NEED A TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER ?
Have You Suffered Personal Injuries in a Commercial | Truck Collision?
At Find Pain Law, our network of experienced truck accident lawyers across the country are dedicated to representing individuals who have suffered injuries in truck accidents caused by the negligence of others. We are committed to helping you find the best law firm, secure the compensation you rightfully deserve for your injuries.
Evaluating whether you have a personal injury case
Truck accidents are distinct from typical passenger vehicle collisions, not only due to the potential for severe injuries but also because of the involvement of multiple responsible parties. If you have sustained injuries in such an accident, it's crucial to have an experienced truck accident attorney by your side who understands the industry and the intricacies of such cases.
Our truck accident lawyer network have successfully secured millions of dollars in settlements and courtroom verdicts for their our clients. These accomplishments have earned them recognition among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
We prioritize treating our clients with the respect and compassion they deserve.
Take the first step towards obtaining the maximum compensation for you and your family by scheduling a free case consultation with our truck accident lawyers today.
Main Causes of Truck Accidents
Fatigued Driving
Many truck drivers are required to cover long distances for extended hours, often driving at night with limited rest. Despite federal regulations mandating mandatory breaks, some trucking companies prioritize speedy deliveries, placing immense pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines. This pressure often leads to sleep-deprived drivers who experience decreased coordination, diminished concentration, and, at times, even doze off while at the wheel.
Intoxicated Driving
Regrettably, some truck drivers admit to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances not only impair brain function but also hinder reasoning, muscle coordination, and cognitive abilities essential for safe driving. Furthermore, some prescription medications taken by drivers may affect judgment and coordination, potentially leading to accidents.
Excessive Speeding
Truck drivers frequently aim to reach their destinations as quickly as possible. However, unforeseen factors like heavy traffic can cause delays, leading to increased pressure on drivers to make up for lost time by speeding and overtaking other vehicles. Unfortunately, speeding can reduce a driver's ability to stop in time to avoid hazards, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Poor Driver Training
While truck drivers are expected to undergo a minimum amount of training hours to operate large commercial vehicles, not all adhere to these requirements. Consequently, some poorly trained and inexperienced truck drivers take to the roads.
Distracted Driving
Long hours on the road can lead to boredom and, consequently, distracted driving among truck drivers. This hazardous behavior often results in accidents and numerous fatalities. Common examples of distracted driving include eating, texting, talking on the phone, and other activities that divert attention from the road.
Maintenance Neglect
Trucking companies and owners are responsible for ensuring the proper maintenance of their vehicles before embarking on journeys. However, to save costs and time, some companies neglect these crucial checkups, resulting in maintenance issues that can lead to severe truck accidents.
Negligence by Trucking Companies
Trucking companies have a multitude of responsibilities, which encompass driver screening and testing, monitoring drivers' work hours to prevent excessive fatigue, maintaining the vehicles in optimal condition, and ensuring the proper containment and securing of loads for transportation. In many cases, various companies may handle these tasks for a single truck, further complicating the process of identifying liability for resulting damages.
Hiring the best truck accident lawyer, may uncover negligence such as:
- Compelling drivers to exceed the federal hours of service limits.
- Employing drivers lacking proper training and qualifications.
- Employing drivers with histories of significant accidents.
- Neglecting to screen drivers for alcohol and drug abuse.
- Neglecting maintenance and repair of the truck, trailer, or both (depending on ownership of the rig).
Poorly Maintained Roads
Some U.S. roads aren't suitable for trucks. Beyond state and federal highways, it's crucial to have well-marked truck routes to prevent drivers from getting lost or stuck. Clear labels for weight limits on bridges and overpass heights are essential, requiring drivers to know their vehicle's dimensions to prevent accidents. Additional dangers, like potholes, blind curves, insufficient intersection signage, or narrow construction site barriers, can also lead to truck accidents.
Truck Driver Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) plays a pivotal role in reducing the frequency of accidents, injuries, and fatalities involving trucks and buses. According to FMCSA regulations, commercial vehicle drivers can operate for a maximum of 11 hours if transporting cargo and 10 hours if carrying passengers.
Truck accident Injuries
Each type of truck accident may have distinct causes and require specific legal considerations when pursuing a personal injury claim. Understanding the nature of the accident is essential for building a strong case.
- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a truck collides with the vehicle in front of it. They can result from various factors, including distracted driving or inadequate braking distance.
- Jackknife Accidents: In these accidents, the truck's trailer swings out at an angle, resembling the shape of a partially open pocketknife. Jackknife accidents often occur due to abrupt braking or slippery road conditions.
- Rollover Accidents: These accidents happen when a truck tips over onto its side or roof. Factors like high speeds, sharp turns, or uneven cargo distribution can lead to rollovers.
- Underride Accidents: An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a truck's trailer, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have large blind spots, making it challenging for drivers to see vehicles directly behind, alongside, or in front of them. Accidents can occur when a truck changes lanes or makes a turn without noticing a vehicle in a blind spot.
- Tire Blowouts: Blowouts in a truck's tires can lead to loss of control and accidents. Tire maintenance and proper inflation are crucial to prevent blowouts.
