In 2021, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, with 117,300 large trucks being part of injury crashes. With such staggering numbers, it is apparent that semi-truck crashes often have devastating results.

If you have been involved in a semi-truck crash, you need a Lake County truck accident attorney who has been helping victims of large truck collisions for over 30 years.

The Dangers of Large Trucks

A large truck is defined as any truck that has a gross vehicle weight of greater than 10,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds. This creates problems with stopping quickly in traffic. In fact, it can take a semi-truck traveling at 65 miles per hour the length of two football fields to come to a complete stop. 

Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are essential for our economy, and we need truck drivers to operate these large and dangerous vehicles. Truck drivers have stricter safety regulations they must follow due to the severe accidents and injuries that often result from driver errors. One area where truck drivers must meet a higher standard is driving under the influence of alcohol. 

Specifically, truck drivers have a much lower legal limit for intoxication under the law, as they are legally impaired at 0.04 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). This is compared to a limit of 0.08 BAC for most other drivers. Unfortunately, many truck drivers struggle with alcohol use or might simply make the irresponsible choice to drive while drunk. 

If you believe you suffered injuries and damages due to an intoxicated truck driver, seek assistance from a Lake County truck accident attorney immediately. 

What you do after a collision can impact the outcome of your truck accident lawsuit. This can mean notifying the police, receiving proper medical treatment, and building your case with hard facts.

A truck accident attorney can help you navigate the complex process by familiarizing you with the legal framework. Their assistance and support can help you prepare to testify before a judge if needed. The following are some of the steps you can take.

Step 1: Call 911 for Assistance

Law enforcement and first responders are there to support you and safeguard your rights to file a truck accident case if needed. The best idea is to contact them right after the collision. Their presence can ensure that the guilty truck driver does not hit and run or share false details when you ask for insurance information.

If you or someone close to you was recently injured in a commercial truck crash, you might be desperate for answers. Who is to blame for the accident? Will the at-fault party be forced to pay damages? How can I hold the liable party accountable?

Answering these questions is rarely easy. Many different parties can be held accountable for a commercial truck crash, and it is important to investigate all of the possible sources of liability in your case.

The Truck Driver

Many people automatically assume that a commercial truck driver is at fault for a crash. While this is often the case, it is not always the truck driver's fault. The truck driver may be liable for a crash if the driver was driving negligently at the time of the accident. Fatigued driving caused by Hours of Service violations, intoxicated driving, speeding, and inattentiveness are all possible causes of a truck crash.

Being involved in a commercial truck crash can lead to devastating injuries and fatalities. Unfortunately, the truck’s driver and trucking company often try to avoid responsibility by denying that they were at fault or minimizing the severity of the crash. For this reason, it is essential for victims of truck crashes to secure access to additional evidence that can prove their case – especially evidence like “black box” data.

You may know that airplanes contain a "black box" that records important data about the plane’s performance in an accident. Similarly, many commercial trucks contain their own black boxes called "event data recorders" that track data such as speed, braking distance, and acceleration. Obtaining access to this data can be extremely helpful for supporting your personal injury claim after a truck crash.

What Is an Event Data Recorder and Why it is Important?

An event data recorder is a device that stores information about the truck’s operation in the moments before and after a crash. It records information such as speed, engine RPM, brake application, acceleration, and fuel flow rate.