Why are Semi-Trucks So Dangerous in San Jose?
It does not take a genius to figure out that semi-trucks are inherently more dangerous than other types of vehicles. These heavy, large, and lumbering trucks are capable of wreaking untold destruction on the roads of San Jose, leaving innocent motorists severely injured or worse. The trucking industry has struggled with safety issues since its inception. Although self-driving technology could provide a possible solution, it is many years away from widespread implementation. And besides, new technology cannot help those who have already been injured by semi-trucks. For those who have suffered severe injuries due to these commercial vehicles, a lawsuit is perhaps the only choice left.
Fortunately, holding truckers and trucking companies accountable for their negligence is relatively easy when you enlist the help of an experienced truck accident attorney in San Jose. Our legal professionals understand how traumatic and life-altering these accidents can be, and we can guide you through the personal injury claim process. A settlement is obviously the main goal of an injury claim. This settlement is more than just a sum of cash. For many injured victims, a settlement represents their only hope as they strive to pay for medical expenses, missed wages, and a range of other damages. Working with a qualified attorney is essential if you want to receive a settlement that truly reflects the full extent of your damages.
Why are Semi-Trucks So Dangerous?
Semi-trucks are dangerous for a number of reasons. Firstly, let’s consider the vehicles themselves. These are heavy commercial trucks with little maneuverability. They are designed to carry as much cargo as possible, and most of the time, they will be traveling in a straight line on a highway. Due to their size and weight, it is difficult for a truck driver to bring their vehicle to a complete stop. They may slam on the brakes when they spot danger, but it can take upwards of 500 feet for a semi-truck to come to a halt while traveling at around 60 miles per hour. In contrast, the newest sports cars can perform this feat in well under 20% of that stopping distance. This means that when a trucker sees a potential safety issue up ahead, it is usually already too late to avoid an impact.
Another important factor to consider is the prevalence of blind spots on these vehicles. Many truckers cannot see cars that are behind them. This means that when you are passing a truck from behind, there is a risk that the truck will change lanes suddenly and cut you off. In addition, semi-trucks are usually carrying huge amounts of fuel at any given time. Their gas tanks are much larger than that of the average sedan. After a crash, these large gas tanks can explode, creating a massive fireball that can injure or kill those who are incapacitated or trapped in their vehicles.
Putting the vehicle aside for a second, let’s examine the person behind the wheel. While many truck drivers are extremely professional and safety-conscious, others are not. At the end of the day, these workers are just human. And like all humans, they are capable of making errors. Some of these errors might involve becoming distracted by cellphones or eating. Other errors are much more serious, and they may involve driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Finally, the very nature of the trucking industry itself makes semi-trucks dangerous. This entire business relies on shipping items as quickly as possible. If truckers take too long to make their journeys, they earn less money. Therefore, there is an incentive to rush, drive recklessly, and disregard safety guidelines. Many truckers drive for many hours without sleeping or resting in a desperate attempt to increase their paychecks.
Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in San Jose, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates. Over the years, we have helped many injured victims who have been involved in a variety of car accidents, including semi-truck crashes. The trucking industry must be held accountable for its negligence and safety violations. If injured victims do not come forward and take legal action against these trucking companies, more people will be injured in the future. A lawsuit is a powerful deterrent, and it forces companies to be more careful with their operations in the future.
Because of this, filing a personal injury lawsuit is about more than just acquiring a settlement. By taking legal action, you can help protect innocent people from being hurt again in the future. The trucking industry has much to improve on in terms of safety, and lawsuits can help encourage greater, more meaningful change. If you are ready to hold negligent parties accountable for your trucking accident, reach out and book your consultation today. We will help you go through all of your legal options.
