Truck accidents account for about 10-15% of all auto accidents in Sioux Falls. They are generally more dangerous than standard car accidents, as about 40% of all truck accidents in Sioux Falls result in serious injuries or even death. If you have been injured in a commercial truck accident, call OMQ Legal and our truck accident lawyers today to see how we can help you hold careless truck drivers and their companies accountable for their negligence.
Commercial trucks, more commonly referred to as semi trucks or 18-wheelers, are common on the roads of South Dakota. They are used by businesses to help transport commercial goods and perform commercial services. Because these trucks are so much larger in size and drive much longer distances than the average vehicle, there are many different factors that contribute to trucking accidents. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Trucking companies often have drivers on the road at all hours of the day and night. Driver fatigue is a common issue for truck drivers working long hours into the night. Fatigue can often lead to a driver nodding off behind the wheel and impair a driver's reaction time.
29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021 were speeding-related. In trucking accidents, speeding is much more impactful due to the sheer size of the vehicle. Trucks require much more space to brake, and speeding reduces a driver’s time to react and makes collisions much more dangerous.
3% of truck drivers in fatal accidents were found to be above the legal limit while operating their commercial vehicle. This is a much smaller percentage compared to other vehicles like cars and motorcycles, though it is still a factor in some trucking accidents.
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road. Texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving are some of the most common distractions that truck drivers face. These seemingly minor distractions can often lead to fatal accidents.
Truck drivers put thousands of miles on their trucks every year, and mechanical failures are not uncommon. Issues like brake failures, tire blowouts, and improper maintenance often lead to accidents.
Large trucks can be very difficult to control in adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain or snow are perilous to any driver, especially commercial truck drivers. Poorly maintained roads can also cause accidents. Unexpected hazards like large potholes and construction zones can contribute as well.
There are a multitude of different factors that could come into play during a truck accident, and trucking companies may be held accountable depending on the specifics of your case.
If you are in need of a truck accident attorney in the Sioux Falls area, OMQ Legal is able to provide expert legal support. Our truck accident lawyers are committed to making sure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
After a truck accident, there are a number of outcomes where the trucking company could be held liable for an accident caused by one of their trucks or drivers. According to the South Dakota Department of Transportation, there are several different instances where the trucking company may be held liable.
In some instances, the driver of the truck may be held liable rather than the company itself.
Regardless of whether the driver of the truck or the company is responsible for any damages caused by an accident, you are still able to seek compensation. An experienced truck accident attorney can be invaluable for your case. If you have been injured or are seeking compensation for a truck accident, call OMQ Legal today and speak to one of our truck accident attorneys. We will make sure that the guilty party is held accountable for their actions and help you seek justice.
While truck drivers are often on the road throughout the night, most accidents involving semi trucks and 18-wheelers occur during the daytime, between 6am and 6pm. Not only are these the busiest hours of the day for commercial drivers, but for everyday traffic as well.
Most accidents take place on rural roads, where the speed limits are higher and there are fewer safety regulations like stop lights and stop signs. Rural roads and highways tend to have fewer and more narrow lanes than urban roads. These roads see much more truck traffic than urban roads, resulting in an increased number of collisions in these areas.
Understanding patterns of traffic can help everyday drivers steer clear of commercial trucks and reduce the risk of serious accidents. If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, we advise you to reach out to our team of truck accident attorneys today to start building your case. A skilled truck accident lawyer can help you secure the compensation that you deserve.
Familiarizing yourself with the common ways in which trucks often cause accidents can help you identify these patterns on the road and help reduce any serious accidents. The most common types of accidents seen in truck collisions include:
Sharp turns and poor road conditions often contribute to rollover accidents. These collisions are often serious for the driver of the truck and those around.
Rear-end collisions occur when a truck collides with the back of the car in front of it. In truck accidents, this is typically due to speeding or following too closely.
More commonly referred to as t-boning, these accidents typically occur at an intersection when a truck fails to stop at a red light or a stop sign.
Head-on collisions are often the most severe type of truck accident. This will often occur when a truck or car has veered onto the other side of the road. This can be caused by driver fatigue, swerving to avoid obstacles on the road, or reckless driving.
No matter the type of collision, any impact with a commercial truck is often serious and frightening. If you have been injured in a collision with a semi truck or an 18-wheeler, a truck accident attorney can help you build your case. Our team of truck accident lawyers at OMQ Legal has the experience and knowledge to provide resolute legal support and help you secure compensation for your injuries.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, it could have long-term impacts on your life and result in medical bills and lost wages. A Sioux Falls truck accident attorney can help you seek compensation for some of the following injuries commonly seen in trucking accidents:
OMQ Legal has seen it all. If you are suffering an injury from a truck accident in Sioux Falls, call today to speak with one of our truck accident lawyers. We have years of experience successfully defending our clients in court, providing compassionate and expert legal representation.
Commercial trucks are required to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance in the state of South Dakota. Trucking companies are also required to obtain cargo insurance for commercial vehicles carrying and transporting goods.
In South Dakota, truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving at a time, with a mandatory 10-hour off period afterwards. This is aimed at reducing the number of fatigue-related accidents in the trucking industry.
Commercial trucks are required to receive regular maintenance to ensure that they are in safe driving condition. Trucking companies must regularly check on brakes, tires, and lights and maintain detailed records of all inspections and repairs.
All truck drivers must obtain and possess a valid CDL license to operate a commercial truck in the state of South Dakota.
All drivers must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test and could be subject to a test at any time during their employment.
Commercial trucks must adhere to federal and state weight and size limits.
Trucks carrying hazardous materials must comply with specific regulations, including proper labeling, handling, and storage of hazardous materials. Drivers must also have a HazMat endorsement on their CDL
If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, you need an experienced truck accident attorney. Sioux Falls sees a large number of semi trucks and 18-wheelers passing through every day. While they are necessary for helping businesses far and wide transport goods, they often pose a threat to other drivers on the road.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, call OMQ Legal today and speak with one of our trusted truck accident lawyers. Injuries caused by truck accidents are often severe and can have lasting effects. We can help you hold the drivers and their trucking companies accountable by helping you secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Do not hesitate to reach out to our determined team of truck accident attorneys and start building your case.
