Truck Accident Lawyer Guide: A truck accident lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing clients who have been involved in accidents with commercial trucks. These lawyers are knowledgeable about the laws related to truck accidents and can help their clients navigate the legal process following a collision with a large commercial vehicle.
Truck Accident Lawyer Guide
Truck accident lawyers can help their clients in a variety of ways, including:
- Providing legal advice: Truck accident lawyers can explain the legal options available to their clients and provide advice on the best course of action to take.
- Investigating the accident: Attorneys can investigate the accident to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine liability.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Truck accident lawyers can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure their clients receive fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
- Representing clients in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, truck accident lawyers can represent their clients in court and fight for their rights.
- Handling complex regulations: Truck accidents involve complex regulations and safety standards, and a good truck accident lawyer will be well-versed in these regulations and can use them to build a strong case for their clients.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer can be beneficial for those who have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck and are seeking compensation for their injuries and damages. These attorneys can provide valuable legal guidance and support during a difficult and stressful time.
Find the Best Truck Accident Lawyers
Finding the best truck accident lawyer to represent you can be a daunting task, but here are some steps you can take to find a qualified attorney:
- Look for specialization: Look for a lawyer who specializes in truck accidents and has experience handling similar cases. They should have a good track record of successful cases.
- Check their reputation: Look for a lawyer with a good reputation in the legal community. You can check their rating with the state bar association and read online reviews from past clients.
- Consider their experience: Look for a lawyer who has extensive experience handling truck accident cases. They should be familiar with the laws and regulations governing commercial trucking and have a network of experts to call upon for assistance.
- Meet with the lawyer: Schedule a consultation with the lawyer to discuss your case. Ask about their experience, approach to your case, and fees. Make sure you feel comfortable working with them.
- Check their resources: Look for a lawyer with the resources to handle your case effectively. They should have access to investigators, expert witnesses, and other resources necessary to build a strong case.
- Consider their communication skills: Look for a lawyer who communicates clearly and regularly with their clients. They should be able to explain the legal process and answer any questions you have.
By following these steps, you can find the best truck accident lawyer to represent you and help you navigate the legal process following a collision with a commercial truck.
Semi-Trucks Are Considered “Unsafe”
Semi-trucks are considered “unsafe” for a few reasons. One of the main reasons is their size and weight. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which is much heavier than the average passenger vehicle. As a result, they can cause significant damage and injuries in a collision.
Another reason is that semi-trucks can be difficult to maneuver and require a longer stopping distance. They also have blind spots, which can make it challenging for truck drivers to see other vehicles on the road.
In addition, semi-trucks often travel long distances, and drivers may become fatigued or distracted, increasing the risk of an accident.
Despite regulations aimed at improving truck safety, such as mandatory rest breaks and limits on driving hours, semi-trucks continue to pose a significant risk to other drivers on the road.
If you have been involved in an accident with a semi-truck, it is important to seek the help of a qualified truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
What to do if you hit a semi-truck on the highway or Interstate
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck on the highway or interstate, here are some steps you should take:
- Check for injuries: Check yourself and any passengers in your vehicle for injuries. If anyone is injured, call 911 immediately for emergency medical assistance.
- Move to a safe location: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location out of traffic. This will help prevent additional accidents and injuries.
- Call the police: Call the police and report the accident. Provide the location of the accident, the number of vehicles involved, and any injuries. The police will come to the scene and create an accident report.
- Exchange information: Exchange information with the truck driver, including their name, contact information, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, get contact information from any witnesses.
- Document the accident: Take photos of the accident scene, including the damage to your vehicle and the semi-truck. Also, make notes about the weather conditions, road conditions, and any other relevant details.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the accident, it is important to seek medical attention. Some injuries may not become apparent until later.
- Contact a truck accident lawyer: Contact a qualified truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
By taking these steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you receive the necessary medical attention and compensation for your injuries and damages.
Examples for Truck Accident Settlements
Truck accident settlements can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Here are some examples of truck accident settlements:
- $2.25 million settlement: A truck driver crashed into a car, causing serious injuries to the driver. The settlement covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- $5 million settlement: A truck driver ran a red light, causing a collision that resulted in severe injuries to the other driver. The settlement covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- $10 million settlement: A truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into multiple cars, causing multiple injuries and fatalities. The settlement covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the victims and their families.
- $12 million settlement: A truck driver was speeding and failed to yield, causing a collision with a car. The settlement covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the driver and passengers of the car.
- $15 million settlement: A truck driver was under the influence of drugs and alcohol and caused a collision that resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities. The settlement covered medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the victims and their families.
It is important to note that each case is unique, and the settlement amount will depend on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the impact of the accident on the victim’s life. It is important to consult with a qualified truck accident lawyer who can evaluate your case and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
What You Need to Know about Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases
Commercial vehicle accident cases involve accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and vans, that are used for business purposes. These cases can be complex, and there are a few things you should know if you are involved in a commercial vehicle accident.
- Liability can be complicated: Determining who is liable in a commercial vehicle accident can be complicated. There may be multiple parties involved, including the driver, the owner of the vehicle, the company that owns the cargo, and the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts. A skilled attorney can help investigate the accident and determine who is liable.
