Answers to Common Questions about 18-Wheeler Accidents
If you are injured in a trucking accident, you may not know where to turn.
The laws surrounding these accidents can be complex, and insurance companies will often do everything they can to avoid paying out on a claim even if the CDL driver is 100% at fault.
Insurance companies and their adjusters don’t make money by paying what is right.
Profit lies in denying claims made by the passenger vehicle, not taking responsibility when they should, and limiting how much, if any, is paid in settlements when accidents occur.
That is where a lawyer comes in.
Experienced personal injury lawyers understand the nuances of trucking accident law, and can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries – Danny Glover, OBX Truck Accident Lawyer
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common injuries sustained in trucking accidents, as well as how a lawyer can help you seek justice if you’ve been badly injured by a commercial vehicle.
Why do Insurance Companies Deny Claims?
There are many reasons why an insurance company would deny a tractor-trailer accident claim.
The primary reason is pretty simple: MONEY.
An insurance company makes more money denying legitimate claims and paying less than they should to people who settle without knowing their legal rights.
To be clear, truck accident law is complicated. Wrecks involving commercial trucks and passenger cars often result in substantial injuries and losses.
When is the best time to hire a lawyer?
And truck accidents tend to involve complex legal issues regarding legal liability and whether the truck driver or the semi-truck company is liable.
If you have a truck accident case, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the complex truck accident law and work for the compensation you deserve.
How do truck accident laws differ from a car crash?
Truck accidents are governed by both federal and state regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the main regulatory agency that sets the rules of the road for commercial vehicles.
In addition, each state has its own laws regarding commercial trucks.
When a truck accident occurs, it is important to hire an experienced attorney who knows how to navigate these complex laws.
Most car accidents are governed by the law of negligence.
This means that if someone is injured in a car accident, they can file a personal injury lawsuit against the person who caused the accident.
However, truck accidents are somewhat different than those involving only a passenger car. Truck drivers must use the utmost care to avoid injuring others.
If a truck driver does not use the appropriate level of care and someone is injured, the truck driver can be held liable for the victim’s injuries.
FMCSA Regulations
Truck drivers are also required to follow certain rules and regulations set by the FMCSA.
These rules include things like how many hours they can drive in a day, what types of drugs they are allowed to take, and how often they must take breaks.
If a truck driver violates one of these rules and someone is injured, the trucking company that employs the driver can also be held liable.
Trucking accidents can be complex, but an experienced attorney can help you navigate the laws and get the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you understand your legal rights.
Why are trucking accidents a serious issue?
In the United States, there are over 500,000 trucking accidents every year.
That’s almost one and a half trucking accidents every minute!
And these numbers have been increasing steadily over the past few years.
Most people think of trucking accidents as simply bigger versions of regular car crashes.
But the truth is, they’re often much more complicated than that.
For one thing, because trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, the injuries sustained in trucking accidents are often much more severe.
Common Injuries when accidents happen
Common injuries in trucking accidents with a passenger car include:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Internal bleeding
- Head injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI
- Fatal Accidents / Wrongful Death
- Mental and Physical Distress
Liability in Truck Accident Cases
In any personal injury case, the first question is always who is at fault.
When it comes to truck accidents, there are a few different parties who could potentially be held liable – Danny Glover, Outer Banks Personal Injury Lawyer
The most common defendants in these cases are the truck driver, the trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck or its parts.
There are a number of federal regulations that apply specifically to truck drivers, 18-Wheeler trucks, and other commercial
Trucking companies are required to follow these regulations in order to operate legally.
If a company fails to do so and an accident occurs as a result, the company can be held liable.
Some examples of common violations include not properly maintaining the truck, not giving drivers enough rest breaks, and exceeding the weight limit for the truck.
Who are the defendants in a truck accident claim?
The first step in filing any personal injury lawsuit is identifying the correct defendant in a truck accident.
In car accident cases, this is usually the other driver involved in the collision.
But in trucking accidents, there may be multiple defendants, including the commercial truck drivers, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the commercial truck or its parts.
Depending on the facts of your case, you may have a claim against one or all of these parties.
An experienced personal injury lawyer will be able to investigate your accident and determine who was at fault.
What causes commercial truck accidents?
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports truck accident statistics indicate the leading cause of large truck accidents and serious injury in the trucking industry is driver error.
In fact, FMCSA data shows that driver error is to blame for nearly 87 percent of all commercial truck accidents.
There are many different types of driver errors that can lead to large truck accidents, but some of the most common include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
While driver error is the leading cause of commercial truck accidents, there are other factors that can contribute to these wrecks as well. Some of these other factors include:
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance
- Inadequate training for truck drivers
- Improper Cargo Loading
- Defective truck parts
- Equipment Failure
- Hazardous weather conditions
Lawyers who help clients with 18-Wheeler accidents will thoroughly investigate the causes of truck accidents to determine who is liable and help their clients recover the compensation they deserve.
If you have been involved in a commercial truck accident, contact a lawyer today to discuss your case.
Federal laws set the standard for what Truckers are supposed to do
Unfortunately, not all Truckers follow these laws, which can result in serious accidents.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a trucking accident, it is important to know what to do and who can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Trucking accidents often result in serious injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and amputations.
These injuries can have a devastating effect on victims and their families. In addition to the physical pain and suffering caused by these injuries, victims may also face significant financial burdens, such as medical bills and lost wages.
What types of accidents are classified as “Trucking Accidents”?
Trucking accidents are any type of accident that involves a large commercial truck, such as an 18-wheeler.
These types of accidents can be very serious and often result in injuries or even death.
OBX Accident Lawyer – Danny Glover Jr
We’d like to help with your personal injury claim. Call now to schedule a complimentary consultation.