Trailer Detachment Accidents
Common Causes of Big Truck Accidents
Sharing the road with large commercial trucks can be scary. After all, a fully loaded big rig can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. These large trucks are typically carrying cargo, such as livestock, produce, or even hazardous materials. When traveling at 65 mph, a detached 60,000-pound trailer full of dangerous materials can cause catastrophic and fatal accidents.
Sadly, trailers can detach from all types of vehicles, including large commercial trucks, big rigs, flatbeds, and pickup trucks. These trailers can cause a tremendous amount of damage to the vehicles around them and can result in significant injuries and fatalities. When a big rig truck is carrying hazardous materials, the injuries can be even more severe and can even affect residents who live in the community.
Truck drivers are responsible for checking their trailer prior to driving. They must ensure that their trailer is secured, safe, and in working condition. Unfortunately, not all truck drivers perform these safety inspections properly. If they fail to perform the necessary and required safety checks on their vehicles, they can be held responsible for any accidents they caused.
If you’ve been injured in a commercial trucking accident because of a detached trailer, we can help. At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our truck accident lawyers know how to handle these complex and unique cases. Call us at (800) 434-4800 to learn how we can help you during this difficult time.
We’re here to help.
Respect
We treat all our clients with the utmost respect.
No fee
Our No Fee Guarantee® means you pay us nothing unless we win your case.
24/7 access
You get access to our legal team anywhere, anytime.
NATIONALLY RESPECTED. LOCALLY TRUSTED.
Why Do Trailers Detach?
There are numerous reasons why a trailer may get detached from a truck, including:
Truck drivers have a responsibility to obey the rules of the road. Traveling at excessive speeds can cause cargo to shift or become off-balance. Speeding while towing a trailer may also cause the trailer to suddenly detach, especially if the cargo being carried is heavy.
When a truck makes a sudden and sharp turn, it can jackknife, resulting in the trailer being separated from the cab. Truck drivers should approach all turns with caution and while traveling at a safe speed to prevent jackknifing.
Trucking companies sometimes overload their trucks with cargo in an effort to maximize profits. The heavier the cargo is, the greater the chances of a trailer detachment. In addition, improperly secured cargo can cause the truck to become off-balance, which can also result in a trailer detachment.
Trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their trucks and ensuring their safety. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance and fail to have their vehicles regularly serviced and inspected, serious and catastrophic accidents can occur.
If the weight of the trailer is greater than the cab towing it, traveling down a steep decline can be disastrous. The weight of the trailer could make it impossible for the truck driver to apply the brakes, resulting in a trailer detachment.
Truck drivers have a responsibility to make sure their vehicles are safe and that their cargo is secure. Part of that responsibility means inspecting to make sure the trailer is properly secured. An improperly secured trailer has a greater chance of detachment.
What to Do If Involved in a Detached Trailer Accident?
Trucking accident cases are extraordinarily complex. There may be multiple parties involved and numerous insurance companies all pointing fingers and shifting the blame. Trucking companies and manufacturing companies all have large corporate insurance agencies working around the clock to help them reduce their liability. As such, you need an experienced and aggressive trucking accident law firm on your side from the start.
Your attorney will need to work quickly to obtain valuable evidence after a serious trucking accident. This may include collecting black box data, interviewing eyewitnesses, and examining the wreckage closely. In some cases, your trucking accident attorney may need to employ accident reconstruction experts to determine who is to blame for the accident.
Once liability is established, your attorney will need to begin aggressively negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. Insurance adjusters aren’t eager to pay top dollar to accident victims, even when their clients are clearly to blame. As such, they offer trucking accident victims an initial low-ball settlement and then pressure them to sign quickly. Don’t sign anything without first speaking to one of the experienced and skilled Arkansas trucking accident lawyers at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton immediately.
We’re There When You Need Us
Trailer detachments can result in catastrophic and life-threatening injuries. In many cases, these accidents even result in fatalities. Insurance companies know this. As such, they work quickly to reduce their own liabilities. Without a lawyer on your side, you may not obtain the money you need to recover. In fact, accident victims without a lawyer on their side receive significantly smaller settlements.
At Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, our truck accident attorneys fight aggressively for your future and will negotiate with the large truck insurance companies on your behalf every step of the way. We know that you need money now to pay for medical bills and lost wages. That’s why we work quickly to negotiate a fair settlement for our clients that takes into account all of their injuries and future medical needs.
Accident Injury Law Resources
How to Obtain a Police Report After a Car Accident in Arkansas
After a car accident in Arkansas, a police report serves as a crucial piece of documentation that can significantly impact
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?
Personal injury lawyers serve as powerful advocates for people who have been hurt due to others’ negligence or wrongdoing. They
What Is the Average Payout for a Rear-End Collision in Arkansas?
The exact payout you receive from a rear-end collision in Arkansas can vary widely, depending on factors like the severity
What Type of Attorney Handles Car Accidents?
Most car accident cases are handled by personal injury lawyers, who can help you navigate the aftermath of an accident.
Can You Sue a Car Insurance Company?
If you’ve been in a car accident and you’re worried the insurance company isn’t playing fair, you can sue them—under
Average Settlement for Victims Hit by Drunk Drivers in Arkansas
Your settlement after a drunk driving accident in Arkansas could range from a few thousand dollars to a million or
Top 25 Causes of Car Accidents in the United States
Car accidents happen every day, but do you know what’s really causing them? Some reasons might seem obvious—like speeding or
What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Has No Car Insurance?
If you get into an accident and the at-fault driver doesn’t have insurance, you might need to rely on your
What Type of Doctor Should You See After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, figuring out what to do next can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several types of doctors
Arkansas Car Seat & Booster Seat Laws
As a parent in Arkansas, keeping your child safe on the road is one of your top priorities. Every time
Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable in Arkansas?
In Arkansas, some components of a settlement are typically not taxable (for example, property damage, medical care costs, or physical
Little Rock Drunk Driving Accident Victim Lawyers
If you're injured in a drunk driving accident in Little Rock, a knowledgeable Arkansas DUI accident attorney can help you
What Are the Odds of Getting Into a Car Crash in Arkansas?
While the exact numbers vary based on factors like age, driving behavior, and density of traffic, a recent study found
Can a Closed Car Insurance Claim Be Reopened?
While reopening a closed claim isn’t impossible, it’s often an uphill battle. Our team at Rainwater, Holt & Sexton is
What Is a Head-On Collision?
A head-on collision occurs when the front ends of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide. While head-on crashes are