Even if the trucks stopped operating for a short time, it would have made life difficult. Although we do not realize it during the day, many needs are supplied and of course transported by trucks. For example, the stocks in the markets could not be renewed, the produced goods could not be delivered to the consumer, and perhaps even production could not be made because the necessary materials were not provided.
Yes, trucks are a very important tool to meet the needs. But the loads they carry to do this can be dangerous on the roads, especially for other small vehicles. This is because it is more difficult for them to stop, especially because of their load. Also trucks are much longer and require a more comprehensive maintenance of their brakes. So, mistakes and carelessness can cause some traffic accidents. Truck accidents are one of them, but it is a very bad experience and occur every day. Drivers suffer severe, life-changing injuries because of them.
Common causes of truck accidents
Personal mistakes made by truck drivers, such as lack of sleep, drinking and not obeying traffic rules, also cause accidents. However, there are also common causes listed below:
- high-speed truck driving
- being on the road in bad weather
- poor road conditions
- vehicle maintenance not being done properly
- mistakes made by other drivers
- failure to place the load securely
What can an employer do to prevent truck accidents?
An accident is, of course, an unexpected event. However, some precautions should be taken to minimize the possibility of this happening. Accident risk can be reduced thanks to the measures listed below for the employer. You can also sue for negligence if the measures listed below are not provided by your employer.
- The maintenance of the vehicles should be done properly and periodically.
- It should be checked whether the vehicles are loaded beyond the mass or size limits.
- The employer should keep reports of drivers’ working and resting times.
- Programs to be implemented by drivers should be well planned by the employer.
- The employer must take the necessary measures to prevent drivers from working during their rest periods.
But as mentioned earlier, these are just precautions. Of course, these are precautions that must be followed. If these are neglected and an accident occurs, it can be said that the employer is responsible for the injury to the worker.
What should you do if you were injured in a truck accident?
If you have an accident, you may not have a clear mind afterward. That’s why you need to learn the steps to take after a truck accident.
After the truck accident, you need to stay where the accident happened and inform the authorities. Even if you do not feel affected by the accident, seek medical attention. Next, you should try to obtain information such as license plate number, driver’s name, etc. It may also be a good idea to take pictures to assess the situation. After that, another important step you need to do is to calculate the cost of your accident. For this, you should contact an experienced injury lawyer.
What does truck accident compensation cover and how does the claim process work?
Regardless of whether you are a driver or a passenger, you have the right to claim compensation if you have been injured in a truck accident.
If you are involved in a truck accident, you may have some legal rights after an assessment of the situation. Examples of these are medical expenses caused by your injury, income support payments, funeral expenses, occupational rehabilitation, physiotherapy expenses, and dental expenses. You may be entitled to even reasonable compensation for home care. The assessment needs to be done carefully, as the amount of compensation you will receive depends on the circumstances. For this reason, you should contact a injury lawyer and determine what you can request by providing detailed information about your situation.
