Accidents Involving 18-Wheelers And Other Commercial Trucks
Almost every time there is an accident involving an 18-wheeler or a big commercial truck along Interstate 45 or Highway 30, we see pictures of the aftermath. When the other vehicle is a car or a pickup, it’s easy to imagine the kind of devastation the driver and their passengers must be experiencing. Even the biggest pickups and SUVs are no match for a semi.
The devastation of these accidents goes beyond just vehicle damage and physical injuries. Victims of these accidents often end up in a hospital bed watching as their lives quickly turn upside down. Medical bills continue to gather as they deal with lost time at work, emotional trauma and the possibility that their way of life may be changed forever.
The Complicated Details Surrounding Truck Accident Claims
Accidents involving trucks and 18-wheelers involve issues unique to commercial vehicles. Federal and state trucking regulations determine how this type of claim can be brought forward. If road conditions are determined to be a factor, government agencies and road construction crews can be held accountable.
If the truck driver was a contractor, you may end up dealing with the company that owns the truck as well as the driver’s insurance company. Issues surrounding driver training, scheduling and the maintenance and upkeep of the truck may all come into play.
Having knowledge of these laws and experience dealing with these types of cases is critical to getting a fair settlement. By choosing Barcus & Cantrell, you get an advocate with a track record of getting fair settlements for accident victims. We make sure to address not only your current medical bills, but also your long-term financial and health needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
The aftermath of a truck accident can be incredibly difficult for both victims and their families. We try to cut through the confusion by providing clear, concise answers to our clients’ most common questions:
Why hire an attorney for a trucking accident case?
Truck accident claims are often very complex. There may be multiple parties involved with shared liability, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the trucking maintenance company, the loading company, multiple insurance agencies and others. Each of these will most certainly have a legal team on their side and may try to deflect blame on each other (or you), so you need someone on your side to protect your interests, gather critical evidence to support your claim, establish your claim’s true value, negotiate a fair settlement and – when necessary – pursue litigation.
What are some of the common causes of truck accidents?
The vast majority of truck accidents come down to the same root cause: human error. Truck accidents are most often related to things like driver fatigue, inexperienced drivers, distracted driving, improper vehicle maintenance, overloaded (or improperly loaded) cargo and the failure to respond appropriately to poor weather conditions.
Should I settle my truck accident case?
You should never consider settling a truck accident claim until an attorney determines the true value of your claim since that is not always apparent. Whether or not you should ultimately settle the claim without litigation depends on factors such as the extent of your injuries, the defendant’s liability – and their willingness to accept that liability. If the parties involved are willing to negotiate fairly, then settling makes sense. If they are not (which is often the case), litigation will be necessary.
How are truck accidents different from car accidents?
The sheer size and weight of the truck can cause far more damage than is seen in a typical car accident. You may be facing a lifetime struggle with your injuries. Additionally, truck accident claims often center on complex regulations, have multiple liable parties and involve larger insurance policies. That makes them much more intricate and likely to be contested than a car accident claim.
Contact Our Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident with a semi truck or other type of commercial vehicle, call Barcus & Cantrell at 936-730-2024 or fill out our online contact form. We are here for you, ready to help.