Commercial trucks pose a serious threat to those who are driving typical passenger vehicles. Despite efforts by the federal government to create better safety regulations for those who drive commercial vehicles, the number of serious accidents involving commercial vehicles, such as semitrucks, has increased in recent years. More people are being hurt in accidents with larger vehicles.
Those who experience a crash with a large commercial vehicle are at increased risk of death or severe injury when compared with the truck’s driver or those involved in passenger vehicle crashes.
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries in an accident with a commercial truck, you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney can help you negotiate a settlement with the truck driver’s insurance or help you file a civil lawsuit to recover your losses after an accident with a commercial truck.
Truck accidents can change your life
Because of how large and heavy these commercial vehicles are, they can cause very serious injuries and property damage. Chances are good that your vehicle will require extensive repairs or even complete replacement after an accident with a commercial truck. Injuries are also very common.
Broken bones, head injuries, spinal damage and other serious injuries are often reported following an accident with a truck. In the wake of such an accident, you need to seek immediate medical attention for the injuries you and other passengers sustained.
You should also speak with an attorney as soon as possible following the accident. He or she can help document your experience and can investigate the safety and compliance record of the truck driver and trucking company involved in your accident. There may be a history of rule breaking, such as violating mandatory rest period requirements, in order to ensure faster shipments and higher profits.
If the company’s culture or expectations led to the driver bending or breaking laws, the company may be liable for the injuries and damages you sustained as a result of the accident.
An attorney can help you recover after an accident
When you’ve been in a serious accident with a truck, you will probably need time to recover. In addition to the direct expenses of vehicle repair and medical treatment, you will also likely have lost wages as a result of missing work while you recover. Your attorney can advocate on your behalf to help ensure the responsible parties are covering your losses.
If you are offered a settlement, your attorney can help ensure it is fair given the damages you experienced. A legal advocate can even file a lawsuit to ensure that the parties responsible for your accident are held accountable for the damages they caused.
