BB&T Insurance Services began in 1872 as a banking institution for individuals affected by the Civil War in the South. Over the years, the institution underwent many name changes and periods of growth and merging. As it entered the new century, it began to see more services for vehicles and for loans. The company eventually began providing all sorts of insurance to both individuals in need of private coverage and to businesses that needed wide scale protection. Commercial insurance protects businesses and their employed truck drivers in the event of any accidents. If you have been involved in a truck accident with a driver who is represented by his company’s insurance, as BB&T Insurance Services, we can help you move forward with a claim. The best law firm to sue BB&T Insurance Services for a truck accident is Normandie Law Firm, and we promise to relentlessly pursue every penny you deserve.
Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for a number of reasons. The drivers are often on the road for hours at a time, and in some areas of the country, they pass through many states in a day. It is possible that these drivers do not get nearly the amount of sleep they need in order to function properly and retain all reaction time and awareness, for one. Legally, truck drivers cannot be on the road for longer than 11 hours in a 14-hour stretch. Driver fatigue and exhaustion contribute to some accidents, but there are many other ways that incidents can unfold:
- Poor Weight Distribution: Trucks that have trailers attached to them need to be properly maintained and stocked. If the trailers are filled wrongly, the truck could potentially flip. The heavy items should be evenly dispersed; if there is too much weight at the end of the trailer, the truck will fishtail and swerve at even the slightest bump.
- Blocked Views: Trucks are large enough that other vehicles are often blocked in their views of the road, intersections, lights, and signs. It is not uncommon for truck drivers to proceed through red lights, only for the car following to also proceed and wind up in an accident. Trucks that block view may be hit by cars that are passing, as well.
- Reckless driving: It is possible that truck drivers will drive recklessly while on the road. They may make sharp turns around curves, which can lead to the trucks tipping over; they may change lanes or turn without signaling, which can cause accidents with cars next to them and adjacent to them; they may speed on residential roads and on the freeway; they may fail to stop at stop signs and red lights; and much more.
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs: It is not uncommon for truck drivers to drink too much alcohol or take illicit substances while driving, especially if they wish to stay awake. They may have deadlines they need to meet, and taking certain amphetamines will allow them to drive without dozing off.
- Vehicle defects: Trucks must be examined before they are taken on the road to ensure that all the parts are in proper working order. Some trucks have tires that blow out and explode while on the road, and others have brake troubles, engine problems, broken headlights, and more.
- Road problems: roads may have sharp turns, sudden curves, steep hills, potholes, hazards in the way, and many more issues that could cause a truck driver to get into an accident. He may be unfamiliar with the terrain or the streets may not have gotten any treatment or repairs.
You should not be expected to handle your case by yourself, especially if the truck driver were especially negligent and you were harmed. Let an attorney who can fight BB&T Insurance Services for a truck accident injury lawsuit assist you.