Trucking Accidents
What is a Trucking Accident?
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers often work long hours, and fatigued drivers are at a higher risk of causing accidents due to impaired reaction times, decreased focus, and poor decision-making.
Speeding
Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive too fast for road conditions can lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents.
Distracted Driving
Texting, talking on the phone, or using in-cab technology while driving can distract truck drivers and prevent them from noticing hazards or reacting to sudden changes in traffic.
Improper Loading
Overloading or improperly loading a truck can affect its stability, making it harder to stop or maneuver safely, leading to potential accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles to ensure they are in safe working order. Failure to inspect or repair critical parts, such as brakes or tires, can result in accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
Just like any other driver, truck drivers who operate under the influence of alcohol or drugs are putting everyone on the road at risk.
Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow, can create hazardous driving conditions. Truck drivers must adjust their driving to accommodate these conditions to avoid accidents.
Improper Training
Inexperienced or poorly trained truck drivers may make mistakes on the road that lead to accidents.
Injuries You Can Experience in a Trucking Accident
Broken Bones and Fractures
Due to the force of the collision, broken bones in the legs, arms, ribs, and spine are common in trucking accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Head injuries are often severe in trucking accidents, leading to concussions, skull fractures, or long-term brain damage.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact of a truck accident can lead to spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis or other lifelong complications.
Internal Injuries
Organ damage or internal bleeding can occur as a result of the force of the crash, often requiring emergency surgery.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
The sudden deceleration or impact from a trucking accident can cause whiplash, leading to pain, stiffness, and possible long-term discomfort.
Burns and Lacerations
Explosions or fires that result from truck crashes can cause severe burns, and metal debris or shattered glass can lead to deep lacerations.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Beyond physical injuries, trucking accidents can cause emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, especially if the crash resulted in the death of a loved one.
Who is Liable for a Trucking Accident?
The Truck Driver
If the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence, such as speeding, fatigue, or distracted driving, they may be held responsible.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their vehicles are properly maintained, their drivers are well-trained, and that they follow all regulations. If they fail to meet these responsibilities, they can be held liable for the accident.
Vehicle Manufacturers
If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or defective tires, the manufacturer may be held responsible for producing a defective vehicle or parts.
Third-Party Contractors
In some cases, third-party contractors who maintain the truck or load the cargo may be found liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
How We Can Help You
Investigate the Accident
We will gather evidence such as driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and eyewitness testimonies to build a strong case.
Identify Liable Parties
We will determine who is at fault for the accident, whether it be the driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or another party.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies
We will handle the negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Represent You in Court
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Sanabria Law?
Experienced Legal Team:
Our attorneys have years of experience handling TBI cases and understand the complexities of brain injury claims.
Compassionate Support
We offer personalized, compassionate support during this challenging time. We are here to listen, advise, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
Contingency Fee Basis
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery without worrying about upfront legal fees.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
What Makes Trucking Accidents Unique?
Size and Weight of the Trucks
Trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, far outweighing the average passenger vehicle. This massive size can result in catastrophic damage, serious injuries, and fatalities in the event of a collision.
Federal Regulations
Truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to strict federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations govern everything from driver hours of service to maintenance standards and cargo loading. Violations of these rules can be a key factor in determining liability.
Complex Liability
Unlike standard car accidents, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties that may be liable, including the driver, trucking company, maintenance contractors, and even manufacturers of defective vehicle parts. Determining who is at fault can be much more complicated, requiring thorough investigation and legal expertise.
Trucker’s Logbooks and Black Box Data
Truck drivers are required to keep detailed logbooks that track their driving hours and rest periods. In many cases, trucks are equipped with black box technology, which records data like speed, braking patterns, and the truck’s position at the time of the accident. This data can be crucial in determining what happened before and during the crash.
Insurance Issues
Trucking companies typically carry large insurance policies, which can make insurance negotiations more complex. Insurance companies may try to minimize your compensation by arguing that you were at fault or that the accident was not as severe as it seemed.
Long-Term Impact
Due to the serious nature of injuries from trucking accidents, victims often face long recovery periods, and in some cases, permanent disabilities. This can lead to extensive medical bills, lost wages, and a diminished quality of life, making it all the more important to secure fair compensation.