Van Buren, AR Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are an all too common occurrence on the roads of Van Buren. These accidents often result in significant damages for victims, both physical and psychological.
If you have been a victim of an accident caused by driver negligence, you have the right to pursue compensation for the harm you have suffered. Trucking companies and drivers are required to follow strict safety regulations, but unfortunately, not all of them do. However, you deserve to be compensated for your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our team is ready to help you assert your rights.
Call us today at (479) 316-0438 to speak with our truck accident attorneys and receive your free case evaluation.
Areas in Van Buren, AR Known for High Rates of Truck Accidents
As a city that experiences traffic congestion and diverse road conditions, Van Buren poses a significant risk of truck accidents. Not only do drivers have to worry about local trucks, but many interstate trucks also travel through the area. Fortunately, our truck accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation regardless of where the truck originated. The following are some of the notable spots in Van Buren where truck accidents occur more frequently:
Interstate 540
One of the major highways that runs through Van Buren is Interstate 540, also known as the John Paul Hammerschmidt Freeway. This highway connects Van Buren with other cities like Fayetteville and Fort Smith.
However, because of the heavy truck traffic on this road, particularly between Cedarville and Van Buren, the chances of accidents involving trucks are significantly higher. Such accidents can be attributed to various factors such as high speeds, sudden lane changes, merging traffic, and even driver fatigue.
Fayetteville Road and Highway 59
The intersection of Fayetteville Road and Highway 59 is a bustling area that experiences a higher likelihood of truck accidents. The intersection serves as a major thoroughfare for both local and regional traffic, with a high volume of vehicles passing through each day. Because of the heavy flow of traffic, the interaction between trucks and other vehicles often creates hazardous situations.
Highway 64
Van Buren is situated along Highway 64, a heavily trafficked route connecting the city with other major cities. The likelihood of truck accidents is higher thanks to the significant traffic on this highway. The risk of accidents involving trucks can increase substantially, especially on portions of the highway with sharp curves, limited visibility, or ongoing construction work.
Alma Highway and Rena Road
Another location in Van Buren known for truck accidents is the intersection of Alma Highway and Rena Road. This intersection is in a high-traffic area close to residential areas, commercial establishments, and industrial zones, contributing to the significant truck and vehicle activity it experiences.
The increased traffic flow and the intersection of diverse transportation modes in this area make it a dangerous location for drivers.
Interstate 40 and Highway 59
Interstate 40 and Highway 59 interchange is a crucial transportation hub in Van Buren. As a major route for transportation, Interstate 40 experiences a substantial amount of truck traffic passing through Van Buren.
This convergence of highways generates complex traffic patterns, making it a challenging area for truck drivers to navigate. The area is prone to potential hazards for truck drivers, as factors such as merging, lane changes, and high speeds contribute significantly to the increased likelihood of truck accidents.
Midland Boulevard and Fayetteville Road
The intersection of Midland Boulevard and Fayetteville Road is another area known for truck accidents owing to several factors. This intersection is a critical connection point for commercial areas and major highways, which results in heavy traffic flow and frequent lane changes.
The presence of large commercial trucks navigating through this intersection increases the risk of accidents involving other vehicles. Drivers must pay attention to specific truck-related signage, such as no-truck zones, weight limit signs, and other safety warnings. These precautions can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and ensure that devastating injuries do not occur.
Parties that Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents in Van Buren, AR
When a truck accident occurs in Van Buren, determining liability is crucial in seeking compensation for the victims and holding the responsible parties accountable. However, truck accident cases are notorious for their complexity, as several parties could be liable at the same time. The following are the parties typically held liable for truck accidents in Van Buren:
Truck Drivers
The truck driver is often held responsible for their negligent actions or errors that might have contributed to the accident. There are various forms of truck driver negligence, some of which include distracted driving, such as texting while driving, fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel, speeding, running red lights, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and failure to secure cargo properly.
Trucking Company
In many truck accident cases, the trucking company employing the driver might also share liability. Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their fleet’s safe operation and adherence to safety regulations.
Trucking companies can be held liable for several reasons. They can typically be held responsible for negligent hiring practices, such as hiring drivers with a history of traffic violations or inadequate training. This is because it puts people’s lives at risk by allowing unqualified or reckless drivers to operate commercial vehicles.
In addition, inadequate supervision or training of drivers can also be a factor. This can lead to drivers being ill-equipped to handle unexpected situations on the road, leading to potential accidents. Similarly, failure to properly maintain and inspect trucks can pose a significant threat, increasing the likelihood of equipment failure while driving.
Another reason that can hold trucking companies liable is pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations. These regulations are put in place to prevent driver fatigue and ensure safe driving practices. Encouraging or tolerating unsafe practices that violate these regulations can lead to accidents and serious injuries.
Truck Manufacturers
In some cases, the truck itself or its components might be defective, leading to an accident. When a defect in the truck’s design, manufacturing, or maintenance contributes to the accident, the manufacturer or distributor can be held liable.
Some common examples of such defects are brake failures, which can make it difficult to stop the vehicle. Defective tires can also cause blowouts and loss of control. Steering system malfunctions can make it difficult to steer or control the vehicle. Also, defective safety equipment like airbags and seat belts might fail to protect the occupants in the event of an accident.
Our Van Buren, AR Truck Accident Attorneys Can Help
For a free case review with our truck accident lawyers, contact us today at (479) 316-0438.