Trucking accidents are typically not like most passenger car accidents. With larger average settlements, typically worse injuries, and usually larger losses, there are some special concerns to take into account when it comes to big truck accidents. Our trucking lawyers highlighted a few of those concerns in this article.
If you've been injured in a collision with a large truck, don't delay contacting a lawyer. Time is of the essence in these types of cases. To set up a free, no-obligation case review with our lawyers, call or text 602-345-1818. You may also fill out this form to request a time to speak with us.
What to Do After a Big Truck Accident?
The next steps you take directly after a big truck accident are crucial. Your actions can either help or hurt your entire case. Here are a few priorities after an accident involving a semi-truck:
- Stay on the scene. Leaving the scene can cause you severe legal troubles.
- Assess the safety and health of yourself and others involved; call for medical assistance, if needed
- Ensure you call the authorities to draft an official report; this may be a crucial piece of evidence going forward
- Get information from the other driver(s), including their name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, and insurance information.
- Obtain information from potential witnesses of the accident
- Take pictures of the accident; remember to do so safely
- Do not post pictures of the accident on social media
- Never take blame or admit fault of any kind; this can be used against you later
- See a doctor; even if you “feel fine” following the accident, remember that potential injuries may not be evident until days after the accident has happened
Don't underestimate the other side after a big truck accident. Typically, big trucks come with large trucking companies with significant legal teams and insurance companies. That's a lot of people who may be working towards the goal of giving you little to no compensation. You deserve a fair fight– a trucking lawyer can help level the playing field.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Many times the driver is found to be at fault in a trucking accident. In these cases, negligence is often the reason. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the top causes of semi-truck accidents are:
- Drivers exiting their lanes into other lanes or driving off the road
- Rear-end collisions with other vehicles in the same lane
- Loss of control as a result of factors such as poor weather conditions, shifting cargo, etc
Other common causes may be speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, hours of service violations, inclement weather, cargo-loading errors, vehicle systems failure, driving under the influence, and more.
Understanding Who May Be Liable
With so many causes of trucking accidents, having multiple liable parties is also a common factor in these types of incidents. Some examples of potentially liable parties in a truck accident include:
- The truck company
- The driver
- The owner of the truck (the owner may be a different party from the driver or truck company)
- The company leasing the truck
- The truck or trailer parts manufacturer or designer
- The shipment company
As a result of potentially having multiple at-fault parties, having a lawyer is essential. Multiple defendants likely mean multiple lawyers and insurance companies on the other side, which may make it tougher for you to obtain the settlement you need and deserve to get your life back on track.
Potential Damages Available After a Truck Accident
Truck accident claims are among some of the largest settlements of all personal injury claims. If you've been injured, you are entitled to your right to financially, physically, and emotionally recover. Some losses you may be able to recover include:
Economic Damages - Financial damages sustained:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Home modification expenses (related to your injury)
- Home cleaning or maintenance costs (if you are unable to maintain your home because of your injury)
- Medication costs
- Etc
Non-Economic Damages - Non-monetary damages sustained:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Depression and anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Severe physical pain
- Loss of consortium
- Wrongful death
- Etc
Sometimes, punitive damages will also be rewarded in an effort to punish and dissuade defendants from future actions that are especially negligent and harmful to society.
Call or Text Our Trucking Lawyers in Arizona and New Mexico Today
If you're up against a big truck company and its team of lawyers and insurance adjusters, we've got your back. To set up a free, no-obligation case review today, call or text us at 602-345-1818. You may also fill out this confidential online form. At Impact Legal, we'll fight tirelessly to get you the settlement you need and deserve. Don't go at this alone – we've got you covered!