Big rig drivers and their employers must be held liable for the injuries and damages caused from an accident. These large vehicles pose a serious threat to others on the roadway, simply due to their size and weight. At Johnston | Martineau PLL, we have helped innocent people recover substantial compensation for the suffering they have endured from a big rig collision. Filing a lawsuit against the trucking company or other liable parties can help recover loss from medical bills, lost income, car repairs, and more. If this is a situation you or a loved one are currently dealing with, please know our Roseville, MN big rig accident lawyer is ready to help. Contact our team today for further assistance and guidance at this time.
Possible Liable Parties
One of the first tasks that our team can do for you is investigate the accident more fully. By doing so, we can uncover all the potential liable parties to seek compensation for your damages and losses. There are many parties who could share liability, such as the truck driver themselves, the trucking company, a part manufacturer, loading company, or other third parties. Even if who is at fault is obvious, having evidence to support your claims will be essential. Examples of useful evidence can be police reports, medical documentation, receipts for out of pocket expenses, witness statements, and photo or video footage. Our dedicated big rig accident attorney can perform an investigation and handle the legal tasks while you focus on your health and wellbeing. We are ready to speak with you.
Accident Contributing Factors
There are many reasons why a big rig accident may occur. Oftentimes, it is the negligence on behalf of the trucker which leads to these accidents. Truck drivers have to follow strict regulations and rules when operating these heavy vehicles, as a way to ensure the safety of the public and minimize the chances of an accident. Truckers may violate these rules by driving while fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Truckers have to keep log books that show how many hours they drive in comparison to the breaks and rest periods they take. A trucker may be using their phone while driving, since they are away from home for long periods of time and may want to connect with family and friends. But ultimately, staying attentive to the road and well rested is imperative to the safe operation of big rig vehicles.
Johnston | Martineau PLLP
Big rig accidents have the potential to cause substantial ruin and personal injury. If you or a loved one was recently injured in a big rig crash, now is the time to speak with our MN big rig accident attorney about seeking restitution from the responsible parties. We can imagine the stress you may be under at this time. Let our legal knowledge be a guiding source during this difficult period. We hope to take some of the burden away through our committed representation. Contact Johnston | Martineau PLLP today so can come to your aid right away.
Big Rig Accident Involving A Distracted Driver
Our Roseville, MN big rig accident lawyer knows that accidents involving big rigs can be especially devastating due to the size and weight of these vehicles. When the truck driver is distracted, there is often clear negligence, which may give you a strong basis for seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Filing a claim against a distracted truck driver requires attention to detail, an understanding of legal options, and a focus on gathering critical evidence to establish fault. At Johnston | Martineau PLLP, we help clients understand and pursue the legal steps necessary to file a successful claim after a big rig accident. Call us when you are ready–we offer free consultations.
Understanding Distracted Driving In Big Rig Accidents
Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents, especially as more truck drivers use mobile devices or face distractions within the cab. Whether the distraction was texting, adjusting the radio, or even eating while driving, each of these behaviors takes a driver’s focus off the road, increasing the likelihood of a serious collision. In a big rig, a split-second distraction can lead to catastrophic accidents due to the truck’s reduced stopping distance and limited maneuverability. Knowing the cause of a driver’s distraction can help us establish negligence and strengthen your claim.
Gathering Evidence Of Distracted Driving
To file a claim, it’s essential to gather evidence that supports the fact that the driver was distracted at the time of the accident. This may include obtaining cellphone records, dashcam footage, witness statements, and police reports. Often, trucking companies have their own onboard data, which can provide important information about driver behavior. For instance, electronic logging devices (ELDs) record when a trucker is driving or on break, which can reveal if the driver may have been distracted while on the road. We work with clients to collect and review this evidence, as it forms the foundation of a successful claim.
Determining Liability And Damages
As our Roseville big rig accident lawyer can tell you, liability in a big rig accident typically involves both the driver and, in many cases, the trucking company. If a company allows or encourages the use of cellphones or fails to implement clear policies about in-cab distractions, it may also share responsibility for the accident. In addition to determining liability, we work closely with clients to calculate damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and, in some cases, compensation for pain and suffering.
Because distracted driving is a preventable form of negligence, the courts may view this kind of case with particular severity. Establishing clear evidence that distraction was the cause of the accident can positively impact the outcome of a claim. With our experience in handling big rig accident cases, we understand how to hold both drivers and companies accountable for failing to maintain safe driving standards.
Working With Insurance And Negotiating Fair Compensation
After a big rig accident, you’ll likely deal with insurance companies representing both the driver and the trucking company. Insurance adjusters often look for ways to minimize payouts, even in cases where the driver was clearly at fault. We assist our clients by handling these communications and negotiating fair settlements. Our experience allows us to anticipate common challenges and counter-arguments that may arise.
Get Started With Our Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a big rig accident involving a distracted driver, we are here to help. We understand the serious impact this type of accident can have, and we’re committed to helping you get the compensation you need to move forward. Our team has decades of experience in personal injury law. Contact Johnston | Martineau PLLP today for a consultation, and let our big rig accident lawyer in Roseville help you take the first step in filing your claim.