Accidents involving trucks can quickly spiral out of control. What starts as a two-vehicle accident can quickly evolve into a multiple-vehicle disaster. Semi-trucks weigh many hundreds of pounds and travel at great speeds, creating a deadly force. When something goes wrong, a truck accident can involve many vehicles and result in many injuries.
According to reports, a recent accident in Massachusetts involved a semi-truck and four other vehicles. The crash occurred on the Massachusetts turnpike. Following the incident, traffic was backed up for 17 miles. Multiple lanes were closed late in the afternoon. The truck had jackknifed, causing it to cover multiple lanes.
Jackknifing is just one of many ways a truck accident can occur. It takes a good amount of skill to safely operate a vehicle as large as a semi-truck. That’s why there are federal trucking regulations that require truck drivers to undergo certain training and take certain steps to ensure the safety of others on the road. When truck drivers fail to meet these federal trucking regulations, there can be consequences.
One possible consequence is legal action. Victims of truck accidents may wish to pursue legal action against a negligent driver. This action may be directed at the truck driver, the truck driver’s employer, or the manufacturer of the parts in the driver’s truck.
Knowing what actions to take following a crash is not always easy. Thankfully, there are attorneys available who can help victims learn the legal options available to them. Successfully pursuing legal action may result in the obtainment of compensation. Compensation can help victims pay for damages such as medical expenses or the costs associated with vehicle damages.
