Suing After a Rear-End Collision with a Large Commercial Truck

Frequently, large commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and big rigs fail to stop in slowed traffic or construction zones resulting in rear-end collisions. While the majority of rear-end collisions involving smaller vehicles do not result in serious injury, those involving large commercial trucks can and do. Our blog has featured several articles in which commercial vehicles rear-ended smaller commuter vehicles resulting in serious injury or even death. In these cases, grieving families or injured drivers sued the trucking company and recovered millions in damages. In this article, the Tampa, FL truck accident attorneys at The Matassini Law Firm will discuss rear-end accidents involving large commercial trucks and how you proceed to recover damages from the trucking company or their insurer.

Rear-end accidents are the most frequent kind of traffic accident 

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of traffic accident that occurs on U.S. highways. The most likely reasons for rear-end collisions include following too closely (tailgating) and driver distraction. When it comes to large commercial trucks, there is often a different reason. The brake time for these vehicles is much slower than an average car. Tractor-trailers cannot stop on a dime. They must decelerate slowly as they approach stopped or slowed traffic. This means that the driver of the tractor-trailer must be that much more aware of their surroundings. It is also why such accidents frequently occur in work zones or when traffic is slowed.

Why do rear-end collisions with trucks occur so frequently? 

One reason that we touched on earlier is that these vehicles brake much more slowly than your average car. However, it is always the driver’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings and ensure they are operating their vehicle safely. Slower brake time is never an excuse for a truck driver to rear-end another vehicle. In these cases, the truck driver who caused the rear-end collision is almost always at fault for the accident.

Another reason why rear-end collisions occur so frequently is driver distraction and fatigue. Truck drivers have hours of service limitations meaning that they can only operate their vehicles for a set amount of time before taking a break. In some cases, trucking companies and their drivers fail to abide by these regulations and then their drivers cause accidents. In these cases, your personal injury attorney can allege that the truck driver is at fault for the accident because they violated the law.

Damages in rear-end collisions involving trucks 

You are entitled to be compensated for any injury you suffer from a truck accident. This includes payment for your medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. While rear-end collisions often result in minor cases of whiplash in a typical accident, drivers often suffer extreme and life-altering injuries when their smaller vehicle is struck by a big rig.

Talk to a Tampa, FL Truck Accident Lawyer Today 

The Matassini Law Firm represents the interests of Tampa residents who have been injured in crashes with large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers. Call our Tampa personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation, and we can begin discussing your injuries right away.