Bobtail Truck Accidents in Des Moines | Bobtail Truck Injury Lawyer
A bobtail truck is a truck without a trailer connected. Bobtail trucks are frequently used for the transport of liquid propane gas (LPG) and other types of liquid fuel. Driving a truck bobtail is different from pulling a trailer and it will make a difference in the handling. Driving a bobtail truck can be more challenging at times due to a lot of weight distribution in a relatively short wheelbase. A professional truck driver must learn how to operate a bobtail truck safely without a trailer.
When You Need to Hire a Des Moines Bobtail Truck Accident Lawyer
In many cases, Des Moines 18-wheeler accident attorneys must retain the services of scientific and medical experts to prove both the cause of the accident and the cause of your injuries. Additionally, a qualified semi truck accident lawyer will obtain all kinds of evidence concerning the scene of the crash, truck logs, and other important information to be used against the trucker, trucking company, or the company’s insurer. Arranging expert witness testimony and preparing important physical and documentary evidence is just one of many ways a Des Moines bobtail truck accident injury lawyer can help you after you’ve suffered a truck accident injury from a major 18-wheeler truck wreck.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a serious bobtail truck wreck, semi crash or big rig accident, hiring a lawyer is the farthest thing from your mind when tragedy such as this strikes you, a family member, or a friend. However, this is when you need a Des Moines truck accident lawyer most. Do yourself a favor by calling one of the qualified Des Moines truck accident lawyers listed on this page. Hire a qualified Des Moines tractor trailer accident lawyer to help protect your rights.
Hazardous Road Conditions for Bobtail Trucks in Des Moines
A trucker driving a bobtail truck must be extra cautious when driving in hazardous road conditions in Des Moines such as the I-235, I-35, I-80, Hwy 6, and Hwy 69. The trucker already has to be skilled just to handle a bobtail truck because he or she has to deal with a heavy load without a trailer. The danger already exists for making a sudden stop and losing control. Add hazardous road conditions on top of that and you have a recipe for disaster. A bobtail truck driver must be acutely aware of passenger cars darting in front of the truck. It may come down to a terrible choice of either rear-ending the car or spinning out by hitting the brakes too hard.
Bobtail Truck Accidents Caused by Hazardous Road Conditions in Des Moines
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Des Moines has a population of 203,433 people in a 77.2 square mile area. Des Moines also is the county seat of Polk County, Iowa. A lot of roadwork is necessary to maintain Des Moines’s sprawling road and highway infrastructure, but these important repairs don’t always happen in time to prevent a roadway accident. Sometimes the situation is made even more dangerous due to severe weather conditions. Hazardous road conditions cause more fatalities than speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol and are one of the biggest reasons for Des Moines truck accidents.
Local community health centers that will provide medical care to those with low incomes and/or no health insurance:
Community Health Center
125 South Grand Street, Chariton, IA
(641) 774-8484
Des Moines Health Center
1111 9th Street # 190, Des Moines, IA
(515) 244-9136
Community Health Charities
1111 9th Street # 275, Des Moines, IA
(515) 243-7207
Pella Regional Health Center
404 Jefferson Street, Pella, IA
(641) 628-3150
Des Moines Motels are a Refuge When Road Conditions are Bad
Unsafe truck drivers make for unsafe roads. When driving conditions become too dangerous, truckers have a duty to pull over so that they don’t injure their fellow motorists. When road conditions are bad on Des Moines highways and it is unsafe for the trucker to drive, the semi truck driver should pull off the road at a truck stop or sit it out at a motel such as the ones listed below until it is safe to drive.
Motels near Des Moines, Iowa
Embassy Suites Hotel
Quality Inn & Suites Event Center
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Village Inn Motel |
Map of Budget-priced Motels near Des Moines, IA |
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Besides truck stops, roadside motels provide truckers with a place for rest and shelter to avoid fatigue. |
Des Moines Highway Management
The Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT) is responsible for the maintenance and safety of the highways and roads located within the state. On the website the IDOT gives information about road conditions, upcoming maintenance, construction and other information regarding the safety and efficiency of the roads. Traffic cameras can be found on the website, as well as interactive maps to help view highly congested areas and help residents or visitors plan different routes regarding traveling throughout Iowa. Information concerning weather and various restrictions are also available to help promote driver safety.
Some of the causes of Des Moines truck accidents due to hazardous road conditions may include:
- Potholes and poorly maintained roads
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Dangerous roads:
- Poorly designed roads
- Steep pavement drops
- Narrow lanes
- Sharp curves
- Bad weather (heavy rain, ice, snow and fog)
- Inadequate warning signs about road conditions
- Poorly marked construction zones
- Defective signals and signs
- Poor visibility of traffic signs
- Inadequate highway lighting
Bobtail Truck Accident Attorneys Serve Des Moines and Surrounding Cities
Serving clients throughout Central Iowa, including Ames, Anita, Atlantic, Belmond, Bevington, Boone, Cambridge, Carroll, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids, Chariton, Clarinda, Corydon, Creston, Des Moines, Earlham, Emmetsburg, Granger, Greenfield, Grinnell, Guthrie Center, Harlan, Indianola, Iowa City, Iowa Falls, Jefferson, Knoxville, Madrid, Marshalltown, Mason City, Montezuma, Nevada, Newton, Osceola, Oskaloosa, Ottumwa, Pella, Perry, Pleasantville, Praire City, Story City, Washington, Waukee, Winterset, areas in the vicinity of Des Moines International Airport, and other communities in Polk County and Warren County.
Des Moines bobtail truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling serious injury truck collision cases and can help you fight the trucking company or its insurer in order to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact a Des Moines bobtail truck accident lawyer today for a FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION.