Fayetteville, AR Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer

No one wants to be involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle. These vehicles severely outweigh passenger cars and could cause long-term or life-threatening injuries during a collision. You should not bear the burdens of having to pay medical expenses and other fees due to another driver’s negligent actions. If you or a family member was injured in a serious accident, you should contact an experienced Fayetteville commercial vehicle accident lawyer.

The injury lawyers at the Kieklak Law Firm are ready to help you pursue the compensation that you deserve for your injuries. A commercial vehicle company should be held accountable for hiring a negligent driver or engaging in practices that could injure innocent motorists. To schedule a confidential legal consultation to discuss your claim, contact the Kieklak Law Firm at (479) 316-0438.

Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The actions of a negligent driver often cause commercial vehicle crashes. However, under certain circumstances, the employer of a driver and even the manufacturer of vehicle parts could be held liable for causing an accident. The following is a list of common causes of commercial vehicle crashes.

Speeding

Commercial vehicles typically weigh several tons. For example, the weight of a transit bus can range from 20,000 to 33,000 pounds. This much weight can make it difficult to maneuver and control a large vehicle when speeding. Negligent commercial drivers who excessively speed can overestimate their ability to brake and could end up rear-ending another motorist.

It is also important to note that speeding can also be an issue if a trucking company overloads a trailer. Some companies will do this to earn more income from shipping products despite state and federal regulations that prohibit this dangerous practice. Being over the recommended weight guidelines will not only make it more difficult to maneuver a commercial vehicle but will also increase the likelihood of a fatal injury if a crash occurs.

Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance

Trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles need to be serviced frequently. A vehicle that is used to travel several hundred miles a week will quickly develop issues if it does not receive adequate maintenance. For example, the tires on a large truck are likely to be underinflated or overinflated if the air pressure is not managed. This is a problem because overinflated or underinflated tires are more likely to explode while the vehicle is being operated.

If a transit or trucking company fails to perform maintenance on their fleet of vehicles, this can make them liable for a car accident that could have been avoided with proper vehicle maintenance.

Driver Intoxication

It is frightening to imagine that the driver of a commercial vehicle could be driving next to you while intoxicated. Unfortunately, some truck drivers will operate their vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Driving while intoxicated can reduce a driver’s reaction times and make them incapable of evaluating a situation on the road that can cause an accident.

Driver Fatigue

Some commercial drivers may work longer hours than they are legally permitted to work. Many truck drivers are only permitted to work about 11 hours before they must take a 10-hour rest. However, some truck drivers may attempt to work longer hours to earn more money. Under some circumstances, a trucking company may even encourage a driver to ignore safety regulations to continue working. Working excessive hours can lead to a catastrophic accident because a driver fell asleep behind the wheel.

Manufacturer Defects

It is common for manufacturers of commercial vehicles and car parts to issue a recall for a piece of equipment that may not be working properly. Unfortunately, a manufacturer may not be alerted to a defect with their product until it malfunctions and causes a serious car accident. However, if you were injured due to a defective vehicle component that caused a commercial vehicle accident, you may be able to hold the manufacturer liable for your injuries.

Many other scenarios can cause a commercial vehicle crash, like poor road conditions or even a driver being distracted by a cellphone. If you were involved in a commercial vehicle accident, let our firm evaluate your personal injury claim.

Work with an Arkansas Commercial Vehicle Collision Attorney Today

If you or a family member was the victim of a commercial vehicle accident, you should contact an experienced Arkansas commercial accident attorney. Personal injury attorney Ken Kieklak has represented residents of Arkansas for years, and he would be proud to represent you. You do not have to handle the consequences of a traumatic car accident alone because the Kieklak Law Firm is here for you. To schedule a free legal consultation, call Ken Kieklak at (479) 316-0438.