Many people don’t think twice about having to drive around semitrucks. These trucks are large and heavy, so they pose a considerable risk to occupants of smaller vehicles. All drivers, including the truckers, must ensure they’re following the rules of the road and driving safely.

While a trucker’s actions may cause some crashes, there are many other causes of 18-wheeler wrecks that you should consider if you’re trying to determine who to hold liable for a crash you were involved in.

Improper load securement

Truckers should verify that the load they’re hauling is secure. When a load isn’t secure, it can shift in a way that makes the rig uncontrollable. The cargo may tumble off the trailer, which can make it a hazard to other drivers. In some cases, loads may slide off the rig and crush a vehicle traveling next to it. “Final Destination” had an example of this occurring with a logging truck.

Passenger vehicle driver’s actions

In some cases, there’s another passenger vehicle driver who’s responsible for the crash. This is caused by the driver cutting the trucker off or driving too close to the trucker. This cuts down on the safety maneuvers the trucker can employ to prevent a crash -- and can lead to the involvement of other vehicles in large wrecks.

Semitruck crashes can lead to significant injuries for innocent people. The medical care they need for those injuries could be expensive, but it’s necessary. While it would be nice if the trucking companies and insurance companies automatically stepped up to cover those losses, that's probably not what's going to happen. Experienced legal guidance can help you get what you're really due.