February 8, 2019 | By Polito & Harrington LLC
Different Commercial Vehicles Pose Different Risks to Motorists
Connecticut motorists share the road with various commercial vehicles every time they travel from place to place. Whether it’s rush hour or the middle of the night, tractor-trailers, car carriers, box trucks, and other specialized commercial vehicles are hauling goods and materials to various destinations. While these vehicles seem commonplace, they are capable of causing extremely serious injuries when they are in accidents—and different types of commercial vehicles pose very different risks.
Many Commercial Vehicles Are Prone to Rollovers
As a general rule, the taller a vehicle, the higher its risk of rolling over onto its side or even flipping over onto its roof. Some examples of tall commercial vehicles prone to rollovers include semi-trucks, box trucks, and garbage trucks. When these vehicles flip over, they are impossible to control, putting anyone in the vicinity of the rollover at risk of serious injury.
Articulated Vehicles Can Jackknife
Many commercial vehicles are articulated, meaning that they are made up of more than one segment connected by a pivoting joint. While this construction makes them able to turn more sharply than they would otherwise be able, they also make them susceptible to jackknife accidents. Jackknife accidents occur when the segments of an articulated fold against one another, resembling the action of a folding knife.
When Cargo Gets Loose, Motorists Can Be Seriously Injured
Many commercial vehicles are designed specifically to haul cargo from place to place. This cargo can range from small consumer goods to cars and trucks to flammable gases. Regardless of the specific cargo hauled, when a truck’s cargo gets loose, everyone on the road can be put at a significant risk of injury. There are specific standards and procedures for loading and securing cargo on commercial trucks, and when these are not followed, the responsible party can often be held liable for any injuries that occur as a result.
Protect Your Rights After a Commercial Truck Accident
If you suffer injuries in a commercial truck accident, there are certain steps you should take to protect your rights. These include the following:
- Document information about the accident, including the name of the company operating the truck and the truck driver’s name
- If you can, take pictures of the aftermath of the accident
- Collect information from anyone who may have witnessed the accident
- Undergo a thorough medical evaluation as soon as you can after the crash
- Contact an experienced attorney immediately
Accidents with commercial vehicles can leave victims with extremely serious injuries and other losses. At Polito & Harrington, LLC, our personal injury attorneys will review the facts of your case at no cost to you and advise you as to your legal options. To schedule your free case evaluation with a lawyer, call our office today at (860) 447-3300 or contact us online.