Spearfish Truck Accident Attorneys
Hurt in a Truck Accident in Spearfish?
Spearfish, SD, is a dangerous place on the road. It is the most fatal city in South Dakota and has become famous for truck accidents, with over 500 deaths recorded in the past decade. Truck crashes and related fatalities have steadily risen over the past few years, and the number seems to be increasing every year.
Accidents involving large commercial vehicles often cause catastrophic injuries. The larger the vehicle, the more damage there is likely to be. A person in a smaller vehicle that gets hit by a larger one is at a very high risk of serious injury or death.
Steven Titus & Associates P.C. is one of Spearfish's best truck accident law firms. The firm offers a wide range of legal services with over 30 years' experience. They provide a free consultation to the victims of truck accidents and their families, so contact the friendly team at (307) 257-7800 for more information.
Types of Truck Accidents
The types of truck accidents happening in Spearfish are numerous and these are some which occur:
Rear-End Truck Accidents
Often serious and fatal, rear-end truck accidents happen when a large commercial truck driver is unable to stop in time and drives into the rear of another vehicle.
Highway Truck Accidents
Highway trucks are often driven at high speeds, meaning that the risk of a collision is increased for other motorists. The loss of control when these trucks slam into other vehicles often results in serious injuries or fatalities.
Underride Accidents
These are many of the most common accidents when it comes to tractor-trailers. Underride truck accidents occur when a smaller vehicle is stuck underneath the rear end of a large truck and can end in catastrophic injury or death.
Fatal Truck Accidents
Unfortunately, fatal truck accidents are all too common in Spearfish. If you've been involved in an accident caused by a commercial driver, the first step should always be to contact the police for an investigation and report. We can help you do that at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C.
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknifing occurs when a trailer folds back into itself, causing the cab and trailer to form a 90-degree angle. As you might expect, such accidents rarely end well.
Rollover Accidents
These occur when a truck driver can't stop in time, or a truck goes off the road in a curve. The resulting rollover accident often results in the death of the driver. Worse still, many of these accidents result in devastating injuries for other drivers and passengers. That's why we want to help you get compensation for your injury and to name somebody legally responsible for your accident.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Spearfish
These types of accidents occur for several reasons. Some common causes include:
Hiring Inexperienced Drivers
Many trucking companies hire inexperienced drivers to save money. While it might be cheaper to pay a new driver less, the reality is that accidents will happen. A trucking company that hires inexperienced drivers could be liable for any injuries or deaths due to such a driver's inexperience.
Overloading Trucks
Another common cause of truck accidents is driver overloading. Sometimes drivers will overload their trucks or containers. Other times, they'll drive faster than they should because they want to get the job done as quickly as possible. Overloading the truck can reduce stopping distance and increase the risk of a collision.
Poorly Maintained Trucks
Another common cause of truck accidents is poorly maintained trucks. Some trucking companies try to save money by allowing their drivers to skip regular vehicle maintenance. This can lead to problems with brakes, tires, or other safety features. Allowing trucks to be in an unsafe condition can lead to catastrophic accidents that may not have happened otherwise.
Encouraging Drivers to Drive Fatigued
Sometimes, trucking companies put pressure on their drivers to work too many hours. In other cases, they skip rest breaks or reduce the driver's sleep time to deliver packages quickly. This is especially true when shipping deadlines are approaching, and the company wants to ensure it's able to deliver goods on time.
Liability in Your Truck Accident Case
Different laws govern the liability of trucking companies and individuals who operate commercial trucks. In general, the legal responsibility of trucking companies is first determined by state law. Next, federal law (which is inconsistent) will still be followed in Spearfish if it provides a higher standard of care. Finally, the type of commercial vehicle being operated will determine the specific legal responsibilities and duties required.
Contact Our Spearfish Truck Accident Attorneys Today
When dealing with truck company attorneys and insurance adjusters, Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. work hard to make sure you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all negotiations with insurance companies, so you don't have to worry about being taken advantage of.
Your future is important. Call our office today at (307) 257-7800 to schedule a free consultation with a Spearfish injury attorney about trucking accidents caused by another person's negligence.
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