Proving Fault In A Logging Truck Accident
The average piece of timber transported on a large logging truck can span tens of feet and weigh hundreds, or thousands, of pounds. A collision with one of these trucks will, undoubtedly, produce serious injuries. To maintain safety, logging truck operators and owners must take essential steps. When these measures are not followed and an innocent motorist is injured, justice must be served. If you or a loved one were involved in a collision with a logging truck, learn how you can prove fault.
Failure to Adhere to Speed Standards
Logging trucks are not exempt from speed standards. Not only are they required to follow the law, but on some roads, they are required to maintain a slower speed than smaller vehicles. In a scenario where the driver of the log truck slams into the back of another vehicle, it can be proven that their speed contributed to the collision. A police report or a digital truck monitoring system should be able to establish whether the truck was moving too fast at the time of the crash.
Poor Loading Practices
Loading a logging truck is a time-consuming process, but every part of the process is necessary to maintain safety on the road. When a driver or company does not load and secure each log carefully, there is the risk that one of the logs could fall off the truck. This type of scenario can send one of these massive logs forcefully through the windshield of an unsuspecting driver.
Inadequate Hazard Tags
Particularly when a timber load is being transported at night, hazard tags are a must. The hazard tags are the distinctly colored tags that hang off the ends of the logs to alert other drivers that the log extends beyond the bed of the truck. If the driver following behind the truck cannot see these tags, it is possible that the driver could get too close to the truck. It is the responsibility of the logging truck owner or driver to ensure these tags are in place and invisible.
Beyond Evidence
Truck accidents causes require more than evidence. For fair compensation, accident victims must also be able to apply the law to their case. This step typically requires the skill of an attorney. An attorney will investigate the dynamic of your accident to help establish negligence and work to ensure that you are awarded every measure of the law for your case.
Speak with a truck accident attorney to learn more about your case and to start on the road to fair compensation.