If you were involved in a truck accident in Georgia, you know how harrowing and emotionally scarring that experience can be. In addition to the emotional trauma and mental hardship you endured, chances are that you also experienced physical injuries as well. After suffering harm due to an accident with a commercial vehicle or semi-trailer, you may find it beneficial to fully explore your legal options.
While truck accidents happen for many reasons, braking distance plays a significant role in many of them. Inadequate training or poor judgment behind the wheel can increase the chances that a truck driver will misjudge stopping distance, follow too closely or do something that ultimately causes harm to innocent motorists. If you suffered because of a truck accident, it is possible that you have valid grounds for a civil claim.
Stopping safely is key
Trucks weigh significantly more than regular passenger vehicles. In fact, they can weigh 20 to 30 times more, making it difficult for these vehicles to brake suddenly. It takes more time and more distance to bring a fully loaded semi-trailer to a complete stop. Chances are that braking distance played a role in your truck accident in some capacity. Consider the following:
- Due to the heavier weight and significant height difference, it can take a loaded semi-trailer 20 to 40 percent more distance to stop than a passenger vehicle.
- Factors such as bad weather, poor road conditions and improperly maintained brakes can also make it more difficult for trucks to stop.
- Truck drivers who are fatigued, inadequately trained, speeding or distracted are more likely to cause an accident because they did not stop in enough time.
Because of the size difference between trucks and passenger vehicles, accidents involving the two are more likely to cause serious injury to the individuals inside the smaller vehicle. Even a low-speed collision can have devastating consequences.
What should you do after an accident?
The damage suffered in your car accident may be significant, and you may be unsure of what you should do next. It is possible that you have grounds to move forward with a civil claim, but you would be wise to take quick action to protect your rights.
When the actions of a truck driver cause you harm, you deserve a full and fair recovery. You can take the first step of this process simply by reaching out for a complete evaluation of your case.