Why Semi-Truck Accidents Are So Dangerous?

The immense size of big rigs means that traffic accidents involving them are likely to be exceptionally dangerous. The fact is that even though truck drivers are professional drivers who are required to have additional experience and skill – and to hold commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) – semi accidents continue to plague our roadways. If you have been injured by a truck driver’s negligence, it’s time to make the call to an experienced Chicago truck accident attorney.  

Risk Factors

The massive tractor-trailers on the roads present a wide range of risk factors – not just one or two. Better understanding these factors can help you better understand your truck accident claim – and may help you stay safe out there. Some of the best-recognized risk factors when it comes to 18-wheelers include:

• Truck Size and weight
• Trucking schedules that lead to fatigue and distraction
• Blind spots

Semis Are by Far the Heaviest Vehicles on Our Roads

The immense size and weight of semi-trucks and the loads they carry help to ensure that even relatively minor truck accidents are likely to be exceptionally dangerous. The fact that truckloads often contain hazardous materials does nothing to help the situation. 

Truckers Spend Long Hours behind the Wheel

Our economy drives the trucking industry, and it is bustling by all accounts. In order to keep up with demand, truck drivers are required to spend long hours on the road, which can contribute significantly to drowsy driving accidents. While there are highly restrictive hours-of-service rules in place to help thwart such accidents, the truck drivers themselves and the trucking companies that hire them sometimes push the envelope – in favor of profits. Long hours on the road can also lead to deficits in attention – or distraction – which is another primary risk factor associated with semis.   

Truck Drivers Must Contend with Considerable Blind Spots

When truck drivers are behind the wheel, they must contend with expansive blind spots that stretch along all four sides of their rigs. When other motorists drive within these areas, they can be at considerable risk if the truck driver does not remain hyper-aware of his or her blind spots whenever changing lanes. 

Truck Accident Claims Tend to Be More Challenging

Trucking is a lucrative industry, and trucking companies – and their insurance providers – like to keep their profits high and their truck accident settlements low. To make things that much more difficult, trucking companies have the means to invest a considerable amount of time, effort, and expense in order to accomplish these goals, which makes having an experienced truck accident attorney in your corner that much more important.  

An Experienced Chicago Truck Accident Attorney Is Standing By to Help

The trusted Chicago truck accident attorneys at Saks, Robinson & Rittenberg, Ltd., have the experience, focus, and legal insight to skillfully advocate for your claim’s most advantageous outcome. We are on your side and here to help, so please don’t delay contacting us for more information today.