Every driver has a duty of care to operate their vehicles with an abundance of safety. So when they breach this duty of care and instead act negligently behind the wheel, it is almost always the case that an auto accident results. Unfortunately, this is all the more catastrophic if this auto accident is between a standard motor vehicle and a semi-truck, given the stark contrast of size and weight. Well, with all that being said, please continue reading to learn how a semi-truck driver might drive negligently on the roads and how an experienced Tampa truck accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can help you hold them liable in this case.
In what ways might a semi-truck driver drive negligently?
Being that it is their livelihood, semi-truck drivers should go the extra mile to drive safely and carefully. But most unfortunately, we have dealt with many auto accident cases that came about due to semi-truck driver negligence, such as the following:
- A truck driver may be behind the wheel while extremely drowsy or fatigued.
- A truck driver may be behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- A truck driver may drive longer than enforced state and federal safety regulations permit.
- A truck driver may fail to check their large blind spots before merging or changing lanes.
- A truck driver may fail to leave enough space between their truck and the vehicle in front of them.
- A truck driver may fail to brake enough or kick out enough before making a wide turn.
- A truck driver may fail to properly inspect their truck and its cargo before hitting the road.
It is worth mentioning that a truck driver may not be alone in their negligence in some of the examples mentioned above. That is, their truck company employer may be partially to blame if they schedule them beyond the state and federal limits. Or, fellow employees who helped place cargo into the tractor unit may be at fault for improperly securing it.
How can I hold a semi-truck driver liable for their negligent driving?
If you believe a semi-truck driver was driving negligently, you may be able to hold them liable in a personal injury claim. But this is only so long as you can prove that their negligent driving caused actual damages. Specifically, that it directly led to your entering an auto accident event. And subsequently, it made you suffer through serious injuries. And lastly, these injuries came with significant economic and non-economic damages that you wish to seek financial compensation for. Of note, similar circumstances must be proven if you sooner find that the trucking company employer, fellow employee, or another third party was negligent in the matter at hand.
Speaking with a lawyer is never a bad idea, even if you are still unsure whether you require legal representation. At the very least, they may serve as a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear. So when in doubt, please schedule an initial consultation with a skilled Tampa auto accident lawyer from Merricks Law Group, P.A. today.
