The freight-hauling big rigs that travel the highways are the engine that keep our local economies thriving. These hardworking drivers are constantly under a time crunch to make sure their payloads reach their final destinations, and we can continue living daily life. Accidents happen, though, and the results are often devastating.
That was the situation recently in Maryland when a tractor-trailer suddenly lost control and collided with several construction vehicles parked on the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge. The impact ignited multiple vehicle fires. Four workers had to be rescued, and four people on the bridge were taken to the hospital. The truck driver did not survive.
The specific cause of the accident has not been released yet. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, however, over 85% of truck accidents are due to driver error. These errors were most commonly:
· Poor decision making – The driver was speeding, following other vehicles too closely or misjudged the speed of over drivers, causing an accident.
· Distracted driving – The driver was not attentive enough, and failed to notice an approaching danger.
· Unable to drive – The driver was physically unable to drive due to a sudden physical impairment, medical condition – such as a heart attack – or fell asleep.
· Driving performance – The driver caused a collision by oversteering, or ineffectively maneuvering in some other way.
If you have been injured because of an accident with a large truck, it is critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible. Potential medical bills, lost wages and the possible loss of a vehicle is enough to put anyone in financial straits.
Commercial truckers are held to a much higher standard than that of a typical driver. If you or someone you care about is on the receiving end of a collision, make sure the company is held responsible. Seek the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
