What are the types of truck accidents and specific steps to take after a truck accident?

Trucking crashes are known for their fatal and catastrophic nature. This is mainly because of the fact that trucks are very large and weigh dozens and dozens of tons. As a result, legislation in all states of the country have set aside trucking from the normal auto accident/traffic laws.

For the purpose of the extra safety required in trucking operations and handling trucks, trucking companies and truck drivers are subjected to a separate set of laws. In fact, not only are they subjected to exclusive trucking laws but are also expected to abide by FMSCA laws (Federal Motor Service Carrier Administration) which are federal level trucking laws.

Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can often be generalized into a few pre-established categories. Before we get to discussing about what these categories are, it is important to understand that truck accidents often occur because of some known issues, which play a crucial role in claims and lawsuits filed by Albuquerque, NM truck accident lawyers, such as Brian K Branch, on behalf of their clients. 

Some of the main causes for truck accidents are:

1. Driver fatigue – It is common for truck drivers to violate trucking laws and work extended shifts without rest in order to make an extra shipment and Central New Mexico and Albuquerque truck accident attorneys have seen this happen a number of times. Brian K Branch (http://www.bkblaw.net/) knows how to identify these types of cases and help you obtain the best compensation for your injuries and losses. 
2. Improper loading – Most trucks are employed to transport heavy payloads. There are laws pertaining especially to how these payloads need to be lodged onto the truck. Improper loading can have a substantial effect on the center of gravity of the truck. Any shift in the center of gravity can in turn greatly inhibit the handling of this massive vehicle, which can easily result in a total loss of control.
3. Drug abuse among drivers – Another occupational hazard with driving trucks is the fact that many drivers turn to drugs and stimulants to get through grueling and lonely hours and roads.
4. Mechanical failure – Service related issues are not unheard of in trucking. These are large vehicles with many moving parts that are subjected to wear and tear due to friction and require to be serviced regularly.

Most Common Types of Truck Accidents

The most common truck accidents are as follows and are caused by some of the reasons mentioned above.

1. Jackknifing – When the trailer part of truck swings to one side and sometimes even makes the entire vehicle topple. These accidents can block out all lanes of a highway and cause traffic jams for hours after the incident.
2. Tire blowouts – Trucks deal with a lot of weight in terms of payload and the weight of the vehicle itself. Therefore, the tires need to be checked regularly while the air pressure must be maintained at a suitable level. A tire blowout can cause sudden loss of control.
3. Lane changes – The blind spot especially on a semi-truck is very large indeed, and can easily result in an accident when changing lanes.
4. Improper turn execution – Trucks are long and have a poor turn radius. Therefore, a turn needs to be well estimated and executed with precision which can otherwise cause an accident.

Albuquerque, NM truck accident lawyers believe that anyone involved in an accident involving a truck, semi-truck, big rig or any other large commercial vehicle, ought to seek legal help immediately because the other side (their insurance company - representative) is going to show up and try to start working on your case before you can gather yourself. A legal professional will be in the best position to prove who is liable in the accident and ensure that you receive adequate compensation and not sign your case over for half of what it is really worth.

An all too Common Example

Your car is destroyed. Your MP4 player lost or destroyed. Your tool set is lost or destroyed (you had it in the trunk). Your nice seat covers you just bought from Autozone have been destroyed. Your left leg is broken. You have a presentation to give tomorrow at work and a vital call could be coming in as well but you are not sure when that will occur. 

Yes, your life is jacked up. Yes, you know someone else should pay and that truck driving company (their insurance representative) is right in front of you after the cast has been put on your leg offering you $35,000. If you take that check and sign that paperwork, you can buy another nice car and easily afford another MP4 player from Best Buy and have money left over. Your leg will heal, for sure.

First off, you may not just have a leg injury. You could have lower back problems that pop up in three weeks. You could have skull or brain damage that is not noticeable right now. Your productivity at work is going to take a hit (replacing your car alone is going to cost $25,000+ perhaps) and you are not ready to give that presentation and your evening to prepare for it has just been devoured. Some of your co-workers will feel bad for you but a few that are competing against you for team lead you know are not too sad about this situation at all.

$35,000 is not enough. You need a legal representative like Brain K Branch will can possibly secure for you $80,000. That number is not for sure but your case is worth more and you really do not have any clue at that point about the extent of your damages. Do not worry, your insurance company will allow you to rent a car for a while, you can ask a friend to give you a ride to work for a week or so before this case is settled. It would be totally irrational to take their first offer. You may have to see a chiropractor in a month and they are not free.

Go right here: http://www.bkblaw.net/ to call up Brian K Branch – the best truck accident lawyer in this part of New Mexico. You are not anywhere close to sealing any deal with the truck accident company and their insurance rep just yet. Let Brian K Branch go to work for you.