Accidents involving large trucks differ from those between standard passenger vehicles. The injuries suffered by victims of truck accidents are often severe and can include death.
If you suffered losses due to the negligence of a truck driver, consider contacting our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 to learn how a Rockford truck accident lawyer might be able to help you with your personal injury case.
Factors Involved in Truck Accidents
While a truck accident can happen for any reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) listed the following factors as the most commonly involved in truck accidents in the United States:
- Faulty brakes
- Traffic congestion
- Driving under the influence
- Speeding
- Debris, potholes, and other road problems
- Failure to stop appropriately
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
Most of these factors include negligence by the truck driver. When the driver of a large truck is negligent in any way due to drowsy driving, drug use, or speeding, catastrophic injuries and death can occur.
Truck Accidents vs. Passenger Vehicle Accidents
Large commercial trucks often weigh over 80,000 pounds, which is approximately twenty times the weight of a normal passenger vehicle. Truck drivers must follow strict guidelines set by the FMCSA regarding how to load their vehicles properly, how much they have to rest in between driving times, and keeping meticulous logbooks.
However, commercial truck drivers have deadlines to deliver goods and can at times overlook some of these federal and state regulations to make additional profit. When a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle collide, different factors make the accident more complicated.
Larger Insurance Policies
In many cases, the trucking company will have a great deal of insurance on the truck driver and commercial truck, in some cases, up to fifty times the amount of a passenger vehicle policy. This is because accidents involving large commercial trucks tend to cause significant devastation and injuries.
Larger Medical Bills
With the serious nature of most commercial trucking accidents, victims may find themselves with permanent or even life-threatening injuries. Some victims suffer from:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Aortic dissections
- Broken or fractured bones
- Nerve damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Temporary or permanent paralysis
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
The injuries suffered by victims of a commercial trucking accident can be life-long and change the trajectory of a victim’s life forever. They might require extensive medical care and therapy, which can cost more money than you have.
Larger Property Damage
If a vehicle is damaged in an accident with another passenger vehicle, the car may still be salvageable, and the damage could even be minor. However, in cases where a passenger vehicle collides with a large commercial truck, the result is typically a totaled car that must be replaced.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Rockford, call (800) 794-0444
Determining Liability in a Trucking Accident
If you suffered injuries in a truck accident, you have the option to pursue charges against several different parties who may bear responsibility for your injuries and losses. Some of the liable parties could include the following:
- The truck driver.
- The trucking company.
- The owner of the truck, if different from the trucking company.
- The company leasing the truck or trailer.
- The company that incorrectly loaded the truck, if different from the trucking company.
- Manufacturer of any defective part or component.
- The company that inadequately repaired the truck.
There could be other parties involved that are responsible for your injuries. It might be beneficial to consult an attorney to see who could be liable.
Rockford Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Proving Negligence in a Trucking Accident
To establish negligence in a personal injury claim following an accident involving a commercial truck, a victim and their Rockford truck accident lawyer will need to prove that:
- The truck driver owed you a duty of care
- They breached the duty of care
- The breach directly caused the accident
- The accident resulted in financial damages
Some of the examples of negligence can include the following:
- Texting while driving.
- Speeding.
- Failing to follow the rules of the road.
- Fatigued driving.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Improper loading of cargo.
- Failing to adhere to FMCSA regulations.
- Failing to maintain the commercial truck, parts, and components properly.
- Failing to train or hire experienced trucking drivers.
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Wrongful Death
Unfortunately, many trucking accidents result in death. These commercial trucks can impact other objects with such force that some victims do not survive the crash. If commercial truck driver’s negligence caused your loved one’s death, you might be able to get compensation on their behalf through a wrongful death claim.
You could recover costs related to your loved one’s death, including:
- Funeral bills
- Medical expenses
- Property damage
- Past and future loss of income
- Loss of consortium
You have the right as a loved one’s family member to bring a claim on behalf of your deceased loved one so that they can receive the justice they deserve, and you receive compensation for your unexpected expenses related to their death.
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How a Rockford Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you suffered injuries due to an accident with a large commercial truck, or your family member died in a truck accident, a Rockford truck accident lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you with your case. We do not shy away from tough cases, and we are ready to go to work for you. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 794-0444 today.
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