Vehicles are a huge part of the world transportation system and economy, and trucks contribute largely to make transportation of goods and services easier. Due to the size and number of trucks on our roads today, there have been huge numbers of truck accidents and resulting fatalities.
Accidents between big trucks and passenger vehicles are common, and sadly, the passenger vehicles often suffer more damage. This is, of course, largely due to the size and the mass of the truck. In turn, it can be incredibly devastating to the victim to get into an accident with a truck.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Franklin, Ohio
There are numerous causes of truck accidents. Since trucks are generally larger, the impact of the accidents are usually fatal. Statistics record over 4,800 fatal crashes involving large trucks in the United States each year. Ohio was ranked as one of the top 10 truck crash states in 2017. The following are some common causes of Ohio truck accidents.
Exhaustion: Most times, trucks are used to move products over long distances, making numerous deliveries daily. This gives truck drivers less time to stop and rest. Sometimes, they lose sleep as they drive late so that they can reach their destination. Driving while fatigued can lead to falling asleep behind the wheel. This causes drivers to lose control of their trucks and cause deadly crashes.
Drugs and Alcohol-Impaired Drivers: People should not operate heavy machinery while under the influence, and that goes for commercial trucks, too. Because some drivers have tight deadlines and schedules, they often use alcohol or drugs that have not been prescribed to keep them going. Unfortunately, these substances increase the chances of deadly accidents.
Poor Truck Maintenance: Since trucks are always on the move, there are tendencies for drivers to overlook proper maintenance and routine equipment inspection. In short, some companies are fine as long as their trucks keep moving. They wait for an obvious breakdown to fix whatever problem comes up, thereby putting many lives in danger on the road.
Non-secure Truck Loading: Trucks carry massively heavy loads, and trucking companies are required to load their trucks properly, ensuring that contents are secure and adhere to weight limits set by state and federal requirements. Failure to follow the rules could cause accidents on the road.
Malfunction of Air Brakes: Large trucks have air brakes designed to help them stop within a hundred feet whenever they are traveling over 35 miles per hour. Malfunctions can occur when the trucks are headed downhill when it is harder to stop due to their weight. When this happens, trucks get into serious accidents by rolling over or jackknifing, causing more damage to other vehicles that are in the immediate vicinity.
Speeding: Truck drivers tend to go rogue as it concerns the speed limits for trucks in different areas, especially when they are driving late at night. Neglecting speed limits has been a contributing factor to a large number of truck accidents.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries and death. Statistics have shown how severe truck accident injuries can get. Most truck accidents result in serious injuries to the head, neck, limbs, and back. Broken bones and internal wounds are also common injuries.
Truck accident injuries to the spine may result in paralysis or even traumatic brain injuries. While these injuries could be felt physically, there are also others that can leave lasting psychological and emotional damage and should be treated with priority, too.
How to Deal with a Truck Accident in Franklin, Ohio
Accidents are sudden and can be absolutely overwhelming. Within a blink of an eye, you have to deal with a lot of unexpected grief, pain, and financial turmoil. If you were part of a truck accident, you should immediately focus on your health and physical recovery. It is important to consult with a doctor to see what treatment and rehabilitation you might need and to document the extent of your injuries. In addition, the parties responsible for the accident need to be held responsible; for that, the experienced truck accident attorney of Kruger & Hodges are here for you.
We know the toll accidents can have on victims and their families, and we always want our clients to reach full recovery without being bothered about legal complexities. With our experience and strong proficiency, our attorneys will take care of all aspects of your case. Please contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your rights after a truck accident.
