Sioux Falls Truck Accident Lawyers Protecting Your Right To Compensation

While large trucks are essential to the American economy, semis can be dangerous vehicles to share the road with. These enormous vehicles can weigh over 10,000 pounds and are 70 feet long. Their substantial size means that a driver’s mistake can lead to a devastating accident.

Since there are typically several parties involved in a truck accident, it is essential to have experienced legal support. Our Sioux Falls attorneys at HPS Law Firm have over 100 years of combined legal experience. They can offer skilled advocacy as you navigate your injury claim.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?

Driving a large commercial vehicle is a difficult job. Often, truck drivers are overtired and spend many hours on the road. In addition to long hours, truck drivers face other hazards, such as:

• Improperly loaded or overloaded trucks
• Tight deadlines
• Distracting consoles
• Changing weather and road conditions

These factors can significantly impact a driver’s ability to react to changes in traffic or road conditions. Unfortunately, when a truck driver loses control of a semi, it can have a catastrophic impact on the surrounding vehicles.

Why Are Truck Accidents Complicated?

Unlike an accident with a car, a collision with a commercial vehicle involves more than the driver. In addition to the driver, there may be other people or entities involved in settling a personal injury claim with a commercial vehicle, such as:

• The insurance company for the truck company
• The trucking company
• The insurance company for the driver (if the driver has a separate policy)
• The truck manufacturer

Insurers and trucking companies can sometimes make these situations complex by passing blame for the accident. It is essential to have skilled representation so that you have the legal support you need.

What Are The Most Common Types Of Truck Accidents?

All trucking accidents, even minor ones, can do serious damage to other vehicles and cause catastrophic injuries to drivers and passengers. Some of the most common types of trucking accidents include:

• Jackknife accidents: These accidents are especially dangerous because the trailer swings into traffic, causing collisions with other vehicles and sometimes trapping smaller ones under the trailer.
• Head-on collisions: Truck drivers can hit other vehicles straight on if they are drowsy, distracted or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Any of these issues can cause them to swerve into oncoming traffic.
• Rear-end accidents: When traffic slows or stops, and the truck driver cannot stop the truck, rear-end accidents occur. Given the size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles, it only takes a minor rear-end accident for other people to be seriously injured.
• Rollover accidents: If a truck driver has to swerve to avoid an object or if the cargo load shifts suddenly, the truck can tip over on its side or roof. Other causes of rollovers include icy road conditions, speeding and sharp turns.
• Sideswipe accidents: Swerving into other lanes can lead to trucks causing T-bone accidents or to running another vehicle off the road. Either situation may result in the other vehicle being crushed or rolling over.
• Brake malfunction accidents: Brake failure in commercial trucks can cause fatal accidents for other drivers and passengers on the road. The truck often goes out of control, colliding with other vehicles. Faulty brakes can be the result of driver negligence, manufacturing defects or lack of maintenance/replacement.
• Tire blowout accidents: When a truck’s tire ruptures, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle. This is particularly dangerous when the truck is traveling at high speed.

These are not all of the kinds of trucking accidents. If your accident was caused by another factor, please contact us for a free consultation.

Talk To A Sioux Falls Truck Accident Lawyer Today

After an accident with a semi, getting support from one of our skilled attorneys, who will understand your case, is essential. To schedule a consultation at our Sioux Falls office, fill out the online contact form or call us at 605-252-9277.