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Truck Accident Lawyers

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12 Jan, 2024

Have you suffered injuries in a commercial trucking accident : If you've recently been in a car collision involving a large commercial truck or have suffered injuries due to the negligence of a truck driver, you're not alone in facing the challenges that follow. With approximately 13 million trucks navigating our roads, including 3 million classified as large trucks or tractor trailers, the risks are substantial. Shockingly, every 16 seconds sees at least one fatality or injury caused by a large truck, resulting in nearly 5,000 deaths in semi-truck accidents each year.

A concerning 25% of truck drivers reportedly find themselves asleep at the wheel of their 70,000-pound cargo-laden trucks, contributing to many accidents. Mechanical and maintenance issues further exacerbate the risks, leading to life-altering consequences.

In the aftermath of a truck accident, seeking guidance from a seasoned truck accident lawyer is crucial. An experienced attorney specializing in truck accidents understands the immediate actions to take, providing professional and compassionate handling of your case. These legal experts investigate the negligent parties involved, helping you recover from the tragic losses incurred.

truck accident lawyers

Navigating the complexities of a car accident with a large truck requires legal expertise. Injury lawyers can determine vicarious liability, holding trucking companies accountable for their drivers' negligent acts, inadequate maintenance, and safety rule violations.

Additionally, they assist in evaluating the layers of insurance applicable to both the truck and the driver. Trucking companies are mandated to maintain substantial insurance policies, often amounting to millions of dollars, involving multiple responsible entities and insurance companies.

Our truck accident attorneys boast decades of experience in litigating truck accidents. With impeccable credentials in truck accident law, being board certified by the NBTA, securing billions in settlements and verdicts, and recognized as one of the top truck accident law firms nationally, we stand as leaders in our field.

Uniquely, our firm has two lawyers leading the AAJ’s Trucking Law Group, actively educating and lecturing fellow lawyers on truck crash negligence, liability, and damages. Beyond our professional achievements, we prioritize our clients, treating them with the utmost respect and compassion they deserve.

Does a Truck Accident Attorney Offer Free Accident Case Evaluations?

Feel free to reach out for a complimentary consultation by calling us, chatting online, or completing an evaluation form – all at no cost to you. Our highly regarded truck accident lawyer, supported by our swift-response investigations team and expert witnesses, is here to assist you today. We advocate for truck injury victims, including truck drivers, and possess the expertise to navigate all aspects of big rig accidents.

So, do you need a Truck Accident Law Firm?

Absolutely, securing the services of a truck accident law firm is crucial. Truck accident lawyers, who specialize in handling collisions involving large trucks such as semi trucks, tractor trailers, eighteen-wheelers, dump trucks, delivery trucks, flatbed trucks, tanker trucks, bobtail trucks, and other commercial vehicles, are well-versed in the intricacies of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act.

They possess an in-depth understanding of the rules and regulations governing trucking companies, truck drivers, and their insurance.

Truck accident attorneys play a pivotal role in assessing whether the at-fault parties breached their duty of care. It's worth noting that truck drivers themselves can often be victims of accidents involving other large trucks, given that truck driving is one of the most perilous occupations in the United States, ranking as the leading cause of death among truck drivers.

So, what will an injury lawyer do to assist you after a truck accident? From the moment a large commercial truck is involved in an accident, the trucking companies initiate investigations. It is imperative for truck accident victims to promptly engage a lawyer who will undertake a parallel investigation. Here's what a seasoned truck accident lawyer will do immediately after a truck collision:

  1. Identify the trucking company and driver, including the USDOT number.
  2. Obtain a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and impound the truck.
  3. Conduct a thorough inspection of the accident scene.
  4. Assemble the best team of truck experts available, including engineers.
  5. Seek out witnesses to the truck wreck and gather valuable evidence.
  6. Order and review the police report for accuracy and crucial details.
  7. Initiate a lawsuit against the trucking company.
  8. Request production of documents, including cell phone data, driving records, maintenance records, and company policies.
  9. Check the truck information through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
  10. Use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain additional details about truck and trailer maintenance.
  11. Examine the truck's black box for critical information such as speed, tire pressure, braking, and the driver's actions.

As the case progresses, your lawyer will negotiate with the defendant trucking company's legal team, send out settlement demands, file motions, conduct depositions, reconstruct the accident, and handle trial proceedings and potential appeals.

By enlisting the support of a truck accident lawyer, you ensure that a comprehensive and strategic approach is taken to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Can Truck Accident Lawyers Determine Who is Responsible for the Truck Accident?

