Injured In A Big Rig Accident? What Are Your Legal Options?

Although semitrucks (and their drivers) are subject to some of the strictest regulations in the U.S. when it comes to roadway safety, these regulations aren't always enough to prevent disaster. These trucks' sheer weight, along with the length of roadway they need in order to come to a full stop, can mean that a passenger vehicle that finds itself in the path of a speeding semi may not have a chance. Read on to learn more about some of the common claims asserted in big rig personal injury lawsuits and what steps you should take if you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident. 

What Are Some Common Causes of Big Rig Accidents?

Recent new trucking regulations have focused on limiting the number of total hours a driver spends behind the wheel in a 24-hour period. Even if a driver may feel well-rested, fatigue can set in quickly, and a driver at the end of a long shift may not have the same reaction time and attentiveness as he or she did just a few hours earlier. Many trucking accidents are later attributed to the trucker's lack of sleep or violation of the working-hours regulations. 

Another common cause of trucking accidents includes drug or alcohol use. While most truckers are subject to random drug and alcohol testing through their employer, many drugs remain present in detectable amounts for only a few hours to a few days, reducing the risk that a trucker who is under the influence will be caught by his or her employer. As a result, some truckers have come to rely on amphetamines or even methamphetamine as a way to maintain wakefulness during long shifts. Illegal drugs and alcohol and even certain legal drugs (like antihistamines) can affect reaction time and significantly increase the risk of an accident. 

Finally, truckers who regularly exceed the speed limit can pose a greater accident risk. Because it takes trucks (especially fully loaded ones) so much longer to slow down, truckers who speed or who follow too closely can find it impossible to avoid an accident if the car in front of them brakes suddenly. And a truck-to-car collision can be disastrous for the car, especially in a rear-end collision. 

What Are Your Legal Options After a Big Rig Accident?

If you or a loved one has been injured, or if a loved one has been killed, in a big rig accident, the time to act is now. Each state sets forth its own statute of limitations for personal injury cases, and once this statute of limitations has passed, you'll no longer be able to seek any sort of legal recourse for the injuries sustained in this accident.

Even if you decide not to proceed with a lawsuit, it can be helpful to consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney who specializes in big rig cases can analyze the facts and circumstances of your unique situation and provide information on your options, from mediation to litigation and just about everything in between. 

Visit a big rig accident law office near you to learn more.