Accidents happen every day on the road, and can occur in residential areas, city streets, and the freeway. Car collisions can happen between a variety of vehicles, including commercial trucks, passenger vehicles, motorcycles, motorhomes, vans, and many more. Among the most serious of accidents usually involves a commercial truck and another vehicle. These large trucks carry thousand of pounds of produce, products or chemicals. In fact, commercial trucks when fully loaded can weigh an upwards of 80,000 pounds. Sadly, due to the pressures truck drivers endure, they may end up lacking sleeping and becoming fatigued while behind the wheel.
What are examples of commercials trucks?
There is not one single kind of commercial truck. Vehicles that are considered to be commercial trucks include delivery trucks, tractor trailers, garbage trucks, gasoline trucks, cement mixers, agricultural trucks, pump trucks, tank trucks and more.
How can I tell if a truck driver is fatigued?
When on the road, you may see a commercial truck moving in an odd or unwieldy manner. You may then wonder if the driver is either distracted or falling asleep behind the wheel. If a driver is fatigued they may appear to look disheveled, are nodding off, yawning excessively, or straining to keep eyes open. If you feel that a truck driver is operating the vehicle unsafely, you can call the police. An officer can then pull over the driver and investigate the situation more thoroughly if they feel it is needed.
What if I get hit by a truck driver, would should I do?
Any person that is involved in a vehicle accident should get medical attention. However, this can be particularly true for those who were hit by a commercial truck. Due to how heavy and large a commercial truck is, injuries to the other driver can be even worse than compared to being hit by a vehicle of similar size. Always get examined for injuries while at the scene, and follow up with your doctor soon after. Your health should be the number one priority to ensure you get back to health.
What if I did go to the emergency room, and now have medical bills to pay?
If the truck driver was at-fault for the accident, you may be able to file a lawsuit against him or her, or the trucking company. Who you sue depends on the reasons behind why the accident happened, whether it was driver fatigue or a mechanical failure. A 18 wheeler accident lawyer Des Moines, IA trusts can consult with you and help lead you in the right direction towards seeking the compensation needed to pay off your medical bills. If you have never met with an attorney before, you should consider collecting and bringing along the following information:
- Copies of all medical bills accumulated thus far
- Doctor’s exams and treatment plans
- Emergency costs and ambulance ride charges
- Witness contacts of the accident
- Pictures of the vehicle damage, scene or visible injuries
- Truck driver’s information and trucking company
- Estimates for vehicle repairs/damages
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Prescription medications
Thank you to our friends at Johnston Martineau, PLLP for their insight into truck accidents.