The Dangers and Causes of Log Truck Accidents
Accidents with logging trucks can be more dangerous than accidents with other large trucks. If logs aren’t properly secured, they can impale or crush other vehicles and occupants inside them. A truck accident lawyer is essential for helping accident victims get fairly compensated for their injuries while also holding negligent parties liable.
At the Tawwater Law Firm, our attorneys provide representation to those who have been injured in log truck accidents in and around Oklahoma City, OK, helping accident victims get the compensation they deserve. If you have been injured in an accident and would like to learn how we can help you, we welcome you to schedule a consultation.
The Dangers of Logging Trucks
Logging trucks present unique dangers to motorists on the road especially when compared to other large, commercial trucks. This is because logs are not stored in a trailer like most cargo but instead are stacked on top of each other and secured with chains.
If the logs are not properly stacked and securely fastened, the logs may become loose and injure nearby drivers and their passengers. Logs may impale or crush a vehicle and severely injure or even kill the people inside.
Overhanging logs can also lead to serious injuries. If not properly flagged, another driver may run into the overhanging logs.
Causes of Log Truck Accidents
There are many possible causes of accidents with logging trucks in Oklahoma City. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driver fatigue: The demands of delivering a load of logs within a certain amount of time means that some truck drivers may drive while fatigued. Fatigued driving can affect judgment and increase the risk of accidents.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving, which refers to any time a driver diverts their attention away from driving, is a leading cause of all accidents.
- Improperly loaded logs: If logs are not loaded properly, they may roll around or break free. Significant movement can affect a truck’s center of gravity and may lead to an accident.
- Driving too fast: Large logging trucks need plenty of time to slow down and stop. When truck drivers drive too fast, they run the risk of not being able to stop before hitting another vehicle. Speeding can also cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicle.
- Poorly trained truck driver: Poor training may contribute to an accident and is a concern for commercial log truck drivers.
- Poorly maintained truck: Poorly maintained trucks may experience flat tires, brake failure, and other problems that can cause an accident.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Log truck accidents may be caused by the truck driver’s negligence or things beyond his or her control. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, additional parties may be held liable, including:
- The trucking company: The trucking company may be liable if they hired a truck driver who was not qualified to drive a logging truck or was negligent in some other way that contributed to the accident.
- The lumber company: The lumber company may be liable if they own the trucks and employ the truck drivers used to haul lumber and didn’t provide proper training of drivers or maintenance of their trucks.
Contact the Tawwater Law Firm
If you live in or around Oklahoma City and have been injured in an accident with a logging truck, call (405) 607-1400 to schedule a consultation and find out how our attorneys can help you with your injury claim.