Have you or a loved one been hurt in a crash with a big truck? These accidents can cause serious injuries or even death. It’s important to know why you need a skilled injury attorney to help you.
Truck accident cases are complex. A good legal team can guide you to get the most compensation possible.
Key Takeaways
- Commercial trucking crashes usually lead to more severe injuries than common car wrecks.
- Determining liability in truck accident cases is often complex, involving the driver, employer, and vehicle manufacturer.
- Experienced truck accident lawyers possess the specialized skills needed to navigate the intricately legal landscape.
- Securing fair compensation for victims is a top priority, with the law firm having recovered over $1 billion for clients.
- The firm’s board-certified attorneys advocate for higher safety standards and better legislation to promote safer roads.
Understanding Truck Accident Injuries
When a car hits a big truck, the damage can be huge. In 2021, there were 117,300 big truck accidents in the U.S. This is a big jump from the last ten years. These crashes can cause serious injuries, from mild head injuries to severe spinal cord damage.
Head and Neck Injuries
The size and weight of a truck can cause huge impacts on car occupants. This can lead to serious head and neck injuries. These injuries need a lot of medical care and can change a person’s life forever.
Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash is a common injury in truck accidents. When a car hits a truck, the head and neck can jerk back and forth. This can hurt the soft tissues and vertebrae in the neck. Whiplash can be very painful and take a long time to heal.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Truck accidents can also cause serious spinal cord injuries. These can include herniated discs, broken vertebrae, and even paralysis. These injuries can greatly affect a person’s life and need a lot of medical care and support.
“In 2020, there were 4,842 instances where large trucks were involved in fatal accidents, and 107,000 trucks were part of accidents causing injuries, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.”
Truck accident injuries are complex and need a skilled lawyer to handle. If you’ve been in a truck accident, finding a good truck accident lawyer is key. They can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are very dangerous, causing about 5,000 deaths each year in the U.S. The big size and heavy weight of trucks make accidents worse. But, things like driver tiredness, mistakes, and truck problems also play a big role.
Trucker Fatigue and Substance Use
Truck drivers often work long hours and miss breaks. This makes them tired while driving. Being tired can make it hard to react quickly and control the truck.
Some drivers might use alcohol or drugs to stay awake. This makes driving even more dangerous.
Truck Driver Errors
Truck drivers’ small mistakes can cause big problems because of the truck’s size. Driving too close, speeding, and changing lanes wrong are common mistakes. Using phones or texting while driving is also a big problem.
Equipment Problems
Even with regular checks, trucks can have mechanical issues. Bad brakes, worn tires, or loose cargo can make driving hard. Trucks that carry too much can also have trouble stopping and can damage their tires.
It’s important to fix these problems to make roads safer. Better training for drivers, following rules, and keeping trucks in good shape can help a lot.
“Truck driver negligence contributes to 88% of all truck accidents according to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).”
| Cause | Percentage Contribution |
|---|---|
| Trucker Fatigue | 18% |
| Truck Driver Errors | 88% |
| Equipment Problems | 12% |
Federal Trucking Laws and Regulations
Understanding federal trucking laws is key to road safety. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules for commercial vehicles. These cover driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement.
The hours of service rules are critical. They aim to stop driver fatigue, a major cause of truck accidents. These rules set limits on driving hours and require rest periods.
- Drivers can drive for up to 11 hours after a 10-hour break.
- They can’t drive more than 14 hours after a 10-hour break.
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
There are also rules on driver qualifications. These include getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). These rules ensure only trained and licensed drivers are on the roads.
| CDL Class | Permitted Vehicle |
|---|---|
| Class A | Any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. |
| Class B | A single vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle with a gross weight rating of 10,000 pounds or less. |
| Class C | Any vehicle or combination of vehicles not defined under Class A or B. |
Following federal trucking laws is vital for safety and liability in accidents. Breaking these laws can help victims in personal injury claims.
