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What Is a Deadhead Truck? | Tatum & Atkinson

What Is a Deadhead Truck?

Home / FAQ / Truck Accident FAQ / What Is a Deadhead Truck?

A deadhead truck is a large cargo-carrying truck(semi truck) that tows a trailer but doesn’t transport anything. Deadheading occurs when a trucker returns or backhauls an empty cargo container to its origination. It’s important to distinguish between “deadheading” and “bobtailing,” which occurs when a truck carrying freight is driven without a trailer hitched. When a truck is pulling an empty trailer, as opposed to no trailer at all, it is said to be riding “deadhead”. Empty flatbeds and dry van trailers fall under this category.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a deadhead semi truck, do not hesitate to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyer at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ by calling (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online to schedule your case evaluation today.

What Makes Deadhead Trucking Risky?

Truck drivers already confront a significant number of obstacles on the road, the many of which are the result of extreme weather conditions. Truck drivers are required to take additional safety measures in order to avoid getting into accidents when driving in conditions when there is either heavy wind or black ice. Unfavorable conditions, such as stormy weather and high traffic, are frequently impossible to avoid.

Accidents involving trucks traveling deadhead are quite common. The trailer of a truck that is being driven on a deadhead route without any cargo is susceptible to damage from the elements. It is possible for trailers to swing and open completely, which might make it difficult to maintain control of the entire truck. Truck drivers who are deadheading might cause accidents that result in serious injuries if they are not attentive. Before agreeing to work that requires them to drive with an empty cargo, truck drivers need to make it a habit to examine both the local weather forecast and the current wind conditions.

Furthermore, when a trailer is empty, there is nothing to weigh it down or control it while driving. As a result, the trailer may travel erratically and more likely slide, swerve, or flip over. According to a long-term research study, trucks with an empty load are 2.5 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Dry van trailers pose a particular risk during deadhead runs due to their high walls, which might become caught in the wind. As a result, a deadhead trailer’s side can be knocked over and contribute to a truck rollover accident if enough wind pressure is applied.

The Importance of Deadhead Trucking in Truck Accident Injury Cases

An expert personal injury lawyer will want to gather crucial information when a truck is involved in an accident. What was the truck hauling, and was the driver qualified to do it? These are two of the most crucial inquiries. The hazards and unique set of abilities needed for deadhead trucking are distinct. Driving deadhead may be viewed as a violation of a driver’s expected duty of care if they lack experience or are placed in circumstances that make their driving unacceptably unsafe. These errors and omissions could serve as the foundation for a negligence claim if an accident occurs, giving the injured party a justification for suing for damages.

An expert truck accident injury lawyer can assist you with your case if you have questions about culpability or how to collect compensation after being involved in a deadhead truck incident. In addition, an attorney can help with research, application of pertinent laws, industry regulations, and analysis of prior case outcomes to decide the best course of action for your particular circumstance.

Fault in a Semi Truck Accident

Accidents involving semi trucks may make it difficult to ascertain who was at fault in the incident. If the accident was caused in part by inclement weather, the semi truck “jackknifed” for no apparent reason, or other uncontrolled circumstances were at play, it may be difficult to determine who was at fault for the collision.

In the event that you are involved in a collision involving a semi truck and require assistance in identifying who is at fault, the first thing you should do is collect evidence and speak with an attorney. After being involved in a collision with a semi truck, there are multiple ways to collect evidence, including taking pictures of the accident scene, obtaining information from the other drivers involved, seeking emergency medical assistance, and filing a report with the police. This evidence can be evaluated by your attorney in the context of your case in order to assess whether or not you are qualified to get compensation for the harm that was caused by the accident.

An experienced deadhead truck attorney can help you decide who was at fault for an accident involving a semi truck and whether or not the truck driver was negligent. If you were involved in an accident involving a semi truck and require assistance in determining who was at fault for the accident, contact an attorney as soon as possible. If the accident was caused by the truck driver, you may be entitled to file a claim against the trucking company in order to recover damages.

When dealing with serious injuries, you need experienced truck accident attorneys that are tough. Every day, truck accidents take place on the roadways of the United States, leaving behind a large number of victims who must contend with the repercussions of their injuries in terms of their bodily, mental, and financial well-being. We are prepared to pursue careless truck drivers responsible for the reckless conduct they have committed. If you want to be compensated for your injuries and losses, taking legal action is a vital step, and we, at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters’ are here to assist you through every stage of the legal process.

Deadhead Truck Accident in North Carolina

If you or a loved one have been involved in a deadhead truck accident in North Carolina and are ready to file a claim, you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney. A lawyer can protect you from the other party’s insurance company while documenting the accident’s details, and preserving critical evidence. In addition, your lawyer is looking out for your best interests throughout the claim and will do everything possible to recover compensation for your pain and suffering.

At Tatum & Atkinsons, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ we have a proven track record of winning high-value settlements and verdicts for our clients. We work vigorously to develop an optimal lethal strategy and build the most robust case possible to win your case. We assist our clients with obtaining and assembling compelling evidence to back up your claim. Finally, we provide our clients with peace of mind that can be had when retaining an experienced trucking accident lawyer to represent you and fight for your rights to fair compensation. Obtaining a deadhead truck accident attorney allows you to focus on what matters most and spend your energy and time on recovering.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a semi truck, do not hesitate to contact an experienced semi truck accident lawyer at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ by calling (800) 529-0804 or contacting us online to schedule your case evaluation today. An experienced semi truck accident lawyer will represent you in negotiations with the insurance company, explain your legal rights, respond to your inquiries, and seek the best possible outcome for your case. In addition, at Tatum & Atkinson, ‘the Heavy Hitters,’ you owe us nothing unless we win.