Beware the Dangers of Semi-Trucks
It’s common to see semi-trucks on the roads. Tractor-trailer combinations are one of the most common means of transport for freight and goods in North America. There are special requirements for drivers of semi-trucks. They must have Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL), and specialized training. Drivers – and the trucks themselves – are governed by both state and federal laws.
Most semi-truck drivers, like most drivers, drive carefully. However, when a truck driver drives while tired, or doesn’t pay attention, or simply makes mistakes on the road, and is involved in a crash, the result can be catastrophic, and people in other vehicles may suffer significant injuries.
When these crashes happen, it’s can be unclear who is at fault, and what actually took place. From our experience as truck accident lawyers in Everett, it’s not uncommon for semi-truck drivers to try to blame crashes on circumstances beyond their control, or on other drivers. For example, we recovered for a client who was in a collision in which the driver of a semi-truck lost control and jackknifed across the road, blocking three lanes of I-5. That truck driver claimed that he had been cut off by another vehicle, and had taken evasive action to avoid the collision. However, he had never mentioned that to the Washington State Patrol officers who investigated the crash, to any of the witnesses, or to anyone else before he testified three years later.
You have probably seen semi-trucks driving too fast, or driving too close to the car in front. Semi-trucks need much more distance to slow or stop as compared to cars. A fully-loaded semi traveling at 55mph needs at least 525 feet to stop, whereas a passenger car or needs 316 feet at that same speed. While a car generally weighs 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, a semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The probability for disaster when a semi-truck is in a crash is obvious.
At Kadish Twersky, we’ve represented many people injured in semi-truck crashes. We know how to determine if the semi driver, and the owners of the truck are at fault. If you or a loved one has been in a crash involving any type of semi, tractor-trailer, or commercial truck, please call our personal injury firm in Everett for a free consultation. We have over 75 years of combined experience in accident and injury cases as personal injury lawyers, and we are here to help you.
This website includes general information about legal issues to be used for educational purposes only and may not reflect the most current legal developments. These informational materials are not intended, and must not be taken, as legal advice on any particular set of facts or circumstances or to create an attorney-client relationship.