Representing Victims of Truck Accidents

Santa Fe truck accident lawyer explains common causes of big rig accidents

Although the specific facts of each case will differ, in Richard A. "Rick" Sandoval's work as a Santa Fe truck accident lawyer, the initial investigation in every case focuses on these three common causes of truck accidents: driver error; equipment defects or malfunctions; and weather and other external factors.

Driver error

As with any other auto accident, driver error is the cause of most truck accidents. A number of factors contribute to driver error, including:

• Inexperience;
• Poor or insufficient training;
• Drug use;
• Alcohol;
• Fatigue;
• Stress.

Federal law strictly limits the number of continuous hours a driver may log behind the wheel and mandates rest periods; even so, the regulations allow for a 60-hour work week (or more), and drivers tend to spend long hours on the road in an effort to meet tight delivery schedules. Not surprisingly, errors in judgment occur. These errors may manifest as a sudden lane change, a rollover, a jackknife, or other loss of control by the driver.

Equipment Issues

Big trucks require special equipment and constant maintenance. A flaw in the design, installation or maintenance of any of part of the truck or trailer can have fatal consequences. A problem with the brakes or the tires invariably will lead to an accident. Similarly, some of the unique features of big truck  e.g., the lack of rear and side bumpers  tend to result in greater damage to the vehicle hit by the truck and greater injuries to the occupants.

Weather and other external factors

Reduced visibility due to bright sunlight, fog, rain or snow; icy roads; low underpasses; and narrow bridges make driving more dangerous for every vehicle on the road. The sheer size of a big rig, however, makes any adverse condition much more dangerous. Even an experienced and well trained driver may have trouble in these types of conditions. If the driver is inexperienced or poorly trained or, worse, impaired by fatigue or drugs or alcohol, the chances of an accident increase dramatically.

Santa Fe truck accident attorney, Richard Rick Sandoval will fight for the compensation you deserve

If you or a loved one was involved in an accident with a big truck, you need a Santa Fe truck accident attorney who understands that a big rig accident is not simply a car accident on a grand scale. There are more parties involved; the governing law is more complicated; and the victims injuries often are more serious and enduring. I am prepared to act quickly on your behalf, to preserve critical evidence and protect your right to fair compensation. If you would like to meet with me for a free initial consultation, please call 505-795-7790 or 1-866-BEST LAWYER (1-866-237-8529) to schedule an appointment or contact us through our online form for a confidential review of your case.