Truck Accidents Involving Car Carriers
Any of us who have driven on the highway, anywhere in the country, have seen car carriers crisscrossing the nation. These are large vehicles which look like semi-trucks, sometimes bland, and sometimes brightly colored like neon green or blue to draw attention to themselves – and of course, we take note of the brand-new cars they are whisking to a dealership.
But how much do you know about them? And, do you know what happens in the event of a truck accident involving a car carrier?
Below, our friends from Blaszkow Legal, PLLC discuss truck accidents involving car carriers.
What Makes Car Carriers Different?
Most people think that these big car carriers are semi-trucks, and they are in the literal sense, but they are not traditional 18-wheelers! Instead, they are actually a tractor hauling a much smaller trailer. It is not connected by a fifth wheel, but rather a specific tow hitch. Another frame is fitted over the cab to enable more cars to be carried.
Because of this unique combination, the drivers do not have to have a standard tractor-trailer vehicle operator’s license. Instead, they have a lower-level license for commercial vehicles, because the vehicle weight usually falls under that which is required by “regular” semi-truck drivers. This does not necessarily make these drivers any less safe, it simply means that the licenses – and skills – themselves are not interchangeable. A person driving a car carrier, unless they have a higher license, cannot just decide to drive a regular tractor-trailer the next day.
How Accidents Can Occur
Truck accidents involving car carriers can happen any number of ways, and some happen because of cargo that they are hauling (the cars) can contribute to the movement of the truck itself. Consider that the vehicles on the car carrier themselves have their own suspension systems and shocks. So when the truck bounces, the cargo bounces as well! This can create a rocking motion that, if driven improperly, can make the truck unstable, and can sometimes cause the truck to roll.
Risks Of Improperly Secured Cargo
The car also has to be secured upon the car carrier trailer itself. Under normal circumstances, this is done via large chains that are secured and fastened onto the trailer frame. However, there have been crashes that have occurred because a car has come loose! Either this has caused the weight to shift, or the car has come off completely, and struck another vehicle upon the road.
Why You Need An Attorney Quickly
If you have been involved in a truck accident caused by or involving a car carrier, it is extremely important to speak to an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. Don’t wait. The investigation has to start immediately. For example, if the crash happened because a car came loose or was not properly secured, your lawyer has to be investigating that right away.
Determining Who Is Responsible
Your lawyer has to figure out who is responsible for the crash. It could be some fly-by-night company that hired out personnel to do the loading at the departure facility. It could be that facility itself. There could be evidence that helps to bring these facts to light, but that evidence has to be preserved or it will be lost.
Don’t Delay In Seeking Legal Help
Always contact an experienced car, truck, or motorcycle accident lawyer immediately. The longer you wait, the harder you can make proving your case, and getting the compensation that you deserve!