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In recent accident reports, the year 2021 witnessed a distressing surge in fatal crashes involving large trucks, with a staggering 5,700 incidents reported. This represents an 18% rise compared to 2020 and a significant 49% increase over the past decade. Furthermore, the involvement rate of large trucks in fatal crashes per 100 million miles traveled has also seen an alarming upward trend. It rose by 7% in 2021 compared to the previous year and soared by 22% over the last ten years. [1]
As the numbers keep increasing, seeking legal representation from an experienced truck accident lawyer is important for victims of truck accidents to navigate the legal process and pursue fair compensation for their injuries and losses.
What is a Truck Accident?
A truck accident refers to a collision involving a commercial truck, also known as a semi-truck or a big rig, with another vehicle or a pedestrian. Given their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause significant damage in an accident, often leading to catastrophic injuries for those involved.
Types of Truck Accidents in Portland Maine
Truck accidents can have devastating consequences, and understanding the different types of truck accidents can help victims and their families navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for their losses.
Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision occurs when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front to front, resulting in severe damage and injuries. These types of accidents are particularly dangerous due to the large size and weight of commercial trucks.
In the aftermath of a head-on collision, victims often face physical pain, a long and arduous healing process, extensive medical treatments, and costly medical bills.
Sideswipe Collisions
A sideswipe collision is a type of accident that often occurs in truck crashes. It happens when a truck changes lanes without properly checking blind spots, resulting in the truck sideswiping a passenger vehicle.
Sideswipe collisions can be severe and lead to significant injuries. The sheer size and weight of trucks can cause extensive damage to smaller vehicles, often resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.
In these types of collisions, common injuries include whiplash, broken bones, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. Victims may also experience emotional trauma and mental health issues as a result of the accident.
Rear-end Collisions
Rear-end collisions involving commercial vehicles are a common type of truck crash that can result in catastrophic damage. Compared to smaller passenger vehicles, the large size and weight of commercial trucks can often result in serious injuries and extensive property damage.
In a rear-end collision, a commercial truck fails to stop in time and strikes the vehicle in front of it. The force generated by the impact can cause whiplash, broken bones, internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries. The emotional trauma and mental health issues that victims experience after such accidents cannot be overlooked either.
Rollovers
Rollover crashes are one of the many types of truck accidents that can occur on the roads. These accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof, often causing severe damage and injuries.
Rollover accidents can happen due to various factors, such as speeding, sharp turns, uneven loads, tire blowouts, or driver negligence. When a truck loses its balance and tips over, it can result in catastrophic consequences. Not only does it pose a significant risk to the truck driver, but it can also cause severe injuries to occupants of other vehicles involved.
Taking precautionary measures such as maintaining appropriate speeds, properly securing loads, and adhering to safety regulations can significantly reduce the chances of a rollover crash occurring.
Table of Contents
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What is a Truck Accident?
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Types of Truck Accidents in Portland Maine
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Common Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes
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How a Portland, Maine, Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
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Why it is Important to Seek Legal Representation After a Truck Accident
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How to Find a Qualified Truck Accident Attorney in Portland, Maine
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Sources
Related Information
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Birth Injury
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Bus Accidents
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Car Accidents
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Dog Bites
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Medical Malpractice
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Motorcycle Accidents
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Personal Injury
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Pedestrian Accidents
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Premises Liabilty
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Product Liability
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Slip and Fall
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Truck Accidents
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Wrongful Death
Common Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes
The National Safety Council reports that there were 5,700 fatal large truck crashes in 2021, an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is also up by 7% from 2020 and 22% in the last 10 years. [1]
It is important to understand the common causes of these accidents to prevent future tragedies.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a significant issue amongst truck drivers and plays a significant role in semi-truck crashes. Long-haul truckers often face occupational hazards that contribute to drowsy driving, increasing the risk of accidents. The demanding nature of their job requires them to spend long hours behind the wheel, often leading to exhaustion and a lack of alertness.
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of commercial truck crashes. This hazardous condition impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and affects concentration, all of which are critical for safe driving. Unfortunately, lax regulations exacerbate the problem, allowing truck drivers to work extended hours without sufficient rest.
In order to prevent fatigue-related accidents, stricter adherence to federal regulations is necessary.
Driver Error
Driver error is a major contributor to truck crashes. Distracted driving, such as texting or using a phone while driving, is a significant cause of truck accidents. When truck drivers are not paying full attention to the road, they are more likely to fail to notice other vehicles, leading to a collision.
