The commercial trucking industry is essential to our local, state, and national economies. Most trucks safely travel to and from their destinations daily. However, when big truck accidents happen, they are often catastrophic.
There are numerous types of commercial trucks traveling our highways, and each presents its challenges. Bobtail trucks are one type of commercial truck that can pose increased safety risks to motorists. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bobtail truck accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation with a Lafayette truck accident lawyer at Anderson Blanda & Saltzman.
What Is a Bobtail Truck in the Commercial Trucking Industry?
A bobtail truck is a semi-truck that does not have a trailer attached to it. Semi-trucks usually have a trailer attached for hauling goods. If a driver drops off a trailer at one location to go pick up another trailer, or to take the truck for servicing, or some other reason, you may see the truck driving as a bobtail.
Why Is a Bobtail Truck Dangerous?
Many people assume that driving a semi-truck without the large trailer would be less dangerous. However, that is not always the case. Semi-trucks are designed to be driven with a trailer attached. Bobtail trucks may be more likely to cause accidents because:
- Truck drivers often have much less experience driving without the trailer and may have more trouble maneuvering it.
- Bobtail trucks are more challenging to stop because their brakes are intended for pulling heavy loads, and the weight of the trailer’s load helps the brakes function correctly. This can cause a bobtail truck to crash more easily because it is unable to stop as quickly.
- Bobtail trucks are lighter, and their back wheels have less traction when a trailer is not attached. This can cause the truck to slide more easily in poor weather conditions.
- The back of the bobtail truck can bounce because it is not designed to have a trailer attached that would stabilize it. This bounce factor increases the risk of a driver losing control and crashing, especially when driving on rough roads.
- Bobtail trucks have an increased risk of rollover accidents because they have a higher center of gravity.
Who Is Liable in a Bobtail Truck Accident Claim?
Liability depends on which party is at fault for an accident. At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, our truck accident attorneys will carefully examine the facts of your accident to help identify all possible causes and potentially liable parties.
Some parties that may be liable in a bobtail truck accident include the truck driver, the trucking company, and other drivers. Other potentially liable parties include a negligent maintenance company, the manufacturer of a defective part, or a government agency responsible for road maintenance.
Once we identify the at-fault parties, we work diligently to uncover the evidence to build your strongest case to help you recover maximum compensation.
How Much Is a Bobtail Truck Accident Claim Worth?
The type and amount of compensation you may be able to recover after a bobtail truck accident depend on several factors, including the strength of your case and the severity of your injuries. In a successful bobtail truck accident personal injury claim, you may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are easier to prove because you often have receipts, invoices, estimates, and other objective proof of their value. This type of compensation includes current and future medical costs, current and future lost wages, property damages, and other financial losses incurred due to your accident and injuries.
Non-economic damages are harder to prove but can be even more devastating than economic damages. They include pain and suffering, emotional and mental distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, disfigurement, and other intangible losses.
At Anderson Blanda & Saltzman, our attorneys have secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts for victims of truck accidents. We will work tirelessly to recover all available damages and to maximize your compensation.
Contact a Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Bobtail trucks are often more dangerous than trucks with a loaded trailer attached. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bobtail truck accident caused by someone else, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages.
Our truck accident lawyers have over 100 years of collective experience helping injury clients recover maximum compensation, and we are committed to doing the same for you. Call 337-233-3366 or complete the short form on our contact page and schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim.