In a collision between a semi truck and a smaller vehicle, the smaller vehicle may be the one that suffers more damage. This is why the drivers of these large vehicles may be required to handle the truck and avoid accidents.
Still, a driver may cause an accident. They may be tired or sleepy. They may be driving too fast for road conditions. The weather may be bad.
Get the truck driver’s information
If the driver of the smaller vehicle is seriously injured, they may not be able to communicate with the truck driver or they may be unable to request the truck driver’s information.
Should this happen, a witness to the accident or an uninjured passenger may be able to obtain this information. The information exchanged should be the insurance information and the drivers’ licenses of both drivers. Witnesses may choose to take photos of the accident scene to pass on to the police.
Circumstances that may lead to an accident with a smaller vehicle include:
- Turning accidents; semi trucks require more space to turn
- Lack of training
- Lack of attention to defensive driving techniques and safety issues
- Driving too fast, knowing their employer may pay more if they arrive early
- Jackknifing on a slick road
- Too-tight scheduling, resulting in a sleep-deprived driver
Who holds civil liability?
After an accident between a semi truck and a small vehicle, an investigation may place liability on more than one person:
- Truck driver
- Truck owner
- Driver’s employer
- Truck leasing company
- Truck manufacturer
- Truck trailer’s owner
- Maintenance company for the truck
- Insurance provider for the motor carrier
Potential causes of an accident with a semi truck
Semi-truck drivers hold a large amount of responsibility before they begin driving and while they are driving. They learn the weather conditions and the resulting road conditions. They make sure their vehicles are safe to drive.
