What may simply be referred to as a “fender bender” when involving two passenger vehicles, a rear-end collision involving a large semi-truck can lead to devastating consequences. Commercial trucks weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, whose force is transferred to a much smaller passenger vehicle in the event of a rear end collision.
If you or a loved one was injured in a rear-end truck collision, do not hesitate to reach out for assistance. You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s negligence. The legal team at Burch Law Firm has over a quarter century of experience in personal injury law. We are ready to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to review your legal options for recovery.
Common Causes of Rear End Truck Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents can be caused by various factors. Some of the most common causes of rear-end truck accidents include:
Speeding
When a driver speeds, it takes longer for them to come to a complete stop when they notice a hazard ahead or that another vehicle is stopping or slowing down. When a vehicle weighs several times the weight of an average passenger vehicle, it will take even longer for the commercial vehicle to come to a complete stop. Sadly, speeding truck drivers cause completely preventable rear-end collisions.
Following Too Closely
All drivers are expected to maintain a safe following distance between their vehicle and the ones in front of them. When a truck driver tailgates or otherwise follows too closely, they increase the odds of causing a rear-end collision.
Unsafe Lane Changes
Truck drivers sometimes make unsafe lane changes while they are in a hurry to get to their destination. This can increase the odds of them ramming into the back of other vehicles when they switch into a lane where motorists are in the process of turning or stopping.
Impaired Driving
Unfortunately, some truckers make the decision to drive after drinking, taking illegal narcotics, or using prescribed or over-the-counter medications that impair their ability to drive safely. Impaired drivers tend to have slower reaction times and a decreased ability to identify hazards.
Failure to Use Hazard Lights
Sometimes commercial trucks pull over to the side of the road so the driver can rest or check their load. However, if they do not use hazard lights, other motorists may not be able to see them, especially when it is raining or dark.
Faulty Brakes or Brake Lights
If a truck driver’s brake lights are not working correctly, other drivers will not know when the truck is stopping so that they can also brake. Likewise, if a truck’s brakes are not working at optimal levels, a truck can crash into the rear of a motorist in front of them.
Even though trucking companies are required to complete pre-trip inspections and maintain their fleet, many take shortcuts with safety and allow trucks with malfunctioning parts on the roadway. These mechanical deficits pose significant dangers to other motorists.
Common Injuries in Rear End Truck Accidents
Common injuries that stem from rear-end truck accidents include:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Severe lacerations
- Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries
- Neck and back injuries
Who Is at Fault in A Rear End Truck Accident?
One of the reasons why truck accident cases can be so complex is that multiple parties may be liable for a collision. Some of the potential parties that may bear responsibility for a truck collision and the circumstances when liability might arise include:
- Truck driver – The first option for pursuing compensation may be to file a claim against the negligent truck driver. The truck driver is expected to operate their vehicle safely in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. If the truck driver was following too closely, distracted, speeding, or otherwise acting in a negligent fashion, they may be liable for the losses you have suffered.
- Other drivers – Other drivers might also have acted negligently. For example, in a pileup collision, one vehicle following too closely could have set off a chain reaction of multiple crashes.
- Trucking company – Trucking companies are generally responsible for the negligent actions of their drivers. Additionally, trucking companies can be held liable when they hire inexperienced or incompetent truck drivers and their negligent hiring practices contribute to the collision.
- Truck or parts manufacturer – In the event the collision was caused because of defective brakes or other components, the truck or parts manufacturer may be responsible for the rear end collision.
- Cargo loading company – If cargo shifted or fell off the vehicle during transit so the truck driver was not paying attention to motorists ahead, the company that loaded the cargo might be responsible for resulting damages.
- Maintenance crew – Many trucking companies outsource maintenance to third parties. If the third party was negligent in inspecting or maintaining the vehicles, they may be responsible for resulting accidents.
A semi-truck accident lawyer with Burch Law Firm can thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision that injured you and identify all potentially liable parties. We will demand maximum compensation for your injuries.
How Can You Prove Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
An experienced truck accident lawyer can immediately launch an in-depth investigation into the factors that contributed to your accident. We can gather and review evidence that can help establish fault, such as:
- Police and accident reports
- Inspection records that may indicate the truck had faulty brakes, lights, or other mechanical issues
- Training records for the truck driver who caused the accident
- Trucking logs that might show the driver was speeding or carrying a heavy load
- Eyewitness statements
- Reports from accident reconstruction experts
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
Contact Burch Law Firm for More Information Today
If you were injured in a truck rear end accident, a semi-truck accident lawyer with Burch Law Firm can help. We have over a quarter century of experience in personal injury law, helping accident victims just like you pursue compensation for their injuries. We offer one-on-one attention, directly from an experienced lawyer. Contact us today to get started on your path to recovery.
