Trucking Accidents
What is a Trucking Accident Case?
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including truck driver fatigue, improper loading, mechanical failure, or violations of trucking regulations. Victims of trucking accidents often face complex legal battles involving multiple parties, including trucking companies and their insurers.
Click on each sub-area below to learn more about your case.
Drunk Driving
What is Drunk Driving in Trucking Accidents?
Drunk driving in the context of trucking accidents refers to truck drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Because of the size and weight of trucks, drunk driving in these cases often leads to catastrophic outcomes.
Common Causes of Drunk Driving in Trucking Accidents:
- Alcohol consumption while on the road
- Drug use or impairment by prescribed medications
- Failure to adhere to trucking regulations regarding alcohol consumption
- Truck Driver Liability: If a driver is intoxicated, they can be held personally responsible.
- Trucking Company Liability: If the company failed to enforce proper safety protocols or allowed an impaired driver to operate a truck, they may be liable.
- Medical bills for injuries
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of income and future earning capacity
- Seek medical care immediately.
- Report the accident to law enforcement and request an investigation into the driver’s sobriety.
- Contact a lawyer to help you understand your options and pursue compensation.
Distracted Driving
What is Distracted Driving in Trucking Accidents?
Distracted driving in trucking accidents occurs when a truck driver is not paying full attention to the road. This could include texting, talking on the phone, eating, or engaging with a GPS device while driving. Given the size and weight of trucks, distracted driving can cause major accidents.
Common Causes of Distracted Driving in Trucking Accidents:
- Texting or phone calls while driving
- Navigating or adjusting in-truck technology
- Talking to passengers
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Driver Liability: The driver responsible for the distraction.
- Employer Liability: If the employer allowed the driver to engage in distracted driving, the trucking company may be liable.
- Compensation for medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages if injuries prevent the victim from returning to work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Document the incident with photos, witness statements, and law enforcement reports.
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries.
- Consult with a lawyer experienced in trucking accidents to understand your rights and compensation options.
Speeding
What is Speeding in Trucking Accidents?
Speeding is a common cause of accidents in trucking. Truck drivers are required by law to follow specific speed limits for safety reasons. However, when drivers exceed these limits, it can cause dangerous collisions and devastating accidents.
Common Causes of Speeding in Trucking Accidents:
- Aggressive driving and road rage
- Tight delivery schedules
- Lack of enforcement of speed limits
- Truck Driver Liability: If the driver is speeding, they can be held liable for any accidents caused.
- Trucking Company Liability: If the company failed to properly train or supervise the driver, it may also be responsible.
- Hospital and rehabilitation costs for accident-related injuries
- Emotional damages for pain and suffering
- Property damage and lost wages
- Report the accident and ensure that speeding is noted as a possible cause.
- Gather evidence, including eyewitness accounts or video footage.
- Reach out to a legal professional who specializes in trucking accidents to help with your case.
Driver Fatigue
What is Driver Fatigue in Trucking Accidents?
Driver fatigue is a serious problem in the trucking industry. Long hours behind the wheel, tight delivery deadlines, and inadequate rest can lead to driver fatigue. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes, miss important traffic signals, or cause accidents.
Common Causes of Driver Fatigue in Trucking Accidents:
- Long shifts and insufficient rest
- Pressure from employers to meet tight deadlines
- Non-compliance with Hours of Service regulations
- Driver Liability: Fatigued drivers who cause accidents can be held accountable.
- Employer Liability: If the trucking company failed to enforce proper rest breaks, they can be liable for the accident.
- Medical costs and physical rehabilitation
- Lost wages due to injury
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful Death
- Seek medical attention, especially if you suspect long-term injury.
- Gather information about the driver’s hours and rest periods.
- Consult an attorney to help you navigate a trucking accident claim.
Drug Abuse
What is Drug Abuse in Trucking Accidents?
Drug abuse among truck drivers is a significant cause of accidents. When truck drivers use drugs or alcohol to stay awake or alert, it impairs their ability to drive safely, leading to accidents.
Common Causes of Drug Abuse in Trucking Accidents:
- Use of prescription drugs or illegal substances to combat fatigue
- Addiction to stimulant drugs
- Mixing alcohol with prescription or over-the-counter medications
- Driver Liability: If a driver is under the influence of drugs, they are personally responsible for the accident.
- Employer Liability: If the trucking company failed to monitor the driver’s drug use or improperly hired the driver, the company may be held accountable.
- Medical expenses
- Emotional distress damages
- Pain and suffering
- Report the accident and ask for drug testing to be performed.
- Seek immediate medical care for injuries.
- Contact an attorney to discuss your case and ensure you receive proper compensation.
