Accidents with large trucks are exceptionally common. In 2021 alone, there were over half a million big-rig accidents in the US, accounting for approximately 9% of all crashes. This is a worrying statistic, considering how bad these crashes can be.
Big rig crashes are considered much more dangerous than regular car crashes. People involved in a big rig crash are much more likely to walk away with life-changing injuries or not walk away at all. In fact, statistics suggest that over 47% of these crashes end in a fatality.
To try and reduce the number of big-rig accidents on our roads, we must hold negligible truck drivers responsible for their actions. Below, we will explain how to hold negligible truck drivers accountable:
The Importance of Determining Fault
Determining who is at fault should be one of your main priorities in the immediate aftermath of a big rig crash. One main reason for this is that it can help determine who is responsible for paying compensation. When a truck driver’s actions or inactions cause a truck accident that injures others, they may be liable to compensate their victims.
Another reason it is essential to determine fault is because big-rig drivers need to be held accountable for their actions. While some big-rig accidents are unavoidable, many can be avoided. Until we start holding truck drivers accountable for preventable accidents, they will continue to occur on our roads.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for a Truck Accident?
Several parties can be held accountable for a truck accident, including:
- The truck driver
- The manufacturer
- The owner of the trucking company
It is also possible for multiple parties to be held liable for a truck accident. In this instance, who is to blame will depend on the specific circumstances of the accident.
How to Determine Who is Responsible After a Big-Rig Crash
Determining liability after a truck accident will depend on the facts of the case. Some of the facts accident lawyers look at to determine liability include:
- Whether the truck driver acted negligently while driving the truck.
- Whether the big rig had any mechanical issues that caused the accident to occur.
- Whether the truck driver had completed all the necessary training before being allowed to drive on the road.
- Whether the tuck driver had any health issues that could have affected their driving.
- What the conditions were like at the time of the crash.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Big-Rig Crash
It might sound obvious, but the first thing you need to do is find a safe spot to park your vehicle. If you can, pull over to the side of the road, out of the way of oncoming traffic. As soon as you have done this, you must get out of your vehicle and find a safe place to stand before following the steps below:
- Check for any injuries – you must always put yourself first. Check to see if you have any visible injuries. If you have, seek medical attention immediately.
- Contact the emergency services – even if the crash was small, you must report it to the emergency services.
- Exchange details with the big-rig driver.
- Get contact details of any witnesses.
- Take photos of the scene as evidence.
- Contact your insurance provider.
- Contact an attorney for legal advice – an attorney will help you determine who is at fault If the truck driver is to blame, and they can help you hold them accountable for their actions.
Although not as common as car or motorcycle crashes, over half a million people are involved in big rig crashes yearly. To reduce this number, victims must hold negligible truck drivers responsible. Our team of lawyers at M Smith Law can help you with this.
You can find us at 15 Broad St #800, Boston, MA 02109.
Or call now for a free consultation on (617) 263-0860.