If you or a family member suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler truck accident due to a truck driver’s carelessness, our team wants to know the facts and help you understand your legal options.
While accidents with a large truck can be complex, and it can be challenging to establish who is at fault, truck companies and drivers may be held to account if they are found to have violated any state or federal laws.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers and companies must carry commercial truck insurances with coverage considerably higher than that of those who drive cars, especially if they carry hazardous cargo. This means that there could be considerable amounts of compensation available with a truck accident.
However, trucking companies, their insurers, and lawyers are likely to fight any plaintiff’s claims tooth and nail. It can be to your advantage to have a dependable truck accident lawyer in your corner, fighting for your rights and compensation.
Federal Laws Concerning Big Trucks
Large commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers are governed by state and federal laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) passed several trucking regulations in an effort to increase safety on U.S. roads. Some of the requirements of truck companies and truck drivers are, among others:
- Drivers need to be specially trained.
- Physical exams are required for drivers.
- Hours-of-service requirements must include sufficient rest periods.
- Truck drivers and companies must maintain logbooks.
- Companies must follow USDOT rules.
Companies must also follow a number of other rules and regulations, especially if they transport hazardous materials.
If you suffered from injuries in an accident with an 18-wheeler and either the driver or company violated any federal or state laws, they could be liable for damages. You can consult with a Joliet 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer to find out how you could receive compensation for any damages incurred by a negligent company or driver. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now to find out how you can hold a truck company to account at (800) 223-5115.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
There can be many reasons for accidents with large trucks. Sometimes other road users are irresponsible; for instance, if they fail to keep an appropriate distance from a truck or make sudden lane changes, leaving a truck driver unable to respond in time. Since a large 18-wheeler cannot come to a halt or maneuver as quickly as a car, cutting off a truck in traffic or making any sudden lane changes can cause accidents.
However, on many occasions, an accident is the fault of the truck driver. According to the FMCSA, driver-related large truck accidents are common. The FMCSA lists distracted driving, speeding, and impairment as some of the more prevalent causes for driver-related accidents.
Other causes of accidents with 18-wheelers can be:
- Dangerous and reckless driving
- Driving with unsecured cargo
- Driving an overloaded truck
- Driving a truck with mechanical faults
- Sudden failure of brakes or wheels
- The driver is inadequately trained and/or qualified
- The driver is overly tired due to not observing rest periods
For a free legal consultation with a 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Joliet, call (800) 223-5115
Joliet 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 223-5115
Settling with a Truck Company After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident
After getting into an accident with a large truck, the truck company’s lawyers and insurance agents may approach you. It might look as though they are wanting to help you or are acting in your best interests, but remember that they have the best interest of the truck company at heart and will likely fight hard to diminish any of your claims.
It may be best not to speak to any agents of the truck company directly and to not give out any information such as medical records or statements. These could later be used against you when you decide to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. It is vitally important that you protect yourself. You should also note that most deaths in accidents involving large trucks are the occupants of passenger vehicles.
The truck company may offer to settle with you out of court. Again, this is typically done to their benefit and not necessarily yours. While it may be tempting to accept any quick settlements, you could end up receiving a smaller settlement than you might otherwise by consulting with a Joliet 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer and filing a lawsuit. The representatives of the truck company will likely keep any settlement as small as they possibly can to protect their assets.
A truck accident lawyer can fight for your best interests and help you with all legal issues surrounding a truck accident. We can act on your behalf and ensure you do not get short-changed by a truck company and their lawyers.
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Our Joliet 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers Want to Help
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an accident with a truck, you might wonder whether you will receive a settlement and what the amounts are likely to be. Your potential awards can depend on a number of different factors; for example, the extent of your injuries and material damages, the degree of negligence of the driver or the company, and other factors. Every accident is unique and so is every settlement.
Compensation can involve awards for medical and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Since truck accidents can be complex and involve a number of parties, establishing negligence and who is at fault could be challenging. Also, truck companies have lawyers that will represent them. A truck accident lawyer can represent you and fight for you to ensure you have the best possible chance for a fair settlement.
We are here to protect you and your interests first and foremost, including protecting you from any potential costs that may arise in the future due to the accident. Having legal counsel on your side can help build a solid case and protect you against future financial losses.
There is no risk in working with us as we offer free consultations and do not charge any fees unless you receive a settlement. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to ascertain your next best steps at (800) 223-5115.
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