- Wide Turns: Trucks require more space to make turns, and sometimes they swing wide, encroaching into adjacent lanes. This can lead to collisions with vehicles in those lanes.
- Hazardous Material Spills: Trucks carrying hazardous materials pose a risk of chemical spills in accidents, leading to environmental and health hazards.
- Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks can affect stability and handling, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Runaway Trucks: In cases where a truck loses its brakes or the driver loses control on steep descents, it may become a runaway truck, posing a significant danger.
Types of Injuries in Truck Accident Claims
Because of the significant size disparity between a tractor-trailer and almost any other vehicle on the road, truck accidents often result in severe injuries. Catastrophic injuries can lead to substantial losses, underscoring the importance of collaborating with a seasoned trucking accident attorney.
Our network of truck accident attorneys are dedicated to securing complete compensation for the severe and enduring injuries sustained in these accidents, which may encompass:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Bone fractures
- Burn injuries
- Facial injuries and disfigurement
- Amputation injuries or loss of a limb
- Internal bleeding
- Damage to internal organs and tissues
- Paralysis
In cases where a loved one has tragically lost their life in a truck accident, our lawyers can initiate a wrongful death claim on behalf of your family.
" How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth? "
Regrettably, it's impossible for any attorney to provide an exact figure.
Numerous individual factors can influence the value of your case, including:
- Case Evaluation: The first step is to evaluate the details of the case. This includes reviewing the accident report, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and assessing the extent of damages and injuries.
- Determining Liability: Truck accident lawyers investigate the circumstances leading to the accident to determine liability. This may involve identifying the responsible parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crew, or cargo loaders.
- Evidence Gathering: Attorneys work with their clients to gather evidence to support the case. This can include obtaining accident reconstruction reports, surveillance footage, driver logs, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimonies.
- Medical Evaluation: Assessing the extent of injuries is critical. Attorneys often work with medical experts to evaluate the nature and long-term implications of injuries sustained in the accident. This helps in determining the value of the claim.
- Insurance Negotiations: Many truck accident cases involve negotiations with insurance companies. Attorneys are skilled in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure that their clients receive fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Lawsuit Filing: If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, truck accident attorneys can file a lawsuit on behalf of their clients. This initiates the legal process, which includes discovery, depositions, and eventually a trial if necessary.
- Advocacy in Court: Attorneys represent their clients in court proceedings, presenting evidence and arguments to establish liability and seek compensation. They work to prove that the defendant's negligence caused the accident and the resulting injuries.
- Settlement Negotiations: Even during a trial, settlement negotiations can continue. Attorneys may engage in discussions with the opposing party to explore the possibility of a settlement before a verdict is reached.
- Collecting Damages: If the case is successful, truck accident attorneys help their clients collect the awarded damages. This may involve enforcing judgments and working with insurance companies to ensure prompt payment.
- Client Support: Throughout the process, truck accident attorneys provide legal guidance, advice, and emotional support to their clients. They keep clients informed about the progress of the case and help them make informed decisions.
- Contingency Fees: Most truck accident attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win the case or secure a settlement. Their fees are typically a percentage of the compensation received by the client.
- Maximizing Compensation: The primary goal of truck accident attorneys is to maximize the compensation their clients receive. This includes not only covering current expenses and losses but also accounting for potential future medical costs and the long-term impact of injuries.
Truck accident cases can be complex due to the involvement of multiple parties and strict regulations governing the trucking industry. Therefore, having an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve and that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.
This is why having a conversation about your case with a seasoned truck accident attorney can assist you in identifying the factors that could affect your truck accident case and in pursuing the highest possible compensation based on your case's unique circumstances.
Who Can I Hold Liable for my Accident ?
In a trucking accident, liability can extend to various parties, depending on the circumstances,
Potential parties that can be held liable for a trucking accident may include:
Truck Driver: If the truck driver's negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, led to the accident, they can be held personally liable.
Trucking Company: The company that employs the truck driver may also share liability, especially if they failed to properly train, supervise, or maintain their drivers and vehicles.
Truck Owner: If the truck involved in the accident is owned separately from the trucking company and its maintenance and safety were the owner's responsibility, they may be held liable.
Cargo Loaders: Those responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck must ensure it is loaded and secured correctly. If improper loading contributed to the accident, they may share liability.
Truck Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck's design or manufacturing played a role in the accident, the manufacturer or distributor of the vehicle may be held liable.
Maintenance and Repair Companies: If the accident resulted from inadequate vehicle maintenance or repairs, the companies responsible for those services may be liable.
Government Entities: Poor road conditions, inadequate signage, or other roadway defects can contribute to accidents. In such cases, government entities responsible for road maintenance may be held liable.
Third Parties: Depending on the circumstances, other third parties, such as contractors, may be held responsible if their actions or negligence contributed to the accident.
Determining liability in a trucking accident can be complex, and often multiple parties share responsibility. Consulting with an experienced truck accident attorney is crucial to identify all potentially liable parties and pursue a comprehensive legal strategy to seek compensation for your injuries and damages.
