How a Tractor-Trailer Lawyer Can Help

Tractor-trailer accidents in New Hampshire involve collisions or crashes with large commercial trucks, often leading to serious injuries, property damage, or even fatalities. These incidents are typically caused by factors such as driver fatigue, mechanical issues, improper loading, distracted driving, speeding, or poor weather conditions. Understanding the most common causes helps identify how and why these accidents happen, which is important when determining who is responsible.

A tractor-trailer accident lawyer from Sabbeth Law, PLLC can help you or your loved ones who have been hurt in tractor-trailer accidents. We work closely with our clients to investigate what caused the crash, determine liability, and hold the responsible parties accountable. We are committed to making sure our clients understand their rights and have the support they need every step of the way.

In New Hampshire, human errors significantly contribute to tractor-trailer accidents. Fatigue, distraction, and aggression on the road are key issues that often lead to catastrophic outcomes.

Fatigue and Hours-Of-Service Violations

Truck drivers frequently face immense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This pressure often results in ignoring federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations designed to prevent driver fatigue. Drivers can end up working beyond safe limits, resulting in reduced alertness and longer reaction times. 

Regulations, such as the 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive off-duty hours, aim to curb this risk. Violations may involve altering driver logs, which can serve as critical evidence in legal claims. Establishing how much time a driver has spent on the road can be pivotal in demonstrating negligence in accident cases.

Distracted or Impaired Driving

Distractions cause severe risks on the road. Texting, GPS usage, and even eating can divert a driver’s attention from the task of operating a massive vehicle safely. Alcohol and other substances impair judgment and reaction time, exacerbating the danger. Dual impact from distraction and impairment can lead to devastating incidents. A recent crash on I-89 in Warner highlights the need for vigilance: it demonstrates how quickly things can spiral out of control when a driver’s attention is compromised.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

The dangers linked to speeding and aggressive driving with tractor-trailers are considerable. These vehicles require greater stopping distances, making speeding especially dangerous. Following another vehicle too closely further increases accident risks. Even slight increases in speed can transform minor issues into major collisions. It’s essential to acknowledge how such driver behaviors contribute to accidents. The potential for major damage from speeding, especially with heavy loads, underscores its relevance to common causes of tractor-trailer accidents.

Contact Us

Vehicle and Equipment Failures

Vehicle and equipment failures in tractor-trailers can lead to serious accidents on New Hampshire roads. Issues such as brake, tire, and steering system malfunctions require attention, as do improperly loaded or secured cargo and negligent maintenance or inspection failures.

Brake, Tire, and Steering System Malfunctions

Mechanical failures such as brake and tire blowouts significantly impact safety. A brake malfunction can prevent a vehicle from stopping in time, contributing to severe collisions. Tire blowouts can cause sudden loss of control, potentially leading to rollover accidents and multi-vehicle crashes. Steering issues can make it difficult to navigate or avoid obstacles.

Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining vehicles properly. Regular inspections and timely repairs are crucial to prevent mechanical failures. Everyone’s safety on the road hinges on strict adherence to maintenance schedules and safety regulations.

Improperly Loaded or Secured Cargo

When cargo is improperly loaded or not secured correctly, it poses a significant danger. Shifting weight can make a truck harder to control and increase the risk of rollovers. Overloading a truck can strain mechanical components, exacerbating the likelihood of equipment failures.

Ensuring that cargo is evenly distributed and properly secured is essential for safe transport. Precise adherence to weight limits and securing guidelines helps minimize risks on the road. Trucking companies must prioritize these practices to prevent accidents arising from cargo issues.

Negligent Maintenance or Inspection Failures

Negligent maintenance and inspection failures present substantial risks. Motor carriers have a legal duty to conduct routine inspections, ensuring that vehicles meet safety standards. Failure to uphold these duties can result in accidents and increased liability.

Maintenance records are critical in proving liability in incidents involving neglected equipment. Accidents may arise from neglected vehicle conditions, leading to property damage. Detailed maintenance logs and inspection reports are essential, as highlighted in incidents involving commercial vehicle crashes and property damage. These records serve as vital evidence in legal investigations into accidents.

Environmental and Roadway Hazards

Navigating New Hampshire’s roadways can present unique challenges for tractor-trailer drivers. From harsh weather conditions to busy construction zones, each scenario demands specific defensive driving techniques to mitigate accident risks.

