Driving a truck isn’t always the safest job. You work hard to make sure you’re getting enough rest and are active so that you can avoid collisions, but that doesn’t mean that others won’t make mistakes that cause crashes.
As a driver, you should be aware that other people’s actions have the potential to cause crashes that seriously hurt or kill you. That’s why it’s so important to be aware of your surroundings and to call 911 immediately if someone’s actions have resulted in a collision.
Common causes of truck crashes
There are some common causes of truck crashes that are responsible for many of the injuries that truck drivers suffer. One of the more common issues is when a smaller vehicle cuts in front of your truck. If they slam on their brakes, then you may not have time to stop.
This, as well as other dangerous actions like moving into your lane while not giving the front of your vehicle enough clearance, could lead to a crash.
Truck crashes can also be a result of people making poor judgment calls when turning in front of your vehicle. They might think that they have the time needed to make a turn before you reach an intersection or part of a highway where people may cross. Unfortunately, your vehicle doesn’t slow down as quickly as theirs, so a collision is a possibility.
Can you hold others responsible if you get into a crash while you’re driving for work?
Yes, but the easier solution is usually to file a workers’ compensation claim. Since you were working for your employer at the time of the collision, they should be prepared to cover your work-related injury costs.
For example, if you go to the hospital, you should call your employer and let them know that you’ve been involved in a collision. Your employer should begin the workers’ compensation claim then and help you through the process of getting compensation to cover your hospital stay and other financial losses.
On top of that, you may have an additional opportunity to claim against an at-fault driver, depending on the circumstances.