“Navigating the complex web of federal trucking laws and regulations is critical for ensuring safety on the roads.”
It’s wise to talk to an experienced truck accident lawyer. They can help you understand the laws and fight for your rights.
Determining Truck Accident Liability
Figuring out who is at fault in a truck accident is key. Many can be to blame, like the driver, employer, truck owner, and more. Even though most truckers follow the rules, mistakes can happen.
Truck Driver Liability
If the truck driver was careless, you might have a case. Common mistakes include reckless driving and using phones while driving. Also, drug and alcohol use by drivers is a big problem.
Employer and Third-Party Liability
Other parties like the driver’s employer or cargo shipper can also be liable. Trucking companies often try to avoid paying out. Also, faulty truck parts can cause accidents, leading to more complex cases.
| Liable Party | Potential Liability |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Negligent or reckless driving, failure to comply with regulations |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, training, or supervision of drivers, inadequate vehicle maintenance |
| Truck Manufacturer | Defective or faulty truck parts or design |
| Cargo Owner/Loader | Improper loading or securing of cargo |
| Maintenance Provider | Negligent repair or maintenance of the vehicle |
Finding out who is responsible in a truck accident can be tough. But a skilled truck accident liability lawyer can help. They’ll work to get you the compensation you need.
Injury Attorneys: Fighting for Your Rights
When people in cars get hurt by big trucks, they often face big challenges. They need to deal with big truck companies and their insurance. These companies try hard to avoid paying for the harm they cause. That’s why it’s important to have a good injury attorney.
Injury attorneys work hard for truck accident victims. They face off against truck drivers, companies, and insurance to get fair pay. They help victims cover medical costs, lost wages, and more. This way, they help people get back to their lives after a big accident.
At Cheasty, Cheasty & Malek, LLP, we have a team of personal injury lawyers with lots of success. We’ve recovered over $980 Million and have a 99% success rate. We’re here to fight for accident victims and make sure they get what they deserve.
“Cheasty, Cheasty & Malek, LLP emphasizes the importance of strong representation in personal injury cases due to negligence or misconduct. Their lawyers have gained extensive experience in California personal injury law and have secured tens of millions of dollars for injured individuals.”
We take a detailed approach to help our clients. We work with experts like doctors and scientists to prove who’s at fault. We know how hard truck accidents can be, and we’re here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process and make sure you get the most compensation possible.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, call Cheasty, Cheesty & Malek, LLP for a free talk. Our injury claim attorneys are ready to fight for your rights. We’ll help you get the justice and compensation you need.
Maximizing Compensation for Truck Accident Victims
Understanding the different types of damages is key when seeking compensation after a truck accident. Compensation usually falls into two main categories: economic and non-economic damages. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney is vital to get the maximum compensation.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the financial losses you can easily calculate. These include medical bills, lost wages, and future earning capacity. Over 150,000 Americans are injured in truck accidents each year, leading to huge medical costs and lost income. It’s important to have all medical records and pay stubs ready to show these losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the intangible impacts of a truck accident. This includes pain, emotional distress, scarring, and loss of quality of life. Victims may get compensation for these non-economic damages, which greatly affect their well-being. A skilled attorney is needed to quantify these losses.
Getting the maximum compensation is essential for truck accident victims. A knowledgeable lawyer helps document and present all losses to insurance companies or in court. This can greatly increase the settlement amount and ease the financial and emotional burden.
Conclusion
After a trucking accident, things can feel overwhelming. If you or someone you love was hurt or even killed, an experienced truck accident lawyer can help. They know how to deal with the legal stuff and fight for what you need.
These lawyers have the skills and resources to look into the accident. They find out who’s to blame and build a strong case for you. With their help, you can focus on getting better while they handle the legal battle.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, don’t wait to talk to a good accident attorney. They will protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation and justice you deserve. An experienced injury law firm is essential for getting the best outcome.
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