Truck crashes represent some of the most serious accidents on Ohio roads and highways. In many cases, an investigation into fault leads back to a truck driver’s carelessness or recklessness behind the wheel.
In an effort to prevent trucking accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) created a safety tip card for drivers and fleet owners. The card, which can be kept above the visor in the truck, offers some good advice.
What should drivers do to prevent truck accidents?
According to the NTSB, truck drivers should:
- Minimize distractions and follow rules about cell phone use.
- Obey posted speed limits and reduce speed when the weather is bad.
- Stay healthy by taking breaks and exercising.
- Wear seatbelts.
- Never drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
What should company owners do to reduce the risk of accidents?
The NTSB offers the following advice for fleet managers:
- Adopt a fatigue management program.
- Acquire trucks that have underride protection, advanced speed-limiting technologies, collision avoidance systems (and train their drivers to use the technology)
- Adopt policies to address driver medical fitness for duty.
The tip card also includes grim statistics about the number of deaths related to crashes involving large trucks. The number of fatal accidents was steadily increasing from 2016-2018.
Why is truck safety so important?
As an experienced truck accident attorney, Scott Elliot Smith of the Smith Law Office applauds the government’s effort to remind truck drivers and fleet owners of their responsibility. Safety should always be a top priority. Unfortunately, trucking companies sometimes put profits before safety. They might hire drivers who lack training. They might put pressure on drivers to get behind the wheel when they are too tired. The truck drivers sometimes make poor choices. They drive while distracted or under the influence.
When drivers and fleet owners fail to put safety first, they run the risk of causing serious crashes. A trucking accident can result in severe, permanent injuries and loss of life.
How a Columbus truck accident attorney can help
If you were in an accident with a large truck or lost a loved one, you will need a tough-minded attorney on your side. The trucking company and its insurer will push back against any claims. They may try to convince you the injury is not a big deal. You may get an offer to accept a small settlement. When you look at the full impact of the crash, you find the offer is a fraction of the true value of the claim.
In cases involving wrongful death, the insurance company may give a lowball settlement offer. They may even try to shift the blame to your loved one to minimize the truck driver or company’s role.
Scott Elliot Smith knows the truth. He knows how truck crashes can have a devastating emotional and financial impact on your life. Don’t put your claim in jeopardy by trying to negotiate on your own. Anything you say to the insurance company will be used against you.
Trust the Smith Law Office to help you maximize compensation. Contact us today.
