Navigating Multi-Vehicle Crashes Involving Trucks: Who’s to Blame?

Seeing a commercial truck that ends up in an accident that causes a chain reaction, it might be very tempting to think that the truck driver is always to blame. But then, that’s not always the case. Assigning fault to those who need to be held responsible for a pile-up may not be very easy since many factors cause such accidents. Who is at fault should be understood if you were not reckless and would wish to see the reckless individuals suffer the consequences of their actions. You need to contact any truck accident lawyer to get the best support. 

In such cases, multiple parties could share the blame, including:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • Other drivers
  • Road maintenance crews
  • Manufacturers of certain parts or loaders of certain cargoes

Multi-car pile-up accidents: Why are they so complicated?

It is easier to figure out what causes an accident occasionally, especially when it involves only two automobiles. However, issues become complex when several vehicles are involved in an accident, particularly when they ram each other. Such mishaps usually need to be analyzed by hired accident lawyers and reconstructionists to determine how they happened and who is to blame.

Crashes do not occur at once. They normally occur as a series of minor accidents or as a single large accident with many minor ones that precede it. For example:

Car A hits Truck B

Thereafter, Truck B hits Motorcycle C.

Even more, cars ahead of them cannot halt their vehicles, so they collide with other vehicles in the same pile-up.

Sometimes, a single car might be hit from all angles, making things even more confusing than they already are. The injuries that result can be severe and may include:

  • Whiplash and concussions
  • Organ damage
  • Spinal cord as well as brain injuries
  • Death 

What Makes It Even More Challenging to Solve Commercial Truck Accidents?

It becomes even worse when semi-trucks, concrete trucks, or delivery trucks are part of the accident. This situation may be because more parties may be involved and hence share in the blame for the crash. For example:

  • Trucking Company: Were they able to hire and appropriately train their drivers? Did they plan many long blocks that the driver would become weary through?
  • Truck Driver: Was he over the speed limit or texting or driving while drowsy?
  • Maintenance Companies: Did they thoroughly inspect the truck and properly maintain it?
  • Cargo Loaders: A loaded truck can always cause an accident if the load is unsafe or imbalanced.
  • Parts Manufacturers: Since the accident resulted in a crash, was there a mechanical fault, such as a bad brake?

How Do Multiple Truck Accidents Occur?

There are many reasons why these accidents happen, including:

  • Bad Weather: Rain, snow, ice, or fog leads to slippery roads and poor visibility.
  • Poor Road Design: Factors such as sharp curves, narrow lanes, or poor road conditions can usually lead to an accident.
  • Driver Errors: Truck drivers could be distracted, speeding, or too close to the vehicle in front of them. They may also be too tired from several hours on the road.
  • Size and Weight of Trucks: Trucks are almost always larger and much heavier than other standard road vehicles today. This means they take longer to stop and can cause much more in the event of an accident or an oxidative crash.

Conclusion

A truck accident lawyer can help you. They find out who caused the crash. They talk to the insurance companies. They work to get you money for your injuries and bills.

Don’t do it alone if you were hurt in a truck crash. A lawyer can protect you and help you get what you need.

References:

  1. https://www.chicagolawyer.com/blog/how-to-navigate-multi-vehicle-pile-ups-involving-trucks-in-chicago/
  2. https://www.dandalaw.com/who-is-at-fault-when-a-truck-causes-a-multiple-car-pileup/
  3. https://www.maierattorney.com/understanding-the-complexities-of-multi-vehicle-truck-accidents-in-new-mexico

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