May 12, 2020
How often do you navigate Illinois roadways as a motorist? Whether you have a lengthy daily commute to and from work or you are fortunate enough to work from home, thereby reducing the time you spend on the road, you’ve likely encountered travel situations that have caused you stress. Especially at this time of year, when there is more traffic because of holiday shopping, you are wise to be as cautious and alert as possible whenever you get behind the wheel.
More people shopping means more trucks on the road as well, since a lot of people like to shop online and have their goods delivered right to their doorsteps. Driving on a road when there are few to no other vehicles increases the chances that you will safely arrive at your chosen destination. When there are a lot of trucks on the road, however, you might be at great risk for serious injury.
Truck driver facts you should know
When it comes to compiling lists of the most dangerous jobs in Illinois or in the United States, trucking typically ranks high. It is one of the most dangerous jobs there is. If you have a commercial truck driver in your family, you likely already know that many truckers are away from home for months at a time.
Commercial truck drivers are legally obligated to adhere to stringent regulations regarding weight, time on the road, types of loads they haul and more. Not every driver follows the rules, which is a problem. Truck driver negligence is a causal factor in many fatal accidents in this state and throughout the nation.
Most common causes of truck collisions
When you’re sharing the road with a commercial truck driver, you have no way of knowing how long he or she has gone without rest. Drowsy driving is a common cause of motor vehicle collisions, whether a driver is operating a tractor-trailer or a car.
Distracted driving is the second most common cause of commercial truck collisions. When you drive or travel as a passenger in someone’s vehicle, you have the right to expect truck drivers to adhere to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Eating and drinking at the wheel, using cell phones or other electronic devices and other issues are major sources of distraction that can quickly turn safe travel into tragic situations.
Most truck accidents are due to driver errors
If you survive a collision involving a tractor-trailer, you’re likely to have suffered serious injuries. Such incidents often spark financial distress when recovering victims lose income due to taking time off work or because of exorbitant expenses associated with post-accident care, such as gas money to travel to doctor appointments or physical therapy.
The risk of suffering traumatic brain injury, spinal or neck injuries and other debilitating conditions in a truck accident is high. Even if a doctor releases you to go home, you might be in need of assistance to function on a daily basis. Many Illinois accident victims seek financial damages in court when they have evidence to show that truck driver error was a direct cause of their injuries.
