The dangers of a commercial truck collision are greater—and potentially deadlier—on rural roads than on city streets in the Norfolk and Virginia Beach areas. If you or a loved one was injured in a semi-truck crash that occurred on a rural road, you might be entitled to compensation from the negligent trucker and trucking company. However, you will need the assistance of an experienced truck accident lawyer to go up against the insurance company so that you receive the damages and justice you deserve.
Why Rural Roads Are Dangerous for Truck Drivers
Truckers face unique dangers when driving on rural roads. They include the following:
- Rural roads have lots of curves. Because they are often only two lanes, truck drivers are more likely to veer into the other lane and cause a head-on collision.
- There are often no shoulders on a rural road. This gives a truck driver less room to maneuver to avoid a crash.
- Speed limits are high on rural roads, which can encourage truckers to drive faster than they should.
- Animals and other obstacles may be left in the middle of the road. A trucker may swerve into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting them.
- Road conditions are often poor on rural roads. A truck driver could lose control of their truck if there are potholes or the road is uneven.
- Visibility can be reduced, especially at night, due to the lack of street lights.
Four Leading Causes of Rural Road Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are required to drive safely on all roads and highways—including rural roads. Common ways they cause big-rig truck crashes include the following:
- Speeding. Truck drivers often speed on rural roads when they are in a rush to deliver their loads. If a trucker is speeding, it will take them longer to slow down or stop their truck, making it impossible for them to avoid striking a motor vehicle or to safely maneuver a curve.
- Distracted driving. When a truck driver’s mind and eyes are not on their driving due to texting, talking on a cellphone, or another distraction, they are more likely to cause a truck accident on a two-lane rural road.
- Drunk driving. Driving a truck when intoxicated is extremely dangerous. A trucker’s reaction time, vision, judgment, and more are reduced, increasing the danger of a rural road truck accident.
- Drowsy driving. Driving while tired is as dangerous as driving when intoxicated. Unfortunately, truck drivers driving on rural roads—especially at night—often fight to stay away or fall asleep at the wheel to meet their tight deadlines.