Truck Accident Lawyers
Summary: This article covers truck accident lawsuits including the causes, filing a legal claim and the importance of hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer.
Truck accidents occur when a large commercial vehicle (typically 10,000 pounds or more) collides with a pedestrian or another vehicle. Approximately half a million such accidents occur in the U.S. every year, of which an estimated 5,000 result in fatalities. One out of every eight traffic fatalities involves a collision with a commercial truck; such accidents occur every 16 minutes, around the clock. Unfortunately, it is very likely that you or a loved one will be impacted by a truck accident at some point.
Most of the deaths and injuries associated with truck accidents involve the passengers in other vehicles, while drivers of tractor-trailers usually escape such collisions with little or no injury due to the large size of their vehicle. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a tractor-trailer accident contact a truck accident attorney to learn more about your legal rights.
Causes of Truck Accidents
The causes of a trucking accident are as varied as the reasons behind auto accidents. In the United States, truck driver fatigue is believed to be a leading cause of truck accidents. Truck driver fatigue results from commercial truck drivers working long hours to meet a tight delivery schedule, and can severely impact a driver’s judgment.
There are other causes of truck accidents related to driver error, which include speeding, an inexperienced or improperly licensed driver, DUI/DWI, unsafe vehicle operation, and failure to yield the right away. Other causes are related to the truck itself, with factors such as failure to follow the repair and maintenance failure, mechanical or brake failure, tire blowup, an overloaded truck or trailer, or a load that is not properly secured or one in which the weight may shift. If you or a loved one were seriously injured as a result of a tractor-trailer accident contact a truck accident lawyer to learn more about your rights to file a claim.
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Have you been in an accident involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or large commercial truck? If so, you probably already know that getting compensation for a truck accident can be difficult, especially if you are facing the trucking company alone. Regardless of the cause of the accident, dealing with the accident and the personal and property damage caused can be overwhelming.
Legally, many states limit the amount of time you have to file a claim for compensation following a truck accident. If you are in this position, you need the help of an experienced truck accident attorney who knows the laws and the necessary steps of filing a lawsuit against the truck company and any other parties liable for the accident.
Expect the trucking company’s insurance agent to contact you regarding compensation. Typically, they will contact truck accident victims immediately following the accident. You may feel pressured by the trucking or insurance company to sign an agreement to settle. Do not sign away your right to sue without fully understanding the extent of the accident and your injuries. Often, victims who are not represented by truck accident attorneys underestimate the extent of their injuries or forget to include certain types of damage, such as lost wages, in their claim. that is why its important to seek the advice of an injury lawyer who can help you determine the value of your claim and make the decision of whether to accept a settlement offer or pursue a claim in court.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer
When truck collisions occur, victims are often up against a trucking company that has already sent a representative to the accident scene to collect evidence. These agents are trained to limit or mitigate their company’s liability. The truck driver will also be represented in court by an experienced truck accident lawyer. Always remember that the company’s goal is to escape all liability and expenses related to the accident. To level the playing field, you need the services of a trucking accident lawyer who can fight on your behalf, enduring that your rights and interests are protected. Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer to discuss your claim today.
