Tractor-Trailer Accidents

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Car accidents occur every day on the highways in the United States. In fact, everyone will most likely be involved in one in their lifetime. Car accidents often result in injuries or even death, but accidents involving tractor-trailers are usually catastrophic due to their sheer size and weight. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), accidents involving tractor-trailers cause over 4,500 deaths per year.

Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Tractor trailer accidents can be caused by many different factors including:

• Driver fatigue. Drivers are under strict time restraints in order to deliver their goods and often do not break to sleep enough.

• Speeding
• Large blind spots
• Driving while impaired
• Overloaded trailers

Tractor-trailer accidents are not always caused by the driver of the tractor-trailer, however. Drivers of motor vehicles on the road can also be at fault in an accident involving a tractor-trailer. If you are the driver of a tractor-trailer and have been involved in an accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may also be entitled to receive compensation.

What To Do If You Are Involved in a Tractor-Trailer Accident

If you have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, the first step is to seek medical attention. Be as detailed as possible with the medical care provider, and obtain a report after you have received whatever treatment necessary. If possible, take photos of the scene of the accident. Also, obtain the name and contact information of any other drivers involved as well as any potential witnesses.

Do not speak to any other driver’s insurance company. The negligent driver’s insurance company will contact you in an effort to obtain a recorded statement. They may even make you an offer of compensation immediately, trying to convince you it would be a waste of time to get lawyers involved. Keep in mind that insurance companies are out to pay you as little as possible, and more often than not their initial offer will be well below what you are actually entitled to.

All car accidents are traumatic and those involving tractor-trailers are almost always tragic. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, please contact the experienced tractor-trailer accident attorneys at Carr & Carr today.