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Franklin Truck Accident FAQ

Truck accidents are not only extremely dangerous for you and your family, but they’re also life-changing events that can have long-term effects on your day to day life. As Franklin truck accident attorneys, it’s our goal to not only help victims get money for their medical bills and lost wages, but to also help them understand their options during the aftermath of their accidents.

If you were recently involved in a truck accident and need help planning your next steps toward recovery, the legal professionals at Matt Hardin Law are here to help. Use the information provided in our list of frequently asked questions to get some basic knowledge about truck accidents, and then call us at fill out a free online form to learn more.

What are the major differences between cars and big trucks? 

While car accidents and truck accidents may seem similar, these two types of accidents have several differences that can result in vastly different outcomes for victims:

Trucks weigh significantly more than cars

The average passenger vehicle weighs somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 pounds, depending on its overall size and seating capacity. Big trucks, on the other hand, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds depending on the type of cargo they carry. Even trucks that don’t have trailers attached still outweigh standard vehicles by a significant amount.

Trucks are more difficult to stop or slow down

 

One of the most important safety features for modern cars is anti-lock brakes that allow drivers to stop or slow down dramatically at a moment’s notice. Big trucks are also equipped with high-tech brakes, but because of the sheer amount of weight they often carry, the distance for trucks to stop or slow down is greatly increased over that of standard vehicles. While a car driver may easily be able to stop if an accident occurs in front of him, a truck driver may be unable to avoid striking the disabled vehicles.

Trucks are more difficult to maneuver

 

In addition to weighing more and being more difficult to stop, trucks are also more difficult to simply maneuver in traffic or through city roadways. Because of their length and size, trucks take up huge amounts of space and can sometimes protrude into adjacent lanes on narrow roadways. That makes it more difficult for truck drivers to stay within the flow of traffic without constantly adjusting to the speed and driving habits of other drivers.

What are common causes of truck accidents?

Like car accidents, truck accidents have several causes, including:

Drivers exceeding their work limits

Truck drivers are required to limit their time spent behind the wheel to a specific number of hours in a certain timeframe. Truck drivers who exceed their allotted hours are not only violating the law, but they also put themselves and other drivers at serious risk due to the dangers of drowsy driving.

Trucking companies overloading trailers

In an effort to maximize profits, many trucking companies overload their trucks and exceed recommended weight limits. When trucks and trailers are overloaded, it can be much more difficult than normal for drivers to slow down, stop, or even maneuver their trucks safely.

Truck owners neglecting to maintain their trucks

Like all vehicles, big trucks require frequent maintenance. Truck owners, whether it’s the truck driver, the truck company, or a third party, may neglect to perform routine maintenance to save time and money. However, trucks that aren’t properly maintained are often unsafe to drive and capable of causing serious accidents.

How much does it cost to get an attorney from Matt Hardin Law?

The Franklin truck accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that many personal injury victims are hesitant to call a lawyer after their accidents because they’re wary of paying expensive attorney’s fees and lawyer bills. But our law firm doesn’t charge any fees upfront. In fact, you don’t owe us any money unless we get money for you.Because we use a contingency fee for our services, we’re able to open up the legal system to the victims who truly need it the most—and not just the people who have the money to pay upfront. When you call us for help after your accident, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Client Review

“I'm super pleased with Matt and his whole team. I was hesitant to contact a lawyer after my accident, but I'm so glad I did!”

William