Truck accidents are among the most dangerous motor vehicle crashes. Identifying the cause of a semi-wreck is crucial for injured people seeking compensation by holding at-fault parties accountable. The reasons for a truck crash can be complex and have multiple causes, making it difficult to hold a negligent driver liable. Talk to a knowledgeable truck crash attorney and learn the common causes of truck accidents in Bangor that apply to your case.
Why Truck Accidents Can Be More Serious and Deadly
Compared to other types of motor vehicle collisions, those involving 18-wheelers tend to be more deadly. Semis are heavier, which can increase the potential for damage when crashing into smaller vehicles, even traveling at slower speeds. The truck’s cargo can also make collisions more dangerous. When carrying hazardous or flammable materials, crashes can cause spills or fires that lead to injuries beyond those of a standard car wreck. These risks are contributors to causing truck crashes in Bangor.
The Main Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck wrecks can involve natural or human-created conditions while driving, and sometimes both. For example, snowy weather can combine with a semi driver’s speeding and cause a collision. Other common causes of truck accidents in Bangor include:
- Poorly distributed loads that can create a risk of rollovers during high winds or sharp turns
- Unmaintained highways and roads that make it dangerous for trucks to navigate
- Distracted driving from texting, eating, or other actions
- Mechanical failures (e.g. locked steering wheels or bad brakes)
- Malfunctioning or fallen road signs and traffic lights
- Speeding and violations of traffic laws
- Intoxicated drivers
- Bad weather
Truck drivers who fail to exercise their duty of care can be liable for negligent acts contributing to a collision and injury. The steps below may be relevant for those injured by a semi-wreck.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
Truck crashes in Bangor can happen quickly, making it difficult to properly identify what caused it. Taking pictures of the accident scene and notes of events leading up to the crash can be useful. However, the first step should be to seek medical attention from first responders and trauma specialists.
The next step should be to meet with a truck wreck lawyer to provide information on potential rights to compensation from the parties responsible for the accident. This can be the driver, their employer, or another entity whose acts or omissions contributed to the wreck. If a driver is unsure of fault, a consultation can be useful to start an investigation into potential negligence.
An attorney can take steps to obtain financial compensation for injuries, including medical costs, missed earnings, and other losses. This can include negotiating a settlement with the defendant’s counsel and insurance carrier or advocating rights to compensation.
Consult With a Bangor Truck Accident Lawyer
Maine Title 14 § 752 has a six-year statute of limitations for civil actions involving personal injury, which includes claims arising from the common causes of truck accidents in Bangor. Identifying the reasons for a semi-truck crash is an important first step in evaluating the merits of legal claims for your injuries. If you have concerns about the right to compensation, meet with a personal injury attorney today.
