Truck accidents are one of the most devastating events that happen to people, and when you’re involved in one, you need the best legal help you can get. That’s why it’s important to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer, who will fight for your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common causes of truck accidents
Common causes of truck accidents include speeding, driver fatigue, driver inattention, and mechanical failures. There are also environmental issues that cause truck crashes.
Driver inattention is one of the most common and fatal causes of large truck crashes. A truck’s size makes it difficult to judge the speed of oncoming traffic. This can lead to a crash if the oncoming vehicle swerves to avoid the tractor or trailer.
Tire problems are another common cause of large truck crashes. If the tires blow out, the truck can suffer catastrophic damage.
Mechanical failures can result in rollovers and jackknifing. These can be caused by defective design, faulty installation, or poor maintenance.
Drivers who take illegal drugs are one of the leading causes of fatal truck crashes. The National Transportation Safety Board performed blood screenings on 168 truck drivers, and found that nearly three-quarters were impaired.
Identifying the defendants in a truck accident
When you are involved in an 18 wheeler accident, identifying the defendants is essential to obtaining the full compensation you are due. It can be difficult to find the right parties, but a qualified attorney can help.
The most obvious party to name in a trucking accident is the driver. However, in most cases, the actual operator isn’t responsible. For example, a third party mechanic could be held liable for faulty equipment or malfunctioning parts.
Another option is to identify the company or organization that employed the driver. This can be more complicated, as many commercial companies work together to complete a single trip.
The same goes for the manufacturer of the truck. They can be held liable for defective components, as well as for injuries suffered from accidents.
Identifying evidence from the crash site
If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to identify evidence from the crash site. It can help you prove your claim. However, this process may not be as simple as it seems.
The key to identifying evidence from the wreck site is to follow the proper procedure. This involves waiting for police to arrive. Once the police arrive, you should gather as much evidence as possible. You will want to take pictures of the scene, the road conditions, and the cars. Also, it is a good idea to take videos of the wreck.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you can also make a statement to the police. The report will provide details on the crash, which can be used later to assign blame.
Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company
When you have been involved in an accident, it is important to consult with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. This will help you determine whether you have a claim and what you should expect from the insurance company. Once you have a firm idea of what is going on, you can begin negotiating a settlement.
Your lawyer will make sure that you receive a fair settlement. He or she will also prepare your case for trial in a court of law.
The insurance company will often try to minimize the amount of money you are owed. Some of the reasons for this are because the insurer needs to keep their costs as low as possible. If you work with an experienced lawyer, you can increase your chances of getting a bigger settlement.
Loss of inheritance after a truck accident
The loss of a family member in a truck accident is a sad affair, but the effects can be far reaching. For instance, a loved one may die days or weeks after an accident, and the surviving family members may struggle to meet the bills. On top of the financial strain, the resulting medical bills can rack up in astronomical sums.
Fortunately, there is a legal way to get compensation for the untimely death of a loved one. A wrongful death suit can be filed by the victim’s parents, spouse, children, or other heirs. Although the jury may be divided on whether the claim was merited, the process can help a family recover from the devastation of a wrongful death.
The first step in the process is to document the incident and the resulting losses. This may include lost earnings, medical bills, and rehabilitation expenses. You may also want to look into the monetary value of a deceased family member’s assets.
