Losing a loved one or suffering permanent injuries in an accident with a large and heavy truck can be heartbreaking, especially if the accident was avoidable and caused by a reckless driver.
If you suffered serious injuries or a loved one died in an accident with a big rig in Bartlett, we can help. Contact your Bartlett big rig truck accident lawyer, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for help with your case by dialing (800) 223-5115.
What Are the Causes of Truck Accidents?
Research conducted by the Department of Transportation (DOT) shows that accidents with trucks often occur due to driver-related reasons, such as drunk driving, driving under the influence of drugs, falling asleep at the wheel, speeding, or driving distractedly. In some instances, accidents with a big rig happen due to a vehicle defect, manufacture fault, or incorrectly loaded cargo. Either way, if you have no fault in an accident, you could have legal recourse and might be able to pursue compensation from the at-fault party.
Your Legal Options
While truck accidents can be complicated and challenging, there may be various avenues for pursuing compensation as several parties could potentially be liable for your damages. While a driver may be responsible for your accident, the trucking company generally has overall responsibility for drivers, trucks, and operations. A third party may also be liable for your damages.
Truck accident cases may require the expertise of a seasoned truck accident lawyer together with a great deal of research to get to the bottom of who is at fault. Potentially negligent parties in your accident can include:
The Driver
Since most accidents happen due to driver-related causes, it is fair to say that the driver is involved in almost all accidents. Drivers can be personally at fault for your accident if they broke the law, for example, by driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or speeding at the time of impact.
The Company
Just like the driver, the company is typically involved at some level when you get into an accident with a big rig. For example, the company may have been hiring negligently, skipped adequate training of their drivers, or neglected repair and maintenance of the vehicles. The company may also be on the hook for your damages if they encouraged drivers to skip rest periods, or pressured them into keeping unrealistic schedules and deadlines.
The Truck Manufacturer
Occasionally, a manufacturer may be partly or wholly responsible for your accident. This can occur when a faulty truck part contributed to or caused an accident.
A Third Party
Trucking companies do not necessarily do all work in-house and may outsource various parts of their operation, including the maintenance of trucks, loading of cargo, and training of truck drivers. Therefore, a third party could have a degree of responsibility in an accident, depending on the circumstances.
Comprehensive analysis is crucial when it comes to truck accident cases, as they can be tough to understand. Your Bartlett big rig truck accident lawyer can help find out who is responsible.
For a free legal consultation with a Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer serving Bartlett, call (800) 794-0444
Evidence in Truck Accident Cases
If you intend to recover compensation in a personal injury lawsuit, you will need to prove the negligence of the at-fault party or parties in your accident. Proving your case will require comprehensive and clear evidence and can include:
- Police accident reports
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Witness statements
- Truck maintenance and inspection records
- Driver qualifications and training records
- Truck black box and dash-camera footage
- Records of cargo loading
- Accident reconstruction professionals’ testimony
- Traffic camera footage
In addition to this, you will also have to present evidence of your damages in order to receive compensation. This can include the following:
- Medical bills and statements
- Pay stubs from work
- Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
- Psychological evaluation
Your Bartlett big rig truck accident lawyer can help you gather the relevant evidence. Your lawyer can also calculate your damages correctly to help protect you from present as well as future expenses connected to a truck accident.
Compensation You May Recover
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you could potentially recover various economic and non-economic damages, including but not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, reduction of life quality, disability, physical pain, emotional anguish, and others. Contact your truck accident lawyer to find out which types of compensation could apply in your specific case.
Bartlett Big Rig Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
A Truck Accident Lawyer Can Work for You
Truck accident cases can be challenging, as well as lengthy. Your Bartlett big rig truck accident lawyer can assess your case, determine liability, and advise you on your legal options. Your lawyer can take charge of your entire case, file your claim, and progress your case through court.
Thoroughly Investigating a Truck Accident
Your lawyer has the knowledge and resources to comprehensively investigate your accident and establish all negligent parties. They will collect witness statements and evidence, and they can also hire experts to examine any technical data. A truck accident lawyer will also look deep into the affairs and records of a trucking company to find any clues for negligence. Trucking companies have to play by the rules and need to adhere to several federal and state laws, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Negotiating with Defendants and Insurances
In some cases, your truck accident lawyer might be able to negotiate an adequate out-of-court settlement with the negligent parties and their insurances. However, if this does not bear fruit, your lawyer will take your case to trial and fight for your rights as well as fair compensation for your damages.
If you are fighting for your due, you may feel overwhelmed and intimidated without a Bartlett big rig truck accident lawyer by your side. Your truck accident lawyer can take some weight off your shoulders and leave no stone unturned in fighting for justice.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident with a big rig, you should act now and get in touch for a case evaluation and free consultation. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now for your individual case review by dialing (800) 223-5115.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form