18-Wheeler Accidents
Highway dividers are hazardous to 18-wheelers. Highway dividers were designed for cars, not for 18-wheelers. Rather than slide along a concrete divider like an automobile would, the right-side tires of a tractor trailer, semi or 18-wheeler ride up onto the top of the divider. As a result, the large truck can be flipped onto its side. If this happens, motor vehicles on the left can be crushed underneath the weight, up to 80,000 lbs., of the trailer and autos behind it can pile up into the truck from behind.
An 18-wheeler can jack knife in rain or other inclement weather. It is difficult for an 18-wheeler to slow down or come to a complete stop when highways are slippery because of the momentum of the trailer and its cargo in the rear.
18-wheeler drivers themselves can also be a safety hazard due to lack of sleep. Drowsiness is a leading cause of accidents that involve 18-wheelers. Long-haul drivers may have difficulty staying awake as they drive long hours attempting to meet their deadlines. Finally, 18-wheel tractor trailers have large blind spots that make passing them on the right extremely hazardous.
Package Delivery Truck Accidents
Speeding to meet tight delivery schedule is another leading cause of truck accidents. A package delivery truck driver can be required to make as many as 100 or more stops per day and traverse entire cities. Package delivery trucks can cause automobile accidents by illegally “standing” i.e. stopping and double parking a car while running in to deliver a package, forcing traffic to blindly go around them. A smaller motor vehicle may even be forced into the lane of oncoming traffic to proceed rather than stop and wait for a minute or two.
Bus Accidents
Because of their large size and tremendous weight, buses that transport people have difficulty stopping and cornering. If a bus driver is not alert they can underestimate the length of time needed to stop as well as the maximum speed that they can travel around a curve. Like an airliner, buses hold up to 100 people and crashes can often involve multiple fatalities.
Large companies that operate 18-wheelers, package delivery trucks and buses, as well as their insurance companies can be held liable for the negligence of their drivers. If you have been in a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck, 18-wheeler, package delivery truck, or a bus, call the Oregon truck accident attorney at Shlesinger & deVilleneuve Attorneys, P.C. today. We have the experience, tenacity, resources and knowledge to fight for you.
