Wyoming is home to some of the most dangerous roads for truck crashes; a 2023 report from Newsweek states that there were around 181 large truck crashes, 60 injuries, and 6 deaths for every 100,000 residents that year. Many factors can contribute to these accidents, such as speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or poor training. The repercussions that the victims of these accidents suffer are devastating. If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, it is crucial to contact an attorney who handles truck accidents as soon as possible. Trucking companies usually send a team of lawyers and engineers to the scene right away. We need to do the same. This post will discuss the common causes of a commercial truck accident and how our Wyoming personal injury attorneys at The Fitzgerald Law Firm can help victims receive the maximum compensation for their cases.
Understanding the Risks of Commercial Trucking on Wyoming Roads
Commercial truck accidents involve high-impact collisions with vehicles weighing up to 40 tons, making them significantly more severe than typical automobile collisions. Due to the heightened risk of driving these vehicles, commercial truck drivers must pass specific licensure training per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. With extended road hours, drivers must adhere to particular standards while traveling. The roads of Wyoming can include dangers such as rural roads, oilfield traffic, and extreme weather conditions, all requiring further caution on the road. If these drivers bend their standards at all, it can lead to severe accidents, causing catastrophic injuries and deaths.
Why Do Commercial Truck Accidents Occur?
Speeding: When the driver behind an 80,000 lb loaded truck exceeds the speed limit, the results can be fatal. Unlike automobiles, commercial trucks cannot stop as quickly due to their large mass.
Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers can drive 14 hours daily, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Sometimes, drivers may push themselves to go longer to reach their destination, causing them to fall asleep at the wheel. Some companies push their drivers over the limits.
Driving Under the Influence: While traffic safety data states that truck drivers have a lower DUI average than the general driving population, it does not mean the roads are immune to truck drivers driving under the influence, without proper training, or while on a cell phone, for example.
Truck Driver Errors: Mistakes such as misjudging stopping distances, failing to check blind spots, or improperly handling the truck on Wyoming’s icy or winding roads can all lead to accidents. Even minor errors can have disastrous effects when made by someone operating a vehicle of this size.
Distracted Truck Drivers: Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, and distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting a navigation system can easily take their attention off the road. Even a momentary lapse in focus can lead to accidents, especially given the slower reaction time and longer stopping distances of commercial trucks.
Trucking Company Negligence: Trucking companies are crucial in ensuring road safety. However, negligence can occur when companies fail to:
- Properly maintain their vehicles, including tires. Many of our trucking cases involve bad tires.
- Conduct thorough background checks on drivers.
- Enforce federal hours-of-service regulations.
- Provide adequate training for their drivers.
- When companies prioritize profits over safety, the consequences can lead to preventable accidents.
By understanding these common causes, victims of commercial truck accidents in Cheyenne and across Wyoming can recognize the importance of seeking legal assistance to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Discuss Your Case With A Wyoming Truck Accident Attorney
The Fitzgerald Law Firm has over 40 years of experience with truck accident cases. Our personal injury attorneys understand that each truck accident is unique. Each case demands a detailed analysis of the events leading up to the crash, a comprehensive evaluation of damages, and steadfast determination when dealing with aggressive insurance companies.
With our firm holding the record for the largest verdicts ever upheld on appeal in Wyoming for injuries and wrongful death, you can trust you will be taken care of. Our founder, Jim Fitzgerald, is board-certified in truck accident law. He has also been selected to The Trucking Trial Lawyers Association – Top 10, a designation reserved for the top 10 truck accident attorneys in each state or region based on excellence in the field. We understand what it takes to help truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve.
Our personal accident attorneys are here to answer your questions in a free, confidential consultation. Contact us today, and let us guide you on your path to justice.