There are many reasons why truck accidents occur in Pasadena, Maryland. Many of the causes of automobile accidents are also the causes of truck accidents. These causes include speeding, distracted driving, texting and driving, running red lights, and not obeying the laws of the road. There are also causes that are unique to truck accident claims. What are these? These include:
- Overloaded Trailer. Federal laws govern weight limits on trucks. Sometimes truck companies might cut corners when loading their trucks by overloading these vehicles. Overloaded trucks can pose a hazard to others on the road. These trucks may take longer to stop, may be more likely to tip over, or a driver can lose control of the vehicle more easily.
- Improperly Loaded Trailer. Items in a truck must be properly tied down and secured. When truck companies fail to properly load their trucks or fail to properly secure items, truck accidents can occur. Trucks can be more likely to tip over or lose control.
- Fatigued Driving. While drowsy driving can impact both automobile drivers, truck drivers are at particular risk of fatigued driving because of the long hours they work. Most truck drivers are hard-working people trying to make sure our goods get to their destinations on time. Yet sometimes companies might put extra pressure on truck drivers to meet unreasonable delivery standards. When this happens, fatigued driving accidents can occur. Another factor that must be considered when fatigued driving plays a role in a truck accident is the fact that federal law limits how long a driver can be on the road. Hours of service laws govern when truck drivers must stop and rest. Drivers must keep logs of their hours and breaks. If you were hurt in a truck accident, the Pasadena Maryland truck accident lawyers at Murnane & O’Neill can review truck driver’s logs and assist you with your claim if hours of service laws were violated.
These are just some of the unique factors that can cause truck accidents, but they are no means an exhaustive list. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident in Pasadena, Maryland, the truck accident attorney at Murnane & O’Neill is here to offer you and your family a free initial consultation during which we can review your case and assist you with the next steps.
Truck accidents can also result in wrongful death. If you suffered the tragic loss of a loved one due to a truck crash, the Pasadena, Maryland wrongful death lawyer at Murnane & O’Neill is here to help you. We can fight to hold responsible drivers and companies accountable.