Truck Accidents in Vancouver and British Columbia
Being involved in a traffic accident with a heavy commercial truck can lead to devastating injuries or death. These vehicles, whether a single or combination truck unit, are generally 10,900 kg gross vehicle weight (GVW) or more. They include local transit buses, inter-city buses, tractor-trailers, logging trucks, pole trailers and other combination unit trucks. Because of their considerable size and weight, these vehicles take longer to brake, especially when traveling at higher speeds. When they collide with smaller vehicles, the drivers and passengers of the cars, SUVs, light trucks or motorcycles they hit have a significantly higher risk of injury or death than the trucker.
Commercial trucks are specially licensed vehicles and, as such, must comply with specific rules and regulations. Not only is the driver responsible for his vehicle and driving behaviour, but the trucking company may be responsible for how a truck is loaded, its cargo, the driver’s schedule and/or the maintenance or servicing of the vehicle itself. Therefore, many factors and additional parties may be involved in the negligence behind any truck accident collision. Because of this, it is essential to consult with an experienced lawyer if you have been involved in a truck accident, and we always recommend that you do so before speaking with any insurance company representative. Mike Coric has been handling ICBC claims and lawsuits involving all kinds of injury accidents in Vancouver and the surrounding British Columbia areas for over 10 years. He has the depth of experience and aggressive legal abilities needed to help you achieve a fair settlement for all of the damages connected with your injuries.
Causes of BC Truck Accidents
A truck accident can be deadly to those unlucky enough to be involved in one. Injuries from truck crashes can range from whiplash and soft tissue injury to multiple fractures, internal injuries, loss of limbs, head and brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Depression, anxiety and other psychological issues may arise as well.
According to ICBC, the most common factors affecting commercial truck operators which contribute to truck accidents in BC are the inattentiveness of the truck driver, speeding, road conditions, driver error or confusion and following too closely behind other vehicles. For other drivers involved in accidents with trucks in BC, the most common contributing factors are driver inattentiveness, driver mistake or confusion, speeding, road conditions and failing to yield the right of way.
Driver inattentiveness is the number one factor which contributes to accidents by both truck drivers and other motorists. The price for not paying attention while operating a vehicle of any kind can be a tragic accident and death or enormous physical and emotional damage to drivers and their passengers.
How an Experienced Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you know has been injured in a truck accident, you should discuss the details and circumstances of the accident and your injuries with Mike Coric. He will help you understand what factors may be involved, give you pertinent advice and guidance and represent you in your ICBC claim for damages. He will work to discover all those who may be held accountable and present all of the facts in the most effective way to help you obtain a settlement that is fair and just.
Keep in mind that the ICBC adjuster assigned to your file may not be working with your best interests in mind, but with what is best for the insurance company. Having a skilled lawyer fighting on your behalf can make a difference in the settlement you receive and in the future of your physical and financial recovery.
