Semi-trucks are semi-trailer trucks that have a tractor unit and a semi-trailer that carries the goods. The semi-trailer attaches to the tractor part of the truck, making it a semi-truck. Semi-trucks can be very dangerous when they are not driven by an aware and professional driver and you may need to get a Queens semi-truck accident lawyer if you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck.
Why are Semi-Trucks Dangerous?
A semi-truck with an empty semi-trailer weighs about 35,000 pounds. These tractor-trailers are not allowed to weigh more than 80,000 pounds to avoid damage to roads or highways. Most semis are 53 feet, so they are very long and heavy. This makes it easy for them to get into an accident on roads that are usually designed for smaller cars.
In 2019, over 5,000 large trucks were a part of fatal crashes. If you or a loved one is involved in a crash with a semi-truck in New York City, you should contact a Queens semi-truck accident lawyer for dedicated representation you can trust.
Reasons for Accidents
Most semi-truck accidents are caused by human error. This means the driver is usually the one who made a mistake that led to the accident.
Distraction
Being distracted is a common cause for most accidents, whether they are in a normal-sized car or a semi-truck. Distractions include looking at your phone while driving, talking to other passengers, taking your eyes off the road for any reason, and more. With their big size and heavyweight, truck drivers cannot afford to be distracted by little things that may cost them their lives on the road. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident due to a distracted driver, schedule a free consultation with our Queens semi-truck accident lawyer today.
Intoxication
Many truck drivers have been caught driving under the influence, and as commercial drivers in a dangerous semi-truck, they are held to a higher standard than other drivers. Driving under the influence causes many deaths each year and operating a huge truck while intoxicated can be even more fatal.
Speeding
Speeding is another act that many drivers are found guilty of doing. When you speed, you have less time to react if something happens around you that requires you to make a quick decision. It is especially dangerous in semi-trucks since their increased weight means they are much harder to stop when the driver applies the brakes. Many of the cases our Queens semi-truck accident lawyer handles involve excessive speeds and negligent truck drivers.
Not Checking Blind Spots
At 53 feet long, semi-trucks have a lot of blind spots that cannot be seen by the driver through their side mirrors. Most other cars are much smaller in comparison and when they enter these blind spots, it can be difficult to know they are there. Drivers of semi-trucks should always be aware of their blind spots and make sure to check them, especially when switching lanes on the highway.
Sleep Deprivation
Unfortunately, sleep deprivation is one of the primary reasons our Queens semi-truck accident lawyer finds causes trucking accidents. Truck drivers are driving long distances for many hours at a time, and if they do not have enough sleep, they will become easily distracted and may even fall asleep at the wheel. Truck drivers often receive incentives to drive far distances in the least amount of time which further encourages driver fatigue.
Truck drivers will sometimes travel thousands of miles in a matter of days. Because of the prevalence of driver fatigue in truck drivers, there are federal regulations that limit the number of hours that a driver can go within a day before they have to take a break for a certain amount of time.
Since these trucks are already so large and heavy, getting into an accident is going to lead to extreme damage to the other participants in the crash, including the driver. If a semi-truck driver is not aware at all times and makes a little mistake, it can result in major consequences and you may require a Queens semi-truck accident lawyer.
Schedule A Free Consultation With An Experienced Queens Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you live in New York and are looking for a Queens semi-truck accident lawyer, you should contact Shaevitz & Shaevitz. We have over 65 years of experience as injury attorneys and offer free consultations. You also do not have to pay any fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf, so there is nothing to lose.
If you are interested in a free consultation with a Queens truck accident attorney to learn more about your rights, call us at (718) 291-3400 or contact us online.
