There’s something about getting behind the wheel of a car or truck that turns some people into monsters. Their antics can involve tailgating other drivers, rushing red lights, swerving around any vehicle they perceive as “too slow” and angrily swearing and gesturing at other motorists or honking their horns.
Aggressive drivers aren’t just scary, however. They’re also dangerous. It’s estimated that guns are involved in 37% of aggressive driving encounters and in 66% of all traffic fatalities. Somewhat unsurprisingly, their anger and aggression tend to provoke more anger. About half of all drivers who have been on the receiving end of aggressive tactics admit that they have “fired back” with angry gestures and rude behavior of their own.
Component or maintenance issues
Semitrucks and the trailers they haul must be kept in good working condition. When they aren’t, serious crashes can occur. If the issue was with a defective component, the manufacturer might be held liable for the crash. If lax maintenance was the cause, the party responsible for maintaining the rig may be named as one of the defendants.
Improper load securement
All loads on semitrucks must be properly secured so that it doesn’t become a hazard. There are specific requirements for keeping the loads in place, so those must be complied with on every load. When a load shifts or becomes insecure, it can cause the trucker to lose control of the vehicle. There’s also the possibility that the items that come loose become projectiles that can strike other cars or become road hazards when they land.
Driver error
Many truckers drive safely but there is a chance that you’ll encounter one who doesn’t. Truckers who are drunk, drowsy or distracted can cause serious crashes. In some cases, other drivers might be the person responsible for the crash. Looking into the circumstances surrounding the crash can help you to determine which driver was negligent so you can include them as a defendant in your claim.
It’s imperative that you seek compensation from the appropriate parties when you file your claim. You also need to think about the amount of damages you’re seeking. Not only do you need to factor in the expenses you’re already aware of, you also must consider what you’ll face in the future. You can’t come back once the case is resolved and seek more money so be sure to seek all the compensation you need to cover the costs.