If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident, then you know how devastating those events can be. Imagine being struck by a massive semi-truck instead of a passenger car. How much more devastating will your injuries be? If you have been a victim of a truck accident, contact our truck accident attorneys.
Every year, thousands of accidents involve 18-wheelers colliding with passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and even pedestrians.
The outcome of these accidents can be debilitating injuries with which the victim must deal for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, those people are the lucky ones. All too often, the victims in a trucking accident don’t survive.
If you have trucking accident injuries, we can help you. Our experienced legal professionals understand the types of injuries caused by truck collisions, and we fight for the compensation our clients deserve.
DRIVER FATIGUE:
This is a well-known and widespread problem in the trucking industry. As drivers try to keep up with a tight schedule, they may forego mandatory breaks and sleeping periods. This means that they are drowsy when behind the wheel, and many dangerous, even deadly accidents, are the result.
INEXPERIENCE:
Semi-truck drivers deal with a much larger, heavier, and more challenging vehicle to maneuver. Sometimes, inexperience plays a significant role in causing a collision.
USE OF ALCOHOL AND ILLICIT DRUGS:
Substance abuse issues are widespread in the industry, and many drivers take drugs/stimulants (like amphetamines) to help them stick to a grueling schedule.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING BEHAVIOR:
As holders of commercial driver’s licenses, truck drivers should know how critical it is to follow road safety rules. Unfortunately, some of them can’t seem to help themselves when it comes to quick, erratic lane changes, speeding, and other infractions that cause accidents.
DISTRACTED DRIVING:
Texting or talking on the phone are significant problems with truck drivers. Considering how much room they need to slow down or stop, many of these accidents prove to be lethal because the driver simply can’t react fast enough.
POOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE:
Sometimes, the truck itself is partially at fault. It is an undeniable hazard to everyone on the road when it hasn’t received routine maintenance.
The key to getting the compensation you may deserve after a trucking accident frequently comes down to your attorney and the quality of the investigation conducted.
Our investigation will bring all of the driver’s and the company’s lines of insurance into the light. Most people don’t realize that the truck and trailer may have different owners, which means that at least two (2) organizations may be named in a lawsuit.
After a truck accident, prioritize safety and health:
Ensure Safety: Move to a safe location if possible and check for injuries.
Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance if needed.
Document the Scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damages, and any visible injuries.
Gather Information: Collect contact and insurance details from all involved parties and contact information from witnesses.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Notify Your Insurance Company: Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible.
Consult an Attorney: Contact a truck accident attorney to understand your legal rights and options
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
Economic Damages: Such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and property damage.
Non-Economic Damages: Including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages: In cases of egregious misconduct or gross negligence by the defendant.
Fault determination involves analyzing evidence such as:
Police Reports: Official documentation of the accident scene and initial findings.
Witness Statements: Accounts from individuals who observed the accident.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Records of the truck’s operations, including driving hours and rest periods.
Maintenance Records: Documentation of the truck’s upkeep and any prior issues.
Black Box Data: Information on the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and other operational metrics before the crash
The duration of a truck accident claim varies based on factors such as:
Complexity of the Case: Involving multiple liable parties can extend the timeline.
Severity of Injuries: Cases with significant injuries may take longer to assess medical damages accurately.
Settlement Negotiations: The willingness of parties to agree on a fair settlement affects the timeline.
Court Schedules: If the case proceeds to trial, court availability can influence the duration.
Some cases settle within months, while others may take years, especially if litigation is involved.
The timeframe to file a lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, varies by jurisdiction. In many states, it’s typically two to three years from the date of the accident. However, specific time limits can vary, so it’s crucial to consult with a local attorney promptly to ensure compliance with your state’s deadlines.
You handle personal injury,
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claims. How do you do it all?
What does “we don’t get
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We truly care about getting the best results for you. Our goal is to help you through powerful representation from start to finish. We work with clients all over the states of Florida, Georgia, Colorado, North Carolina, and California.
