St. Petersburg Truck Accident Lawyer

According to Markets Insider, trucking still moves 71 percent of all freight in America. While the average U.S. motorist may only drive about 13,500 miles per year, a long haul truck driver can exceed 100,000 miles on the road annually. When there are so many goods being moved around the country and drivers working long shifts to get places on time, crashes are likely to occur. That does not mean the crash was inevitable and could not have been prevented. In fact, if you were involved in a crash with a truck and the driver was responsible, it is important to hold them liable through a personal injury claim. A claim will help ensure you are compensated for the damages and do not suffer financial ruin as a result of their mistakes. Our St. Petersburg truck accident lawyers at the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely can help.

Why Truck Accidents Can Be So Devastating to People and Property

HNi Risk Advisors states that trucks require about 40 percent more time to stop than cars. Since trucks weigh significantly more than a passenger vehicle, especially when fully loaded with freight, the force at which they come into a crash is significantly higher and can cause significantly more damage. Trucks are also higher off the ground, which means the point of impact is not with another car’s bumper, but more likely their windshield. Finally, trucks have a larger turning radius and higher center of gravity. This means they are more likely to roll if not properly loaded, if they take a corner incorrectly, or hit bad weather conditions.

Common Causes of Truck Collisions

There are federal laws that limit the number of hours a driver can be on the road without taking a break or sleeping. However, some drivers ignore those regulations to meet deadlines or do not pay attention to signs, such as fatigue, that they should pull off the road for a break earlier. Even a small amount of  fatigue can reduce a person’s reaction time, which can be the difference between a near-miss and a fatal crash. Common causes of truck accidents include:

• Drowsy driving;
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• Speeding or driving to fast for weather conditions;
• Failing to use turn signals before moving lanes;
• Failure to yield to oncoming traffic;
• Improperly loading trucks;
• Defective safety equipment;
• Taking turns too quickly;
• Distracted driving; and
• More.

Contact the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely After a Collision with a Truck

If you have been hurt during a collision involving a truck, your world is probably still reeling with seeking medical attention, figuring out how to adjust daily life at home and work, and more. The skilled St. Petersburg truck accident attorneys at the Law Office of Steven G. Lavely understood what a huge physical and emotional toll a crash can cause for the victim. We work diligently on behalf of our clients to ensure they get the best compensation possible through a personal injury claim so that they can financially recover as well. Contact our offices at 727-550-8800 to schedule a free consultation today.