Salt Lake City personal injury law firm on the risks associated with lumber trucks
Lumber trucks provide an important role in our economy. They are responsible for carrying timber from distant locations to areas where it can be processed and used in construction. There are a number of risks associated with these trucks.
Lumber trucks are very large and very heavy, which makes it difficult for them to stop quickly. Additionally, they could spill their load if they do not secure the logs properly. These issues could result in major lumber truck accidents here in Utah.
Log Truck Accidents Are Dangerous Around the Country
Many drivers are used to seeing lumber trucks sharing the road with them here in Murray. However, the prevalence of these trucks does not mean they are always safe. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were over 700 injury accidents involving log trucks in 2018. Log trucks ended up involved in 94 fatal accidents in the same period of time.
If you were hit by a log truck here in Utah, you can reach out to a Murray personal injury lawyer to get help right now.
Common Risks for Lumber Truck Accidents in Utah
Lumber trucks are one kind of commercial vehicle. There are a number of common hazards associated with large truck accidents in our area. Many of these accidents occur because truck drivers are:
- Fatigued or drowsy
- Distracted by electronic devices
- Disobeying traffic laws
- Impaired by alcohol or drugs
Fatigue is one of the major causes of log truck accidents, according to research done about the log trucking industry. Log truck drivers are often expected to drive long distances without taking a break. This can lead to exhaustion, which often impairs drivers in the same way that alcohol does.
Equipment Failures and Lumber Truck Collisions
There are other major risks associated with lumber trucks throughout our state. Defective equipment is a major cause of accidents in the logging industry. Defective cargo restraints on a truck can allow the logs to fall off of the truck and down onto the road.
Flying debris is a major concern when hauling such a heavy load. Additionally, these accidents might occur even if there are no defective parts on the truck. Drivers or crews who do not load their cargo improperly can allow the logs to shift in an unsafe way.
Results of Log Truck Accidents
Log truck accidents are also high-risk due to the amount of damage a lumber truck can cause in a collision. Drivers hit by log trucks often experience vehicle damage and serious injuries. After a collision, you may want compensation for your:
- Healthcare expenses
- Vehicle damage
- Pain and suffering
A Murray personal injury attorney can help you seek compensation for your losses after a collision with a log truck.
Get Help from a SALT LAKE CITY Truck Accident Law Firm Right Now.
Here at Gosdis Law, we’re ready to help you handle the fallout from lumber truck accidents. We’ll evaluate whether you have a case and, if so, build a claim for you after a log truck accident. Find out how by contacting a Salt Lake City personal injury lawyer. Reach a Utah truck accident lawyer today by filling out our online contact form or calling or texting us 385-429-9960.