Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Truck Accidents
Terrible truck crashes that lead to devastating injuries, substantial damages and long recovery periods for those involved are all too common on our roads. Collisions that cause catastrophic injuries that involve large commercial trucks are a major problem across the nation.Due to commercial truck’s shear size and weight, truck accidents tend to cause significant harm – not only vehicle and bodily damage but also potential fatalities.
It is important to know your legal rights when you have been involved in a commercial truck accident.
It is essential for anyone involved in a commercial truck collision to be aware of their rights and what steps should be taken after the accident.
In this overview, you will discover the whole range of topics relevant to truck accidents, including: the reasons why they occur and how to reduce future occurrences.
Commercial truck accident statistics
Commercial truck accidents are a significant problem in the United States, with thousands of accidents occurring each year. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, there were over 4,000 fatal commercial truck accidents in 2019 alone.
What are commercial truck accidents?
A commercial truck accident refers to an accident involving a commercial vehicle used for transportation of goods or services. Commercial trucks are significantly larger than passenger vehicles, and accidents involving these vehicles tend to cause more damage, injuries, and fatalities.
Common causes of commercial truck accidents
Commercial truck accidents can result from various factors, including driver error, vehicle malfunctions, and weather/road conditions. Some of the most common causes of commercial truck accidents include:
Distracted driving
Speeding
Driver fatigue
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Poor vehicle maintenance
Overloading or improper loading of cargo
Improper training of drivers
Texting
Unfamiliarity with the area
Types of commercial trucks
There are various types of commercial trucks used for transportation, including:
Semi-trucks
Box trucks
Flatbed trucks
Dump trucks
Tanker trucks
Refrigerator trucks
Delivery trucks
Tow trucks
Each of these vehicles has unique characteristics and requirements for safe operation.
Injuries resulting from commercial truck accidents
Commercial truck accidents can cause severe injuries to passengers of other vehicles and truck occupants. Common injuries resulting from these accidents include, but are not limited to:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Orthopedic Injuries
Broken bones
Internal organ damage
Burns, contusions and lacerations
Legal consequences of commercial truck accidents
Commercial truck accidents can have significant legal consequences for all parties involved. The truck driver, trucking company, and other parties may face liability for injuries, fatalities, and property damage resulting from the accident.
What to do after a commercial truck accident
After a commercial truck accident, it’s crucial to take certain steps to protect your rights.
Assuming that your transported by ambulance to a local emergency department or trauma center, call a friend and ask them to:
Provide information to law enforcement
Request information from the truck driver
Get the name, address and phone number of any witnesses
Take pictures of the accident scene and damage to the vehicles
Notify your insurance company
Schedule an appointment to meet with an experienced commercial truck accident attorney
Seek follow up medical treatment
Commercial truck accident prevention measures
Preventing commercial truck accidents requires a combination of driver education and training, proper vehicle maintenance, and competent regulatory oversight. Some of the most effective measures for preventing these accidents include:
Driver instruction and preparation
Regular vehicle maintenance
Proper cargo loading and securing
Compliance with regulations regarding driving hours and rest breaks
Use of technology such as collision avoidance systems and dashcams
The role of insurance in commercial truck accidents
Insurance plays a crucial role in commercial truck accidents by providing compensation for injured parties. The types of insurance coverage for commercial trucks include liability insurance, cargo insurance, and physical damage insurance. Liability insurance covers damages and injuries caused by the truck driver and physical damage insurance covers damages to the inured parties vehicle.
How to file a claim after a commercial truck accident
Filing a claim after a commercial truck accident is a complicated process. It’s essential to gather evidence and seek the advice of an experienced commercial truck accident attorney. The steps for filing a claim include:
Collect evidence
Obtain accident reports
Engage an investigator to obtain witness statements
Request medical records and bills
Notify your insurance company and request a PIP package
File a claim with the trucking company’s insurer
Commence a civil action against the truck driver
Negotiate a settlement or go to trial
Compensation for commercial truck accident injured parties
People injured in commercial truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including for medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earnings capacity, physical pain and mental suffering, permanency of injury and property damage. The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and damages resulting from the accident.
Hiring a commercial truck accident attorney
Hiring an experienced commercial truck accident attorney will allow you to navigate the legal process and maximize your recovery or compensation. An attorney will gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you at trial if necessary.
The importance of evidence in commercial truck accident cases
Evidence is crucial in commercial truck accident cases, as it can help establish liability and determine the cause of the accident. Evidence may include accident reports, witness statements, and physical evidence from the accident scene.
Factors affecting commercial truck accident settlements
Several factors can affect the settlement amount for a commercial truck accident, including:
The severity of your injuries
The nature and extent of your damages
The liability determination made by a jury
The insurance coverage available
The strength of the evidence
The experience, negotiation and trial skills of your lawyer
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Depending on who caused the commercial truck accident and the details surrounding the incident, all relevant parties including the truck driver, their employer and the owner of the truck and any other potential defendant may be held accountable for any damages cause as well as your harms and losses.
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If the injuries sustained in the accident prevent you from doing so, have your personal injury attorney secure a copy of the police and accident reconstruction report, obtain the name, address and phone number of any witnesses, photograph the accident scene and damage to the vehicles, and put the commercial truck insurance company and your insurer on notice of your intent to pursue a claim. You should seek the medical attention necessary to ensure that you reach the best possible medical end-result.
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Evidence can help establish liability which can impact the value of your case and ultimately the amount of money you receive.
Attorney Steven T. Snow PC
Steven T. Snow worked his way through law school as a retail stockbroker with Merrill Lynch. After earning his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1988, Attorney Snow worked for a Boston law firm that represented insurance companies. This experience provided him with an understanding of exactly how insurance companies value personal injury claims, and how they prepare for trial. He uses this knowledge to anticipate and counter his opponent’s defense strategies ensuring his clients obtain a judgment on their behalf. Attorney Snow bodily injuries and wrongful death claims through mediation and arbitration and trial.
Regardless of the type of injury you may have sustained, or the obstacles you may be facing, Attorney Steven T. Snow has the experience and skills to secure the best possible results in your case.