Poor Weather and Road Conditions

New Hampshire’s weather can shift rapidly, presenting hazards like snow, ice, fog, and heavy rain. These conditions significantly increase stopping distances and hamper visibility. For us, it’s essential to adjust our driving techniques when faced with such obstacles. Slowing down and maintaining a greater distance from vehicles ahead become critical measures to ensure safety.

In snowy or icy conditions, the traction loss can be particularly treacherous, necessitating even more caution. Defensive driving requires extra vigilance and adjusting speed according to visibility and road surface. By adapting to these conditions, we can reduce the likelihood of collisions and contribute to safer roadways.

Construction Zones and Traffic Patterns

Construction zones often introduce confusing detours, lane shifts, and altered traffic patterns. These changes can heighten accident risks as drivers navigate unfamiliar or narrowed lanes. We must remain especially attentive in these areas, watching for signs and barriers that may not be immediately obvious.

When negligence by state entities or trucking companies comes into play, liability could be shared. Companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are well-informed about traffic changes along their routes. By staying alert and informed, we can better anticipate and respond to these dynamic situations with the necessary care.

Railroad and Intersection Hazards

Railroad crossings and intersections pose specific challenges for tractor-trailer drivers. Wide turns and misjudged crossings can lead to significant accidents. We focus on improving our awareness at these points, ensuring we have the space and time needed to navigate safely. The instance of a tractor-trailer colliding with a railroad plow highlights the importance of caution.

Properly evaluating the speed and distance of oncoming trains, as well as exercising patience at busy intersections, are fundamental strategies we employ. These efforts help reduce the potential for dangerous encounters and promote safer passage through these complex traffic features.

Contact Us

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

Liability in tractor-trailer accidents often involves multiple parties. Truck drivers are the most apparent candidates, especially if they exhibit negligence, such as speeding or distracted driving. Their responsibility is to operate the vehicle safely and in compliance with traffic laws.

The trucking company can also bear liability. They might have pressured drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, resulting in fatigue-related accidents. Additionally, companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained and adhere to safety regulations.

Maintenance providers play a crucial role. If a vehicle failure, like brake malfunction, occurs due to negligent maintenance, these providers can be held accountable. Regular inspections and repairs are critical in preventing mechanical issues that can lead to accidents.

Cargo loaders could be liable if their improper loading caused an accident. Uneven or unsecured loads may cause a truck to become unbalanced or lead to a rollover, posing a significant threat on the road.

Legal teams investigate these complex accidents thoroughly to determine fault. This might include reviewing evidence from the accident site, analyzing data from the truck’s electronic logging device, and examining maintenance records. Understanding these elements is vital in proving fault.

What Victims Should Do After a Tractor-Trailer Accident?

Accidents involving tractor-trailers often result in serious injuries. Immediate action is crucial to protect the rights and well-being of those involved. What steps should victims take after such an accident?

  • Seek Medical Care: Your health is the priority. Even if injuries seem minor, a medical evaluation is necessary. Serious conditions like internal injuries or concussions may not be immediately apparent.
  • Gather Evidence: Collect as much information as possible at the scene. This includes taking photos, noting weather and road conditions, and obtaining contact information from witnesses, as these details support your compensation claim.
  • Report the Crash: Ensure the accident is reported to law enforcement. An official report is crucial for legal proceedings and insurance claims. It provides a detailed account of the incident from a neutral party.
  • Avoid Giving Statements to Insurers: Insurance companies may seek statements, but these can be used against you to minimize compensation. It’s advisable to consult with a legal professional before speaking to insurers.

Prompt action aids in preserving critical evidence and meeting legal deadlines. It allows us to focus on advocating for your interests while you concentrate on your recovery. Addressing these steps effectively can influence the outcome of any legal action or insurance claim related to the accident.

How Sabbeth Law, PLLC Can Help You After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

Experiencing a tractor-trailer accident can be daunting and confusing. Our team, located in Vermont and serving New Hampshire, is skilled in handling serious truck accidents. We understand the unique complexities of these cases, distinguishing them from typical car accidents.

Our personal injury attorneys focus on a thorough investigation. We collaborate with accident reconstructionists to analyze crash details. This helps us build strong compensation claims for our clients. Our experience in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations ensures we recognize trucking industry nuances.

We offer compassionate support while aggressively advocating for victims’ rights. Our experience and dedication drive us to achieve fair outcomes. If you’ve been involved in such an accident, seeking a scheduled consultation can be a vital step towards justice and recovery.

Our firm’s approach combines detailed investigation with a focus on your unique story. By reaching out to us, you can gain tailored guidance through the process of understanding your rights and pursuing fair compensation.

Contact Us