Commercial truck driving can be an enjoyable and lucrative career. Truck drivers get to see the world, make a competitive salary, and do not have to spend their days sitting in an office. However, truck driving is also a highly dangerous job due to the many risks of being on the road and behind the wheel of a semi-truck.
The Size of Trucks
A regular passenger vehicle weighs a few thousand pounds. In comparison, large tractor-trailers can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds. They are much taller than other vehicles, have more complex moving parts, more axles, and complex electrical systems. All of this can make it more difficult to operate and control a commercial vehicle.
Truck drivers must undergo a training course and examination before they can receive their commercial driver’s license (CDL). While this gives them some training regarding how to handle these large vehicles, truck drivers can still run into dangerous situations. If a truck will not stop or starts skidding, it can be a terrifying situation and a driver may not know what to do. Additionally, due to a truck’s higher center of gravity, it can easily tip over. Hitting a curb, taking a turn too fast, or even high winds can result in a rollover crash.
Long Hours on the Road
We have all become sleepy behind the wheel of a car. This is a regular occurrence for truck drivers, however. If you drive long hours on the same highways over and over, it can be easy to become fatigued and lose focus. Even if a truck driver follows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hours of service restrictions to the letter, they can still experience bouts of drowsiness. There is always pressure from employers to make deliveries on time, so drivers may try to push through tiredness with coffee or other stimulants. All too often, this results in a fatigued driving crash.
Hazmat Trucks
To make matters more dangerous, some truck drivers haul huge tanks full of hazardous materials (hazmat), including toxic, corrosive, or flammable liquids and gases. Drivers require an additional certification to drive HAZMAT vehicles, and for good reason. If these trucks crash, the cargo could spill and result in widespread damage and harm, including to the driver.
If you are a truck driver who crashed or suffered injuries on the job, you deserve to receive the necessary workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost income. If you are a motorist injured by a truck, you deserve to seek full compensation from the trucking company for your medical expenses and other losses.
Contact Our Gwinnett County Personal Injury Attorneys for More Information
The truck accident lawyers at Brauns Law Accident Injury Lawyers, PC help clients who suffered injuries in serious crashes. Whether you are an injured truck driver or motorist, we can evaluate your situation and advise you of your rights. Please call 404-418-8244 or contact us online for a free consultation as soon as possible. We are here to help.