When a truck driver exceeds the speed limit or goes too fast for current road conditions, their ability to react to sudden changes is diminished, increasing the risk of a collision. Reckless driving, such as aggressive maneuvers, abrupt lane changes, or tailgating, also greatly increases the likelihood of a truck accident.
Failure to adhere to traffic laws can lead to truck crashes. This includes running red lights, failing to yield the right of way, and ignoring stop signs.
Mechanical Failure
Mechanical failures are another common cause of truck crashes and can have devastating consequences for both the truck driver and other motorists on the road. One significant mechanical failure that can contribute to accidents is bad tires. When a truck’s tires are worn out, improperly inflated, or damaged, they can lead to a loss of control, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Bad brakes are another mechanical failure that can have dire consequences. If a truck’s braking system is faulty or not properly maintained, it can significantly increase the stopping distance and make it difficult for the driver to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision.
In cases where mechanical failure is a factor in a truck accident, liability may extend beyond just the driver and trucking company. Manufacturers of defective components or parts may also be held accountable. If it can be proven that a faulty tire or braking system was the cause of the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of that specific component can be held responsible for the damages caused.
Road Condition
Road conditions play a significant role in commercial truck accidents, as they can create hazardous situations that increase the risk of collisions. Rain, snow, or icy conditions can significantly impact a truck driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Trucks require a longer stopping distance, and in adverse weather conditions, this can become even more challenging, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Poor road maintenance is another factor that can contribute to truck accidents. Potholes, uneven surfaces, and debris on the road can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles or result in tire blowouts.
Hazardous road designs, such as sharp curves or improperly designed intersections, can also contribute to truck accidents. Poorly placed or inadequate signage, lack of proper lighting, or insufficient traffic control measures may lead to confusion or misjudgment, resulting in serious accidents.
How a Portland, Maine, Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
A Portland, Maine, truck accident lawyer is a legal professional specializing in assisting individuals involved in trucking accidents and related lawsuits in the Portland area.
We specialize in helping victims of trucking accidents get the compensation they deserve. With a deep understanding of the law and the legal process, we are committed to fighting for your rights as our client.
Goldberg & Loren Services Include:
- Advocating for the rights of truck accident victims:
Goldberg & Loren will work tirelessly to protect your legal rights and interests. We will investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. - Negotiating with insurance companies:
We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies. We understand the tactics used by insurance adjusters to minimize settlement amounts, and we will fight for your fair compensation. - Representing you in court:
If negotiations with the insurance company are unsuccessful, Goldberg & Loren will represent you in court. We have a proven track record of success in court, and we will fight for your rights to the fullest extent of the law.
Why it is Important to Seek Legal Representation After a Truck Accident
Truck accidents occur with alarming frequency on our roads. Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, the consequences of a collision can be severe.
Our Portland, Maine, personal injury attorneys in Goldberg & Loren can provide invaluable assistance throughout the legal process, right from the accident scene to the claims process.
We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence such as police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and any available surveillance footage.
This investigation helps determine the liability of the negligent party, whether it be the truck driver, the trucking company, or other factors such as faulty equipment, reckless driving, or improper loading.
How to Find a Qualified Truck Accident Attorney in Portland, Maine
Goldberg & Loren is a highly experienced personal injury law firm located in Portland, Maine. If you have been involved in a truck accident and are seeking legal representation, our team of personal injury lawyers is here to help you navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim.
At Goldberg & Loren firm, we understand the devastating effects that truck crashes can have on a victim’s life. Our dedicated team will fight tirelessly to ensure you receive the financial compensation you need for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’re in need of legal representation, don’t hesitate to reach out to Goldberg & Loren for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. Call our office today and start your journey toward obtaining the justice, peace of mind, and fair settlement you deserve.
Source:
1. Large Trucks – Injury Facts. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/road-users/large-trucks/
Goldberg & Loren
180 Pool St Suite 105,
Biddeford, ME 04005
(207) 977-2838
Our dedicated team vigorously advocates for clients who have suffered injuries in truck accidents in Portland, Maine. Our personal injury attorneys strive to secure the highest possible compensation.
We Represent Those Injured in Truck Accidents in the Following Cities and Communities Near Portland, Maine.
- Biddeford, ME
- Buxton, ME
- Cape Elizabeth, ME
- Falmouth, ME
- Freeport, ME
- Gorham, ME
- Gray, ME
- Old Orchard Beach ,ME
- Raymond, ME
- Saco, ME
- Scarborough, ME
- Standish, ME
- Westbrook, ME
- Yarmouth, ME
- Cumberland County Maine
- Sagadahoc County Maine
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