The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) oversees the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and these two organizations play a vital role in the commercial vehicle travel in this country. Road hazards can make driving on Arizona’s roads and highways very dangerous. However, operating a commercial vehicle through roads hazards is even more dangerous. While the Department of Transportation strives to improve the quality of the nation’s roads, there are still many road hazards that can cause a commercial truck to be involved in a collision.
The FMSCA reports that too many commercial vehicles exceed the posted speed limit or drive too fast for the conditions. This can be a recipe for disaster if the trucks encounter a road hazard. In order to stay safe on the road, truckers need to be aware of potential road hazards and how to avoid them.
Oftentimes, trucking accidents will cause severe injuries and extensive property damage. Depending on the circumstances of the crash, a number of parties may be held liable for the damages caused by a truck accident that was the result of a road hazard.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, you may have grounds for legal and financial recourse. Contact the attorneys at Phillips Law Group today to explore your legal options.
To find out if you’re eligible to file a legal claim, fill out the Free Case Review form.
Types of Truck Road Hazards
There are a number of road hazards that a truck driver may come across on while out on the road. A road hazard can increase a truckers likelihood of being involved in a vehicle crash. While avoiding a road hazard isn’t always possible, being aware of the potential dangers on the highway can put you in a better position to avoid an accident.
Listed below are some of the most common road hazards that truckers encounter:
- Debris- Truck drivers can encounter a range of debris on the road including, asphalt, litter, glass, plastic and rubber from tire blowouts. Any type of debris on the road can affect a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely.
- Potholes/Poorly Maintained Roads- Not only can potholes and poorly maintained roads can damage your truck, they can also put at a risk of a collision.
- Animals- Occasionally, truck drivers may encounter animals on the side of the road, the unpredictability of an animal makes them very dangerous. When an animal runs into the road, drivers will often swerve to avoid them, which can cause an accident.
- Pedestrians- Due to their large size, commercial trucks are unable to stop quickly or make sudden maneuvers. When a pedestrian walks out into the street in front of an approaching truck, the truck may not be able to stop quick enough to avoid the person, which a can result in a collision.
If you were involved in a truck accident that you believe was caused by a road hazard, contact Phillips Law Group today.
Phoenix Truck Accident Attorneys
Every year, thousands of accidents are caused by road hazards. If you were involved in a truck accident that was caused by a road hazard, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses, medical expenses, and property damage. Road hazard accidents can be difficult cases to handle, due to the number of parties that may be held liable for the damages. At Phillips Law Group, we urge anyone that has been involved in a road hazard accident to seek legal guidance. A knowledgeable personal injury attorney can thoroughly explain your legal rights and the statute of limitations.
Our attorneys offer free legal consultations to all accident victims in Phoenix and the surrounding communities. During your consultation, an attorney will review the circumstances of your accident and recommend the best course of action to pursue.
To have your case evaluated by Phillips Law Group, fill out the contact form on the right.