Truck Crashes

Road crashes are the leading cause of death among people ages 15-29, and half of all road traffic deaths occur among
adults ages 15-44. Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of death in children ages 5-14.
Though seat belt use can be a highly effective way to reduce injuries and save lives in crashes, there’s not much a
driver can do when faced with a semi truck.

Fatal truck accidents are dangerously common and pose a
serious threat to people on the road. Many fatal truck accidents can be attributed to driver error, especially if the
driver was somehow negligent. This could include driving without enough sleep, failing to watch blind spots, and
reckless driving.

But in some circumstances, fatal truck accidents can’t be attributed to driver negligence. Operating a
large commercial truck is a challenge, and courts may make exceptions if a situation involves a maneuver that a
passenger vehicle wouldn’t have to worry about.

Take Jackknifing, for instance. Jackknifing is when the front of a truck folds backward, resembling a pocket knife.
Under certain road and weather conditions, large vehicles like commercial semi trucks may be prone to jackknifing,
especially if any sudden turning or braking is involved. Truck drivers who jackknife after trying to avoid a stalled
vehicle or motorist may not be considered negligent. Truck accident attorneys may also have a
hard time building a case if the road was slippery in a way or to an extent that the driver couldn’t have predicted,
causing the vehicle to jackknife.

Even without slippery conditions, commercial semi trucks may still be a challenge to turn. Trucks may have to cross two
lanes to make a right turn, which can endanger drivers in the lane next to them. Some courts have ruled in favor of the
truck driver when two lanes were used to turn, and others have held drivers at fault for turning in this manner,
especially if they tried to turn from an inside lane.

Truck accident lawyers are well-versed in the complexities of semi truck accident
cases and can help you determine negligence when grey areas like this arise.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

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