BIG TRUCK COLLISIONS

Many auto collisions involve large trucks. Big rigs, 18 wheelers, and especially wiggle waggons can weigh in excess of 80,000 pounds. Many commercial delivery vehicles have a laden weight of over 30,000 pounds.  Auto collisions that involve large trucks are more likely to cause severe injuries, even fatalities.  This is due to the truck’s weight and size; basic physics dictate that force equals mass times acceleration.  That means a more massive object does significantly greater damage at any given speed. Big trucks, especially overweight or multi-trailer rigs, do much more damage that passenger cars, SUVs, and even regular 18 wheelers. If they collide with an automobile, fatal injuries are likely.  Statistics show that 10% of the parties involved in truck collisions will die.  Many times, truck collisions include multiple vehicles, whereas car collisions tend to be more one-on-one. This is yet another reason that truck collisions are so severe in nature. 

Both the state of Arkansas and the Federal Government have laws to protect automobile drivers from the recklessness of truck drivers and their employers.  Truck drivers must follow a certain protocol to ensure their truck is operating in optimum condition. They must be well rested so they do not experience fatigue. Truck drivers also must follow outlined speed and lane changing regulations. The trucking company has responsibilities too. For example, the company must ensure certain standards are met when it loads the truck with materials. All of these precautions are necessary, and they must be implemented each time a truck driver hits the road.

Truck collisions are lethal, and there are many reasons why they occur. If a truck driver is at fault for instigating a truck collision, further inspection may be required to determine if negligence is an issue. Negligence can be on the behalf of the truck driver or the truck driver’s employer. Regardless of who is at fault, responsibility must be taken for careless actions.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck collision, immediate legal attention is crucial. You will want to start building your case with a legal team with the knowledge and background to ensure success in the court room. At the Chaney Law Firm, our attorneys know personal injury cases, and have been instrumental in the success of many personal injury cases throughout Arkansas. Being involved in a truck collision is devastating, fighting for damages shouldn’t be. Let our family help yours.