Certainly, once the accident investigation is concluded, your accident lawyer will have a clear understanding of who bears responsibility for your incident. In the aftermath of a truck crash, multiple parties may be liable or vicariously liable for your medical injuries.

These may include the truck driver, truck owners, truck manufacturers, brokers and shippers responsible for loading the cargo, insurance companies covering the truck, and even government entities. It's worth noting that the truck and trailer may also be owned by different trucking companies.

Given the potential involvement of numerous entities that may have breached their duty of care in a truck accident, you may have the opportunity to seek compensation from various insurance providers.

Trucking companies are mandated to carry a minimum of $750,000 in insurance coverage, and your truck injury lawyer will meticulously assess all relevant insurance policies and identify those parties insured by those policies pertinent to your accident.

How Do I Choose the Best Lawyers for Truck Accidents?

The best lawyer to handle your truck accident case will depend on many factors:

Understanding of Truck Accident Law

You first need an attorney who has a deep understanding of truck accident cases. Trucking cases are much more complex than any other auto accident and your trucking lawyer will need all the information about your case to determine who the potentially responsible parties are.

Before meeting with an accident lawyer, make sure you have relevant information about the incident, such as police reports, eyewitness accounts, videos and photos of the accident scene, and your insurance information.

Expertise and Experience With Truck Crashes

Many personal injury lawyers claim to have experience handling truck accident cases but few have the skills necessary to handle such complex claims.

Take time to do your research. Make sure the personal injury attorney has extensive experience in truck accident law. Check their previous case success and check their credentials and testimonials to know more about the lawyer.

Communication and Accessibility to the Attorneys

Having a strong working relationship with your truck crash lawyer is key to success. You want to choose a lawyer who can answer your questions and provide regular updates on your case.

Choose a lawyer who is available to talk about your case and can easily explain legal terms clearly.

Consult with several attorneys before making a decision. Assess your comfort level and the lawyer's communication style. Choose someone who represents your interests and trusts your instincts.

How Is Negligence Established in Truck Accidents?

Navigating through the intricate web of trucking rules and regulations governed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truck accident lawyers play a pivotal role in establishing negligence through the violation of these laws.

The most prevalent cases of negligence in a truck accident involve:

  1. Driver Error: Truck drivers often engage in reckless behavior, ignoring reduced truck speed limits, driving fatigued, texting, watching movies, or driving under the influence to reach their destination quickly. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, 20% of truck accidents result from truck drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

  2. Poorly Maintained Vehicles: The constant use of tractor trailers can lead to dangerous wear and tear if not consistently maintained. Studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reveal that nearly 55% of trucks involved in crashes had at least one mechanical violation, contributing to accidents due to issues such as defective tire tread, broken brakes and axles, incomplete maintenance logs, and more.

  3. Equipment Failure: If the truck manufacturer knowingly installs a defective part, it may be a cause of a truck accident. The FMCSA found that 29% of large tractor-trailer crashes resulted from issues with the braking system.

  4. Improperly Loaded Cargo: Poorly loaded cargo can cause the truck to become unbalanced, leading to tip-overs. The FMCSA discovered that 4% of trucking accidents were the result of shifting cargo.

  5. State and Federal Violations: Violations of state and federal regulations also contribute to negligence in truck accidents.

What Compensation is Available Following a Truck Accident?

In the aftermath of a truck accident, two types of compensation are available:

  1. Economic Damages: Covering financial losses related to the accident.

  • Medical Expenses
  • Lost Wages
  • Loss of Earning Capacity
  • Funeral Expenses (in case of a fatality)
  1. Non-economic Damages: Compensating victims and their families for personal injuries.

  • Pain and Suffering
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Daily Activities
  • Loss of Consortium and Companionship

Punitive damages may also be awarded if the defendant's actions were willful, malicious, fraudulent, or reckless.

How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth?

Determining the exact value of your truck accident claim requires consultation with a truck accident attorney. The value varies based on liability and damages specific to each case. Tracking Code :  740961

How Long Does It Take to Settle A Truck Accident Claim?

The time frame for settling a truck accident claim varies. Factors include determining liable parties, researching insurance companies, the severity of injuries, recovery time, and whether the case goes to trial. While some cases may settle within months, complex truck accident lawsuits may take several years.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit With a Truck Accident Lawyer After a Truck Wreck?

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the truck accident. However, immediate action is advised to initiate the claims process promptly. Contacting an attorney ensures timely processing and maximizes the chances of obtaining rightful compensation.

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