Truck accidents can lead to serious injuries

Truck drivers are responsible for a number of pedestrian accidents and car accidents that occur in Pittsburgh. Commercial truck accidents, whether they involve other cars or pedestrians, can cause some of the most devastating injuries of all.

Commercial trucks, or big rigs, are typically used to transport commercial goods in the course of business. One of these large trucks can weigh over 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. The average passenger vehicle weighs close to 3,000 pounds. This large difference in size is the reason truck accidents lead to such serious injuries and fatalities.

Truck accidents are typically caused by the limitations of the truck itself. These limitations commonly relate to acceleration, braking, or visibility. Passenger car drivers may not be aware of these limitations, which in turn, makes the roadways even more dangerous. Big rigs have much larger blind spots than passenger vehicles and truck drivers may not be able to handle certain road hazards.

If you are involved in a truck accident where the truck driver was at fault, you could receive compensation for your injuries as well as any wages lost as a result of the accident. Courts will also consider any loss of earning capacity caused by the accident. Trucking companies can also be held legally liable for the negligence of a truck driver.

It is also important to note that in many states, you may be able to recover damages even if you were partially responsible for the accident. Under the comparative negligence doctrine, courts will compare the truck driver’s negligence with your own and determine your portion of liability. Your portion of liability will help determine whether you will recover any damages.

Source: FindLaw, “Truck Accident FAQ,” accessed on Sept. 22, 2015