Belle Fourche Truck Accident Lawyers
Injured in a Truck Accident in Belle Fourche?
In 2020, there were 211 truck accidents in Belle Fourche from January 1 to November 11. Of those crashes, 43 resulted in injuries, and four resulted in fatalities. That is high compared to the same period in 2017.
The dangers of trucks on the road are well-known. They can cause greater and more significant damage than other vehicles. One truck accident in Belle Fourche, SD, resulted in a heightened awareness about the hazards of sharing the roads with trucks and how to protect yourself best if you should happen to get caught up in such an accident.
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Belle Fourche, SD, contact Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. at (307) 257-7800. We represent victims of all types of truck accidents and understand the severity of the injuries and often the financial repercussions resulting from such an accident.
Types of Truck Accidents
There are many ways a semi-truck, big rig, or tractor-trailer can be involved in an accident involving another vehicle, pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist. Depending on how severe the accident was and how many people were involved, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries:
Rollover Accidents
Rollover truck accidents are among the deadliest and least likely to be preventable. In many situations, a rollover is caused by the driver making a dangerous maneuver or driving too fast. Regardless of the cause, rollovers are devastating to victims, their families, and the trucking companies involved.
Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end truck accidents occur when one vehicle drives into the back of another. This often happens with trucks and other large vehicles, especially on highways. The National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) reports that more than 70% of all rear-end truck accidents are caused by a smaller vehicle's driver, such as a passenger car or motorcycle. When older drivers rear-end a big rig, the accident severity is often even higher.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a tractor-trailer turns onto its side and folds back on itself. The risk of injury in such accidents is especially high because these vehicles often get trapped between two other vehicles. Accidents involving jackknifes frequently result in spinal cord and crush injuries that can leave victims paralyzed from the chest down.
Underride Accidents
Underride accidents occur when a car or other small vehicle drives under a truck and gets caught there. This often results in severe side and back injuries for car accident victims. They can range from fractures and severe lacerations to devastating abdominal injuries.
Highway Accidents
Highway truck accidents are often caused by out-of-control tractor-trailers (especially while they're going too fast), defective or under-maintained brakes, or other mechanical issues. In many cases, these types of accidents can be prevented if truck drivers were properly trained, inspected their vehicles regularly, and were attentive while driving.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Belle Fourche
Truck accidents happen for many reasons, both inside and outside the truck. The following are examples of the common causes of truck accidents:
Poorly Maintained Trucks
Trucks must get regular maintenance inspections and ensure that their brakes and suspensions work properly. However, some truck drivers neglect this responsibility. Truck accidents often result from poorly maintained trucks and excessive speed, which can cause a dramatic drop in the truck's center of gravity while driving.
Drunk Drivers
Drivers who get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol are a danger to themselves and others on the road. In 2018, about two-thirds of all truck driver fatalities resulted from drunk driving. Many truck drivers have suffered serious injuries or lost their lives in accidents caused by drunk or otherwise impaired drivers crossing their lane.
Tired Truck Drivers
A driver who is fatigued behind the wheel has a greater chance of causing an accident. Fatigue can cause a truck driver to lose control of his or her vehicle on the highway and strike another one head-on. When this happens, it often results in severe trauma that can lead to serious injury or death.
Legal Matters After a Truck Accident
If the truck driver is found at fault for an accident involving another vehicle—either negligently or purposefully—you may be able to collect compensation and possibly win damages from such an accident. Truck drivers are generally responsible for the damage inflicted on other drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians on the road.
A jury might be more inclined to award monetary damages to you if they think the truck driver was negligent in causing the accident. Truck drivers are often held somewhat to blame for any collision or accident in which they're involved. If a truck driver is found liable for an accident, it may ease your path to recover compensation for damages and losses.
Have a Belle Fourche Truck Accident Attorney at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C on Your Side
Don't let an accident ruin your life. A Belle Fourche injury lawyer can help you fight for your rights after the accident. If you've been involved in a truck accident, contact us today at (307) 257-7800 to schedule an appointment with a personal injury attorney.
Steven Titus & Associates, P.C will strive to fight to get every dollar you deserve if you're involved in a truck accident. We offer free legal consultations, and we'll be with you every step of the way.
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