You Have A Right To Compensation After A Truck Accident
The idea of being involved in a truck accident is terrifying. The impact of a collision between a large truck and a regular passenger vehicle can cause serious accidents, injuries and even fatalities. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck accident, our lawyers at Alliance Law Group, PS, are here to fight for your right to compensation.
Since 1950, Alliance Law Group, PS, has built a strong reputation in the Tacoma community for our high standard of legal service. We pride ourselves on providing the representation you need during this difficult time. We will always take the time to answer your questions and thoroughly explain your legal options to make the legal process less overwhelming and confusing.
Understanding Truck Accident Liability
Truck accident claims are often complicated by the fact that there are multiple liable parties involved. The truck driver may be liable if they were negligent – such as when a driver was too fatigued, distracted or impaired. The trucking company usually also shares liability, particularly when the company had unrealistic schedules for its drivers or improperly maintained the vehicle. A loading company can be responsible if a shifting load caused the wreck. Even the vehicle’s manufacturer or a parts supplier might be liable if mechanical failures contributed to the wreck. Identifying the responsible parties is one of the major functions of a skilled truck accident lawyer.
Steps To Take After A Truck Accident
Call 911 and seek immediate medical assistance and assistance from the police. If possible, document the scene (or ask someone to do it for you) with as many photos as you can take of the vehicles, the road conditions and any obvious injuries. Avoid making any statements that might imply fault. As soon as possible, consult a qualified attorney to protect your rights and help you navigate the claims process.
Federal And State Trucking Regulations
Federal rules, enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), cover aspects of hours of service, vehicle maintenance requirements and driver qualifications. State laws often supplement these regulations with rules about weight limits and operational requirements. When violations of these complex rules occur, such as when drivers exceed their allowable working hours or companies do not maintain their vehicles, that can have a significant impact on a claim and strengthen the victim’s case.
Common Injuries In Truck Accidents
The size and weight disparity between semis and regular passenger vehicles tends to result in severe injuries. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), spinal cord damage and paralysis, limb fractures, facial fractures, burns and internal organ damage. The long-term consequences of these injuries can be life-altering and include chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and other permanent disabilities. An attorney can help calculate the long-term financial costs, which are essential to a fair settlement.
Truck Accidents Can Lead To Lifelong Consequences
Due to the sheer size difference between a large truck and a regular passenger vehicle, accidents can have devastating consequences. Truck accidents often cause fatalities, and those who survive can be left with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputated limbs and other serious injuries. While there are federal regulations that truck drivers and companies must adhere to, not all drivers follow the rules.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver inattention
- Driver fatigue
- Driving under the influence
- Poor road conditions
- Speeding and reckless driving
- Negligent maintenance or equipment malfunction
Truck accident cases have unique aspects that differ from regular passenger vehicle accidents. When filing a personal injury claim after a truck accident, you have to determine who the at-fault party is. Our personal injury attorneys will thoroughly examine the evidence in your case and consider the truck driver, trucking company, owner of the cargo, maintenance company and any other relevant parties that could have caused your accident.
In truck accident cases, you may file claims against commercial insurance companies and multiple insurers. While you recover from your accident, you should focus on healing instead of arguing with insurers. When you work with us at Alliance Law Group, PS, we will take over those conversations so you can focus on what is most important.
You Can Trust Us To Fight For You
The aftermath of a truck accident can leave you with serious injuries, years of physical therapy, mounting medical bills and financial uncertainty. At Alliance Law Group, PS, our truck accident attorneys can help you file a personal injury claim to obtain the compensation you need to begin your recovery. To schedule a consultation, call our Tacoma law office at 253-300-2055 or complete an online contact form to get in touch with us.