their reaction time.
• Fatigued driving: Truck drivers work long hours and have strict deadlines they must meet. They may fear they’ll lose their jobs if they fail to make deliveries on time. As a result, truck drivers may work longer than legally permitted. When truck drivers spend too much time behind the wheel, they can easily become fatigued.
• Reckless driving: Truck drivers will sometimes engage in reckless driving in their rush to get to their destination. Speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, unsafe lane changes, and failing to yield are all examples of reckless driving behaviors that can quickly cause an accident.
• Inclement weather conditions: A truck accident can occur if a truck driver fails to adjust their speed in bad weather. For example, a truck driver could hydroplane on wet roads if they don’t adjust to the weather conditions. Hazardous weather also reduces visibility. This gives truck drivers less time to slow down or stop if needed.
• Improper cargo loading: If cargo loaders fail to tie down materials properly, the cargo can shift in the truck’s trailer. This throws off the truck’s center of gravity and can cause a rollover.
• Mechanical failures: Sometimes, poor truck maintenance or mechanical failures, such as bad brakes, are to blame for a truck accident.

Types of Accidents

When it comes to accidents, each type has its own complexities:

• Jack-knife accidents often occur when a truck suddenly brakes. The cab slows, but the truck’s trailer, which operates on a separate brake system, still has momentum and continues going forward. This causes the cab to form a 90-degree angle with the trailer.
• Rollover accidents occur when a truck flips onto its side. This can happen when the driver loses control of the vehicle or the cargo is poorly secured.
• Rear-end accidents happen when a truck hits another vehicle from behind.
• Underride accidents can happen if a truck suddenly brakes and the motorists traveling behind it don’t have adequate time to stop. As a result, the vehicle in the back can slide underneath the truck. These are among the deadliest of all truck accidents.
• Head-on collisions come about when a truck rams into an approaching vehicle. These accidents frequently result in fatalities.
• Side-impact crashes: Commonly called “t-bone” accidents, side-impact crashes can occur when a truck driver makes a left turn and oncoming traffic crashes into the side of the truck.

Types of Injuries We See as Lawyers

Truck accidents tend to be among the most devastating traffic-related accidents. Because trucks are so much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries.Some of the most common truck accident injuries in Duluth are as follows:

• Traumatic brain injuries usually occur due to a violent blow to the head. TBIs can range from minor concussions to severe, life-threatening brain bleeds. They can also cause psychological symptoms, including memory problems and mood swings.
• Back and spinal cord injuries: Strains and sprains, fractured vertebrae, and slipped discs are common injuries stemming from truck accidents. If the spinal cord is broken, paralysis can occur.
• Whiplash occurs when the head and neck jerk violently back and forth during a collision, causing ligaments and muscles in the neck to tear.
• Broken and fractured bones can occur anywhere in the body, including the legs, arms, hips, ribs, and wrists.
• Burns: If a truck accident victim is exposed to toxic chemicals or a vehicle catches fire, they can sustain burns, which can cause permanent disfigurement.
• Internal injuries: Although they are not always readily apparent, internal injuries are common in truck accidents. Aside from internal bleeding, which is a medical emergency, internal injuries can include ruptured organs and punctured lungs.

If you were injured in a truck accident, you should consult with a Duluth truck accident attorney as soon as possible after the crash. An attorney will be able to handle every aspect of your case for you while you recover.