Pedestrians do not stand much of a chance against motorized vehicles, let alone those vehicles that are larger and more powerful. Trucks are workhorses, strong enough to transport heavy materials, vast numbers of goods, and perform in the most difficult of conditions. When power of this magnitude meets the frailty of the human body, the results are almost always fatal.
Truck drivers have a responsibility to be extra diligent when traveling on our roads and highways. Truck drivers operate the road's largest vehicles, and should be overly cautious when mobile. Truck drivers are accustomed to highway motorists sometimes giving trucks more space than usual, and avoiding proximity to trucks whenever possible. This tendency, however, disappears once a truck begins advancing down surface streets.
Though trucks do not encounter pedestrians on highways, they do encounter them on surface streets. While on highways, trucks do not have to come to complete stops unless there is bumper to bumper traffic or they are exiting on a curvy ramp. On surface streets, trucks have to begin braking sooner than other vehicles have to. They have to be extremely cautious when making turns, and completely aware of their surroundings. Truck drivers often pay more attention to oncoming traffic than they do pedestrians who may be stepping into their path, and must always travel on surface streets with a level of extreme caution.
Large trucks have to be regularly inspected to ensure that their brakes are functioning at their optimum level. If not, trucks run the risk of being unable to come to a complete stop soon enough at intersections and crosswalks, and pose immediate danger to pedestrians. Truck drivers must always be prepared to come to a complete stop at traffic lights and stop signs. If trucks are incapable of coming to a complete stop, then truck drivers and the companies they represent can be held liable for damages and injuries that they cause to pedestrians.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a pedestrian accident with a truck, then you need a lawyer on your side that is well-versed in cases such as these and will fight to get you all the compensation that you deserve under the law. The pedestrian accident attorneys at Ellis Law Corporation are prepared to assist you. Please call us today for a free consultation.
