What Are the Most Common Types of Truck Accidents in West Palm Beach?

 

There are approximately 500 car accidents in West Palm Beach, Florida, involving trucks every week. Due to the immense sizes of these vehicles and the loads they carry, the collisions often result in serious – and often fatal injuries and extensive financial losses.

Trucks are common on highways and interstates in West Palm Beach, ferrying goods from outside the city to meet the needs of the more than 109,767 people living and working in this city. However, this comes at a price.

Studies show that the severity of truck accidents is abouttwice that of other accidents. If you have been involved in a truck accident, you require the services of a skilled West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer for a quick resolution of the case.

What Are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in The City?

Defective Brakes and other Mechanical Issues

Defective brakes are common in poorly maintained trucks, a typical characteristic of greedy owners that don't care about the truck's condition.

Defective brakes aren't the only mechanical issues that lead to truck accidents in West Palm Beach. A defective steering system, faulty lighting, warning systems, worn tires, or any other mechanical issue might lead to accidents.

Most of these can be attributed to the failure of the driver to perform a pre-and post-trip inspection of their truck. Usually, such inspections alert the owner of any mechanical issues that need to be handled before the upcoming trip.

It is not uncommon to get trucks that aren’t in compliance with the regulations of West Palm Beach regarding the mechanical state. If you have been involved in a truck accident, the experience of a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer can come in handy.

Fatigue

A truck driver who wants to make more money might be tempted to take on another shift without a break. Getting behind the wheel without adequate sleep leaves the driver tired and drowsy the entire journey.

Fatigue also comes in due todriving for too long without the usual stop. Truck drivers ferry goods across the country, and they have stops where they can relax and rest before they embark on the next part of the trip. Sadly, some drivers don't use these stops due to a tight deadline or the need to make more money.

Blind Spot Accident

A blind spot accident results when one or more drivers try to change direction while on the road, failing to notice a motorist in their blindspot. This leads to a collision. This usually occurs when the truck driver changes lanes without making the necessary checks using their side mirrors.

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents usually occur due to sudden braking by the truck driver. Sudden braking might become necessary to avoid head-on collisions with oncoming vehicles. This type of accident gets its name from how the tractor-trailer sits after the accident.

Due to the sudden braking, the truck skids, and the trailer swings to one side as it slows down. This forms a 90-degree angle resembling a jackknife's blade and handle, hence the name.

This accident can be dangerous to both oncoming traffic and the cars trailing the truck. Drivers have to apply emergency brakes to avoid collisions with the stalled truck.

Take Charge of the Situation

Once an accident happens, the next step is to seek help and possible compensation. Call us today to speak to a West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer so that you get the necessary guidance. We have handled truck accident lawsuits for many years, and we are willing to transfer our extensive knowledge and skills to your situation.

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