Ottawa Truck Accident Lawyer
Anyone who has ever spent time on the 417, the 416, or any other of Ontario’s 400-series highways, knows that more and more trucks are using them every day. This greatly increases the risk of truck accidents, which are often fatal when another vehicle is involved.
Victims and their loved ones may be entitled to compensation if they have been involved in a truck accident, but should seek the help of an Ottawa truck accident lawyer who can help them with the complexities of their case. A skilled Ottawa lawyer will be able to fight for their client’s right to compensation.
Common Causes of Accidents
Unfortunately, driver error is one of the most common causes of truck accidents, and there are many driver errors that can result in an accident. The most common are:
- Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, mostly because they typically operate under tight deadlines. This can lead to serious fatigue which can cause a lack of focus, or even falling asleep at the wheel. Truck drivers are only allowed to spend a certain amount of time on the road before they must stop and rest for a certain period. Logs are kept that record this information, but they rely on the driver’s accuracy and honesty
- Excessive speed. Due to the sheer size of a commercial truck, if they travel at high speeds, it is even more dangerous than when passenger vehicles do so, and it can cause a great deal more damage. Some, but not all, trucks in Ontario have a speed-limiter device that prevents them from going over a certain speed (usually about 105 km per hour)
- Reckless driving. Truck drivers, just like many other drivers on the road, are sometimes prone to reckless driving. This can include weaving in and out of lanes to pass, lack of control over their trailer, and following too closely, to name just a few. Again, this is often because drivers are in a rush to get to their destination
- Lack of training. While a lack of training may not necessarily be the driver’s fault, this is still a driver error that could cause a truck accident
While it is natural to immediately blame the driver, truck accidents are not always the driver’s fault. In fact, anyone that had access to the truck for loading and/or unloading, and anyone that helped manufacture the truck may also be to blame. This is the case when the cause of truck accidents are faulty brakes, fuel lines, wheels and tires, hitches, or any other part of the truck.
Although it may not always be clear what caused the accident, a truck accident lawyer in Ottawa can help victims figure it out.
Injuries Resulting From Truck Accidents
Due to the sheer size of trucks, the amount of damage and injuries sustained are far more severe than the average car accident. They can include:
- Brain injuries
- Spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Burns
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Contusions
- Internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
Talk to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
The injuries sustained in a trucking accident can be the most severe, and can be devastating for victims and their loved ones.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, contact an Ottawa truck accident lawyer who has experience in this area of law, and can get you the compensation you deserve.
