Truck Accident Law

A reputable lawyer for truck accidents has a deep understanding of the trucking industry, including specific laws applicable to truck drivers and trucking companies. They will investigate to uncover evidence, such as maintenance records for trucking companies which could support a claim of negligence.

A NYC truck accident lawyer can determine the negligent parties in your case, and assist you in recovering from your injuries.

1. Injured or fatigued Driver

If a car that is a passenger collides with a truck, the most straightforward way to determine liability is to examine the driver's actions and demeanor. A lawyer for truck accidents can review surveillance footage and witness testimony to determine who was responsible for the accident.

Many locations are equipped with surveillance cameras, including most interstates and interchanges, as well certain gas stations, hotels restaurants, and other establishments. This evidence can be used by a truck crash lawyer to identify a possible defendant, particularly if a driver was distracted or unobservant at the time of the incident.

In the event of a truck crash it is also possible that the driver was fatigued or even injured during the time of the accident. A thorough examination of the driver's road logs can reveal if they went too long without rest or if they failed to adhere to Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that restrict the amount of time that truckers spend on the road and require sufficient rest breaks.

The trucking company may also be held accountable for negligence of their employees. A negligent hiring or training method could have contributed to this accident, and so could policies that encourage drivers to stay on the road for as long as is possible, which can result in a reduction in rest and sleep time, and thereby increasing the risk of an accident.

The government agencies responsible for maintaining roads may also be accountable if a road that is unsafe caused the accident. A skilled truck accident lawyer can identify the appropriate agency and employ a competent maintenance or construction contractor to determine the cause of the unsafe road, if applicable. A knowledgeable attorney can identify various parties who could be responsible, and seek compensation from every source.

2. Defective Equipment

Many truck accidents occur as a result of the malfunctioning equipment. This includes brakes, tires and cargo restraints. These items were designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear and must be properly maintained and repaired to avoid failure. If something goes wrong it could render the driver of a truck in a position to control the vehicle and could cause fatal or serious collisions. Defective truck parts and equipment may be the fault of several entities which include the trucking company and the manufacturer as well as the repair or parts dealer shop.

If https://vimeo.com/706769641 took place because of a defective part or piece of equipment, the injured person could seek damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses today and in the near future, lost income and loss of earning potential. Noneconomic damages include pain and suffering and brain injuries that are traumatic emotional distress, and traumatic brain injury. In some cases, punitive damages may also be available to punish the defendant to stop similar negligence from occurring again.

Even with the best efforts by trucking companies and drivers, equipment issues are bound to happen. It is important to identify the parties responsible in order to seek compensation for your loss.

If you've been in a truck accident and need help from an experienced attorney at Burch Law Firm can assist. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Our lawyers will examine your case, determine liable parties, and fight to secure the compensation that you deserve. We can assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, lost work wages, and physical and emotional pain. We handle cases throughout Missouri including Jefferson City and Columbia. We are on hand to answer your calls anytime 7 days a week.

3. Unloading Cargo Unsafely

Loaders and drivers of trucks must adhere to strict regulations when it comes to stacking and securing the cargo they transport on the roads. If they don't follow these guidelines, it could result in serious issues. In a report released recently, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that shifting cargo is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.

Many of these truck crashes result in cargo falling off the vehicle and onto other vehicles or onto the road. This can be extremely dangerous because the cargo could create a risk or a problem on the road, and force drivers to turn around. It may also fall on people who are biking or walking within the vicinity of the truck.

Based on the circumstances of the accident, there may be a variety of parties responsible. A driver who was negligent when loading his or her cargo might be held accountable under the legal theory respondeat superior. The trucking company who employed the driver may also be liable for its actions, since it is responsible for the actions of its employees under the principle of vicarious accountability.

In cases where an accident occurred due to improperly loaded or secured cargo, a skilled truck accident lawyer will use professional investigators and police reports to determine the cause of the accident and who is at fault. A Cordisco and SAIL LLC lawyer will assist victims to determine who they should make a claim for compensation against. A successful claim can result in a settlement or verdict that provides victims with the financial aid they require to recover from their injuries.

4. Unsafe Road Conditions

Trucking companies and their drivers have a duty to keep their trucks in good working condition. If they do not it could lead to serious accidents. Trucks are often equipped with mechanical parts that must be inspected and replaced in order for them to function properly. If this doesn't happen the result is a dangerous and unsafe roadway.

Truck crashes can also be caused by weather conditions or road conditions. Due to their massive size, trucks are more likely to be involved in a crash if they are driving in bad weather conditions or on roads with a lot of water. Truck drivers also have to follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines regarding the number of hours they can drive per day. These regulations are designed to protect the public, but when truck drivers ignore them in order to meet deadlines, or to make more money from their employers, they put the public at risk.

Unsafe road conditions could include slippery pavement that prevents tires from maintaining traction, potholes, and uneven surfaces that can cause skidding. Other issues include insufficient lane markings, such as broken or solid lane lines that make drivers confused about what lane they're in and merging lane ramps that are too small for large vehicles to safely switch lanes.

When a truck accident happens due to poor road conditions the trucking company or government agency responsible for maintaining the road could be held responsible for the occurrence. The person responsible for causing the dangerous conditions needs to be proven to have violated its obligation of care. This could include negligent hiring or vehicle maintenance, as well as testing for drugs. California law permits victims to claim damages for medical expenses as well as lost wages, suffering and loss of quality life.

5. Pedestrian injuries

Truck accidents can be extremely dangerous for pedestrians walking along the streets or in their own backyards. The pedestrians aren't always protected from the weight and size of a truck and can be severely injured or killed.

In these situations an attorney for personal injury may seek compensation from the person who caused the injury. In certain cases the negligent party could be the truck driver who ran a red light and hit the pedestrian. In other instances it could be a trucking company that allowed the trucker to work longer than what is permitted by law or did not maintain the vehicle in a proper manner.

Accidents involving trucks and pedestrians are often caused by drivers' inattention or distraction. While this type of accident is not uncommon in any car accident, it may be more deadly because truck drivers are generally higher up in their cabs. They also have more blind areas that are difficult to see.

A pedestrian injured in a car crash may receive compensation for medical expenses as well as lost earnings, discomfort and pain, and property damage. In some instances, the plaintiff is found partly at fault for the incident due to their own actions (such as not moving over to the left side when the truck started to turn) their compensation could be reduced in proportion. This is why it is crucial that you retain a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer to take care of your case. Contact us now to get started.