People drive near semitrucks constantly. Most do so without incident. When a crash between a semitruck and another vehicle occurs, the victims can suffer serious injuries. Those individuals might opt to pursue a claim for compensation to help cover the costs associated with the crash and injuries.
While it’s easy to assume that truckers are always at fault for semitruck crashes, there are other causes you have to consider when you’re evaluating a wreck to determine who’s at fault. Some of these include:
Maintenance and components
Improper maintenance or faulty components are sometimes responsible for crashes. Even something as seemingly minor as a defective wiring harness for a light can put people at risk. This is because other vehicles might not know when the trucker is stopping. Brakes and fifth wheel brackets are also problematic components on a semitruck that may fail due to the component being faulty or because of improper maintenance.
Incorrect cargo securement
The cargo that semitrucks carry must be secured in accordance with regulations. When it isn’t properly secured, items can come loose or cause the trailer to shift. Items that come loose can hit other vehicles or may become a hazard on the road. A shifting trailer can lead the trucker to lose control of the rig, which can lead them to strike another vehicle.
As you can see, there are many possible causes of semitruck crashes. Working closely with an attorney can help you to determine who to name as defendants in the case. These are the individuals or entities from whom you are seeking compensation.