Truck Accident Law

A competent lawyer for truck accidents possesses in-depth knowledge of the trucking industry, including the specific laws that govern truck drivers and trucking companies. They will conduct an investigation and discover evidence like maintenance records of the trucking company that may prove negligence.

A NYC truck accident lawyer will identify the parties who are negligent in your case, and assist you in recovering from your injuries.

1. Fatigued or injured driver

If a vehicle carrying passengers is involved in a collision with a truck the most straightforward way to determine liability is to examine the driver's actions and mannerisms. A truck accident lawyer can review video surveillance footage and witness testimony to determine which driver was at fault.

Many locations are equipped with surveillance cameras, including most intersections and interchanges as some hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and other businesses. A skilled lawyer for truck accidents could use this evidence to identify the potential defendant, particularly when the driver seemed unobservant or distracted at the time of the accident.

In truck accidents the driver might be injured or fatigued at the time of the incident. A thorough investigation of the driver's track logs can reveal whether they slept too long without rest or if they did not adhere to Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that restrict the time truckers are allowed to spend on the road and demand adequate rest breaks.

The trucking company could be held accountable for negligent acts of their employee. A negligent hiring procedure or training policy could have contributed to the accident. Policies that encourage drivers to drive for as long as they can, while reducing their sleep and rest times and thereby increasing their risk of being injured could also have contributed to.

If a hazardous road contributed to an accident, the government agency accountable for maintaining it may be held responsible. A seasoned truck accident lawyer will identify the relevant agency and then hire a seasoned construction or maintenance contractor to look into the cause of the unsafe situation and if it's applicable. A knowledgeable attorney can identify various parties who could be responsible, and seek compensation from each source.

2. Defective Equipment

Many truck accidents occur as a result of the malfunctioning equipment. This includes tires, brakes and cargo restraints. These pieces of equipment are designed to endure rigorous use and should be inspected and maintained to prevent failure. When something goes wrong, it can leave a truck driver unable to control the vehicle and could result in serious or fatal collisions. Incorrect parts and equipment for trucks could be the responsibility of a number of entities which include the trucking company or the manufacturer, as well as the parts dealer or repair shop.

If an accident occurred as a result of a defective component or piece of equipment, the person injured may seek damages for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages are a combination of the current and future medical costs as well as lost income and loss of earning capacity. Noneconomic damages may include discomfort and pain, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional anxiety. In certain instances punitive damages can be available to punish the defendant in order to prevent similar negligence from happening again in the future.

Despite the best efforts of trucking companies and their drivers, some equipment issues are inevitable. It is important to identify the responsible parties in order to seek compensation for your losses.

The skilled lawyers at Burch law firm can help you if you have been involved in a car accident. Contact us today to set up an appointment for a no-cost consultation. Our lawyers will review the case, determine responsible parties and fight to get the compensation you deserve. We can help you get compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and physical or emotional suffering. We handle cases throughout Missouri including Jefferson City, Columbia, and St. Louis. We are ready to take your calls 24 hours a day all week long.


3. Improperly loaded Cargo

Loaders and drivers of trucks must adhere to strict rules when it comes to stacking and securing cargo they transport on the road. Infractions to these guidelines could cause serious issues. In a recent study, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that shifting cargo is one of the most common causes of truck accidents.

A large number of truck accidents involve cargo falling off the vehicle and onto other vehicles or the roadway. This is particularly risky because the cargo could create a risk or a problem on the road, and force other drivers to swerve. It may also fall on people who are walking or riding a bicycle near the truck.

Depending on how the accident was triggered, several parties could be responsible. A driver who was negligent while loading his or cargo could be held responsible under the legal theory of respondeat superior. The trucking company that employed that driver could also be held accountable, as it is responsible for its employees' actions in the spirit of vicarious responsibility.

An experienced attorney for truck accidents can utilize police reports and professional investigators to determine what caused of an accident caused by inadequately secured or loaded cargo. A Cordisco and SAIL LLC attorney can help victims determine the defendants they should make a claim for compensation against. A successful claim could result in a verdict or settlement that will provide victims with the financial aid they need to recover.

4. Road conditions that are unsafe

Trucking companies, as the drivers they employ, bear an obligation to keep their vehicles in good working order. In the absence of this, it can lead to serious accidents. To ensure that trucks operate correctly, mechanical components are regularly checked and replaced. If this isn't the case it can result in an unsafe and dangerous road.

The conditions of the road and weather can also cause truck crashes. Due to their size, trucks are more likely to crash in bad conditions and on roads that are wet. Truck drivers also have to follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations regarding the hours they are permitted to drive each day. These rules are designed to protect the public, but if truck drivers don't follow them in order to meet deadlines or gain more money from their employers, they put the public at risk.

Potholes and uneven surfaces could cause skidding. Other problems can include inadequate road markings, such solid or broken lines that confuse drivers about which lane they are in, and merging ramps that are too short for large vehicles to safely change lanes.

If a car accident occurs because of poor road conditions the trucking company or government agency accountable to maintain the road could be held accountable. It is imperative to prove that the party responsible for the incident violated their obligation of care by creating unsafe conditions. This may include negligent hiring or maintenance of the vehicle, or drug screenings. Under California law, victims are able to seek compensation for medical bills and lost income, pain, and loss of quality of life.

5. Injuries to Pedestrians

Truck accidents are dangerous for pedestrians who walk along roads or even in their yards. The pedestrians aren't always protected from the weight and size of a truck, and may suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.

In these types of situations the personal injury attorney will seek compensation from the party that was negligent. In portsmouth truck accident lawsuit Links to an external site. could be the truck driver who ran a red signal and struck the pedestrian. However, in other cases it could be a trucking company which allowed the trucker to work longer than the law allows, or failed to maintain the vehicle properly.

Inattention or distraction are the most common causes of accidents involving pedestrians and trucks. While this type of incident is normal in any car crash, it can be more fatal due to the fact that truck drivers are generally higher up in their cabs and have larger blind areas that are difficult to see.

A pedestrian injured in a truck crash can receive compensation for medical costs as well as lost earnings, pain and discomfort, and property damage. However, there are instances where the plaintiff is found to be partly accountable for the accident because of their own actions, such as failing to move over to the left shoulder when a truck began to swerve or avert, they may be awarded a lower amount of compensation. It is important to select an injury lawyer who is knowledgeable and experienced to take care of your case. Contact us now to begin.