Truck Accident Lawyer
In 2017 alone, tractor trailers were involved in crashes that contributed to 3,043 fatalities. There are a number of reasons trucking accidents are different from the standard motor vehicle collision. Tractor trailer accidents can differ greatly, often resulting in significant damages and injuries. Because of this, trucking accident victims may be eligible for compensation from the damages they have suffered. Trucking accident victims should certainly take the time to ascertain the assistance of an attorney; for the necessary legal guidance due to the complexities that may result.
Reason #1 More Serious Damages
When an accident involving a tractor trailer occurs, the stakes may be higher. Many drivers are well aware of the potential tragedy that could occur should a victim succumb to an accident involving an 18 wheeler. When faced with a collision with another vehicle, 18 wheelers can be incredibly dangerous. The impact upon a collision stands to be significant due to the sheer size and force an 18 wheeler can deliver upon impact. As a result, both damages done to the vehicle and injuries sustained stand to be far more serious. Examples of common damages can include:
- Property Damage
- Medical Expenses
- Future Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Inability to Earn a Living
- Permanent Disabilities
- Pain and Suffering
- Mental Anguish
- Loss of Companionship
- Punitive Damages
In many cases, the damages that occur may be far more severe, making it all the more important for victims to consult with accident attorneys for guidance.
Reason #2 Complex in Determining Liability
In many cases involving tractor trailers, determining liability can be complicated. This is because there may be more parties involved than an accident victim may have originally believed. Liable parties involved may include:
- The Truck Driver
- The Truck Driving Company
- The Truck Manufacturer
Because a trucking accident case stands to involve multiple liable parties, victims may be required to face not one, but multiple insurance companies and attorneys. When managing legal teams and insurance companies charged with protecting the interests of their clients; accident victims are often left feeling helpless. Taking control by enlisting the help of a savvy accident attorney can help provide victims with confidence and protection when faced with multiple responsible parties.
Reason #3 The Evidence May Look Different
Although trucking accidents may require some of the same evidence that car accidents do, there are other types of key information that should be acquired to help prove a victim’s case. Accident attorneys who have experience in representing trucking accidents will naturally have a clear idea of the evidence needed help prove fault in the case. Examples of evidence that may differ from other types of accident cases includes:
- Information from Heavy Truck Event Data Recorders
- Truck Driving Logs
- Truck Maintenance Logs
- Truck Cameras
Reason #4 The Accident May Occur Differently
Tractor trailers maneuver differently than standard motor vehicles. This is due to the sheer size of the vehicle and the significant weight that they stand to haul. While there are some trucking accidents that may occur in similar manners, there are almost always different components at play, including:
- Differences in Braking Systems
- Trucks sit higher off the ground
- They can become disjointed due to the axle that connects the truck to the trailer
- Cargo can impact the stability of the tractor trailer, especially if packed incorrectly
- More challenging for a truck to maintain control of or react quickly when faced with a hazard
Tractor trailers produce horrifically tragic results. As a result, accident victims and their families should speak with a truck accident lawyer Rockville, MD relies on for guidance when pursuing compensation for their losses. Contact an accident attorney who has the ability and experience to provide victims with the help they not only deserve, but are entitled to.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Cohen & Cohen, P.C. for their insight into trucking accidents and how they are different from other accidents.
