Tampa Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Trucks on the Road

There are many types of commercial trucks in the United States, each one presenting unique risks. The most common include:

• Tanker Trucks – These trucks haul liquids or gases. You’ll recognize their cylindrical shape. Because of their size, tanker trucks may roll over when making quick stops or sharp turns. The liquid or gas inside is often flammable.
• Garbage and Dump Trucks – Work vehicles pose a serious threat to anyone driving or walking in close proximity. You can often find them in residential neighbourhoods carrying dry material, dirt, gravel, debris, and garbage. Cargo is sometimes top-heavy, leading to large blind spots.
• Tractor-Trailers – Also known as big rigs or semi-trucks, tractor-trailers bring cargo from one part of the country to another. They have large blind spots, a high center of gravity, and frequently distracted drivers. These trucks are perhaps the most dangerous of all commercial vehicles.
• Flatbed Trucks – With a long, open trailer designed to accommodate uniquely shaped cargo, flatbeds may cause accidents when secured cargo becomes dislodged and comes into contact with other vehicles on the roadway.
• Tow Trucks – These trucks are generally owned by private operators. Some drivers are adequately trained. Others are not. Weighing more than 10,000 pounds, tow trucks pose a frequent danger to passenger vehicles.

Causes of Truck Accidents

When commercial truck accidents occur, those injured deserve to know the cause. The most common causes of truck accidents include:

• • Poor Maintenance – Because commercial trucks travel thousands of miles on a daily basis, maintenance crews are responsible for regularly maintaining them. A worn brake pad, a cracked windshield, or a bad transmission can lead to serious (and sometimes fatal) accidents.
  • Faulty Equipment – Sometimes, maintenance crews do everything right, but equipment is faulty. In these situations, manufacturers can be held responsible for negligence during the production of a specific part. Your truck accident lawyer can help determine which party, if not several, should be held accountable for your injuries.
  • Driver Error – Even though truck drivers go through special training, mistakes are made that impact the lives of other drivers on the roadway. When truck drivers are tired, drunk, or under the influence of narcotics, passenger vehicles don’t stand a chance. There are strict regulations that require drivers to rest after a certain period of time, but many ignore regulations in favor of shorter trips.
  • Improper Loading – The government has developed industry-specific rules for truckers and loading teams, regulating the size, weight, length, width, and height of cargo that may be loaded at one time. When teams are negligent or reckless during loading, catastrophic accidents can occur.
  • Bad Weather – When driving in unfamiliar terrain, a truck driver should be more cautious than ever. Unfortunately, drivers with inadequate snow and ice training may skid, hydroplane, or jackknife on the roadway.

Not sure what caused your commercial truck accident? An Tampa truck accident attorney can help gather witnesses and evidence to build a case.