Understanding Large Truck Accidents: Causes, Consequences, and Seeking Legal Help

A Fatal Incident on Van Buren Street

We want to bring you a story that happened a few months ago because we think it highlights some of the dangers we have been speaking about when it comes to large trucks. In September, a semi-truck driver was heading east on Van Buren Street. When he took a right turn onto 35th Avenue, the rear wheels of his vehicle came up onto the sidewalk and struck a man who was walking.

Unfortunately, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

While the police say that there were no signs of impairment with the driver, this incident shows that there are many ways that people get hurt by large trucks.

Do you know what to do if you are involved in a large truck accident?
If you need a Phoenix truck accident attorney, you can count on the team at Lorona Mead for help. Their knowledgeable and experienced personal injury attorneys will be by your side, working to secure the compensation you deserve.

Causes and Responsibility

Truck accidents usually happen in one of two ways – vehicle failure or driver negligence.

In the case above, something happened that should not have happened. Drivers are supposed to be well-trained in driving techniques. They should know how to operate their vehicles without having the wheels come up onto the sidewalk. If this happens, they are going to cause an accident.

All drivers should be properly licensed and trained. They should follow all laws regarding how many hours a day they can drive as well as regulations concerning how much weight they can carry at a time.

Under no circumstances should a driver be operating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so puts the lives of everyone on the roadway around them in jeopardy.

Drivers should also not be distracted by their phones or other devices. If they are, then they are not properly watching the roadway.

When it comes to truck companies and owners, they should regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to prevent vehicle failure. In fact, most truck accidents are caused by a malfunction of the vehicle itself that causes the driver to lose control. Commonly failed systems include the:

    • Brakes
    • Tires or wheels
    • Powertrain
    • Suspension
    • Connecting gear

It is irresponsible for companies to not ensure the safety of their vehicles on a regular basis.

Protecting Your Rights

If you or a loved one have been injured in a large truck accident and you believe it was caused by someone else’s negligence, we advise you to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. At Lorona Mead, our team understands the complex dynamics that happen in the aftermath of a truck accident and we want to help.

We know you will have many questions about who will cover medical expenses, lost income, and more. Our team will get to work on your behalf to secure compensation for all of your accident-related expenses. When you need a Phoenix truck accident attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 602-388-1025.