While work on our highways and roads in Norfolk is definitely needed, construction zones can pose an additional danger for motorists who must share these roads with commercial trucks. Because of the much larger weight and size of a truck, the victims of accidents caused by truck drivers are often occupants of the passenger vehicle who suffer life-altering injuries or death. If you were hurt in one of these accidents, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering from the negligent truck driver and trucking company.
Negligent Driving Practices of Truck Drivers That Lead to Tragic Collisions in Construction Zones
The construction work season can run from spring through the fall and cause traffic congestion, slowdowns, lane closures, and smaller lanes of traffic. Truck drivers on a tight schedule to deliver their loads can become impatient and engage in unsafe driving practices that may cause a rear-end collision, T-Bone accident, or multi-vehicle wreck. Some of the negligent behaviors include:
- Speeding. Driving above the posted speed limit is a common cause of a truck accident in a work zone. Trucks take longer to slow down in general and even more time when the trucker is speeding. Often he has insufficient time to slow down or stop when traffic conditions near road work require this.
- Tailgating. Tailgating is especially dangerous in a construction zone and can cause a rear-end collision or deadly override truck accident where the truck drives over a much smaller car and victims suffer catastrophic injuries or death.
- Distracted driving. With sudden stops, merging traffic, and lane closures, truck drivers need to remain even more alert in construction areas. When they are texting, talking on a cell phone, or engaged in other distracted driving practices, they are anything but attentive to their driving.
- Drunk driving. Being intoxicated can impair vision, reaction time, ability to judge distances, and reasoning abilities—all necessary when driving in a work zone.
Contact our experienced truck accident attorneys for advice on your legal options if a negligent trucker caused you or a loved one to sustain injuries in a truck accident. You can schedule your free consultation by calling our Norfolk office or filling out our convenient online form.
|
Related Links: |