When a large semi-truck collides with another vehicle, it is the driver and passengers in the smaller vehicle who are most likely to be seriously injured or killed. Due to the size and weight of big-rigs, the force of the impact often leads to disaster.
If you or your loved one was involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, it can be hard to know where to turn. What are your rights and how can you seek justice? At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys have helped hundreds of people navigate the aftermath of tractor trailer accidents. We are recognized as one of the most effective personal injury law firms in Wisconsin and have recovered over $1 billion in damages over our years in practice. Contact us for immediate assistance.
Types of Truck Accidents
Because of the incredible size and weight of tractor trailers, an accident frequently leads to serious or fatal injuries. There are many types of accidents which can happen with semi-trucks. Here are a few.
- Truck Rollovers. When the driver of a truck loses control of his vehicle, it can cause the truck to roll over on its side, scattering cargo across the road, and blocking the roadway.
- Wide Turns. When a large truck needs to make a left-hand turn, it is often necessary to swing right before going in the intended direction. When drivers miscalculate this turn, it can pin cars against the sidewalk and endanger those in the vehicle.
- Tire Blowout. An unexpected blowout of a tire on a big rig truck can cause destruction, especially if it causes the driver to lose control of his vehicle.
- Jackknife. If a truck is traveling too fast for weather conditions, is loaded incorrectly, or is improper, the trailer can slide out from the truck, impacting other vehicles as it travels out of control down the roadway.
- Blind Spots. If a driver is unable to see other vehicles in adjacent lanes, that vehicle is in a blind spot for the driver of the truck — often referred to as “no man’s land.” A truck driver may change lanes directly into another vehicle, causing an underride or pushing the other vehicle into oncoming traffic.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Drivers share the road with commercial trucks every day. Truck drivers work long hours away from home. While drivers have strict federal regulations regarding hours of service and rest, these laws are often violated, with tragic consequences.
- Weather. When the weather turns bad, drivers face even more difficulty controlling commercial trucks. Wet or icy roads can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, putting those in their path at risk.
- Speeding. Speeding is dangerous in any vehicle. When you compound that with the size and weight of a tractor-trailer, speeding is negligent driving conduct – all others sharing the road are at risk.
- Fatigued drivers. There are federal regulations in place that limit the number of hours a driver can work during a given period of time. Tight deadlines and companies who push their drivers to exceed these limits are dangerous – a fatigued driver poses as much risk as a drunk driver.
- Distracted Driving. Truck drivers are bombarded with distractions as they drive. Eating, cellphone use including phone calls and texting, distracting conversations, and not watching the road can lead to a devastating truck accident with innocent people seriously or fatally injured.
Why Do I Need a Wisconsin Truck Accident Lawyer?
If you or your loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Kenosha, Wisconsin, knowing where to turn for help can be difficult. We invite you to meet with us at Cannon & Dunphy S.C., where we offer more than 30 years of experience handling truck accidents. Our Kenosha personal injury attorneys are highly experienced with complex Wisconsin truck accidents and can provide legal assistance to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Cannon & Dunphy S.C., our Wisconsin truck accident lawyers work to recover the maximum possible compensation for truck accident victims. With a record of success and for having recovered over $1 billion in damages, you can trust us to protect your rights and interests. Call (262) 782-2700 today to schedule a free consultation and find out how our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys can help.