- Commercial vehicles are subject to federal regulations: Commercial vehicles are subject to federal regulations that are designed to ensure their safety on the road. These regulations cover areas such as driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Violations of these regulations can be used to establish liability in an accident case.
- Damages can be significant: Commercial vehicle accidents can result in significant damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In addition, the damage to the commercial vehicle and any cargo can be significant. It is important to work with an attorney who can accurately calculate your damages and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim: Insurance companies representing commercial vehicle owners may try to minimize your claim or deny liability altogether. It is important to have a skilled attorney who can negotiate with insurance companies and fight for your rights.
- Time is of the essence: In most states, there is a limited amount of time in which you can file a claim for damages following a commercial vehicle accident. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your rights are protected.
If you have been involved in a commercial vehicle accident, it is important to work with a skilled attorney who has experience in these types of cases. They can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Permanent Disabilities resulting from a Catastrophic Truck Collision
Catastrophic truck collisions can result in permanent disabilities that can significantly impact a victim’s quality of life. Here are some examples of permanent disabilities that can result from a catastrophic truck collision:
- Paralysis: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the location and severity of the injury.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A severe blow to the head can result in a TBI, which can cause permanent cognitive, physical, and emotional impairment.
- Amputations: A catastrophic truck collision can result in severe injuries that require amputation of limbs, which can have long-term physical and emotional consequences.
- Burns: Burns can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, as well as long-term physical and emotional effects.
- Vision or hearing loss: Traumatic injuries to the head can result in vision or hearing loss, which can have a significant impact on a person’s ability to function in their daily life.
- Chronic pain: Severe injuries sustained in a catastrophic truck collision can result in chronic pain, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
Victims of catastrophic truck collisions may require ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living activities. They may also be unable to work and require financial support to cover their medical expenses and lost wages. It is important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve to cover these expenses and help you adjust to life with a permanent disability.
The Effect of a Truck Accident on the Injured Victim’s Live
Truck accidents can have a significant impact on the lives of the injured victims. Here are some of the effects that a truck accident can have on the injured victim’s life:
- Physical injuries: Truck accidents can cause severe physical injuries such as broken bones, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and internal organ damage. These injuries can lead to long-term disabilities, chronic pain, and a reduced quality of life.
- Emotional trauma: Truck accidents can be traumatic experiences, leading to emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These emotional consequences can have long-lasting effects and may require ongoing mental health treatment.
- Financial impact: Truck accident victims may face significant medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. In addition, the injured victim may be unable to work, resulting in lost wages and financial strain.
- Lifestyle changes: A truck accident victim may need to make significant lifestyle changes due to their injuries. For example, they may require mobility aids, modifications to their home or vehicle, or may need to change their career path or hobbies.
- Family and social impact: A truck accident can also have an impact on the injured victim’s family and social life. They may require assistance with daily living activities, and their relationships with family and friends may be affected.
- Legal complications: Truck accidents can involve complex legal issues, such as determining liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and pursuing compensation for damages. It is important to work with an experienced truck accident attorney to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
Overall, a truck accident can have a significant impact on the injured victim’s physical, emotional, financial, and social well-being. It is important to seek medical attention immediately following a truck accident and to work with an experienced attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve to recover from the effects of the accident.
What to do if you have been involved in a truck accident
If you have been involved in a truck accident, here are some important steps to take:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and well-being are the top priority, so seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel that your injuries are minor. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so it is important to have a medical evaluation to identify any potential injuries.
- Call the police: Report the accident to the police and obtain a copy of the accident report. This report will be important in determining liability and pursuing compensation.
- Collect evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible from the accident scene, including photographs of the vehicles involved, the location of the accident, and any visible injuries. Take down the contact and insurance information of the truck driver and any witnesses.
- Do not admit fault: Avoid apologizing or admitting fault, as this can be used against you later in the legal process.
- Contact an experienced truck accident attorney: An experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance company of the accident, but avoid providing a recorded statement without first consulting with your attorney.
- Follow through with medical treatment: Follow through with all medical treatment recommendations and keep a record of all medical expenses and lost wages.
It is important to take these steps as soon as possible following a truck accident to ensure that your rights are protected and that you can pursue the compensation you deserve.
Truck Accident Cases Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the number of fatalities in large truck crashes increased by 3% from 2018 to 2019. In 2019, there were a total of 4,951 people killed in crashes involving large trucks.
Here are some additional statistics related to truck accidents:
- Large trucks were involved in 4.5% of all fatal crashes and 1% of all injury crashes in 2019.
- Of the 4,951 people killed in crashes involving large trucks in 2019, 71% were occupants of other vehicles, 18% were occupants of large trucks, and 11% were non-occupants (pedestrians, bicyclists, etc.).
- The majority of fatal crashes involving large trucks occur in rural areas (57%) and on weekdays (79%).
- In 2019, 70% of the large trucks involved in fatal crashes were deemed to be heavy large trucks, weighing more than 26,000 pounds.
- The most common driver-related factors in fatal crashes involving large trucks are speeding, distraction/inattention, and impairment (alcohol or drugs).
These statistics highlight the serious consequences of truck accidents and the need for increased safety measures to protect all drivers on the road. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to work with an experienced attorney to pursue the compensation you deserve.