How are semi-truck accidents different from car crashes? Most truck drivers on the roads take safety very seriously and receive extensive training before getting behind the wheel. State and federal laws require drivers to maintain a high level of caution and require more frequent routine maintenance than other vehicles on the highways. Despite this training, truck accidents still happen with great frequency. If you or someone you love has more questions or would like further information about semi-truck accidents, an experienced lawyer at Edwards Injury Law is available to answer your questions. Call to schedule a consultation today.
The impact of a semi-truck is significantly more damaging than a collision between two passenger car vehicles. Truck drivers have less visibility than other drivers on the road and much less stopping power. They also spend long hours on the highways to meet the strict deadlines trucking companies impose on the drivers. Semi-truck accidents are different from car crashes because they typically involve more catastrophic injuries and have more parties that may be included in a lawsuit.
What Are Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents in Charlotte?
The truck’s massive size makes accidents with passenger cars more likely to cause severe and life-threatening injuries. Some of the most common semi-truck accident causes include:
- Driving with distractions,
- Speeding or reckless driving,
- Fatigued driving,
- Driving aggressively,
- Cargo overloading,
- Improperly maintained vehicles,
- Inexperienced truck drivers.
After a semi-truck crash, it is important to consider reaching out to a qualified legal professional immediately. Trucking companies have a team of lawyers and typically the backing of a large insurance company ready to fight on their behalf. It is vital the victim takes every preparation to ensure that they receive justice. A compassionate and diligent attorney from Edwards Injury Law can provide options to recover compensation for damages.
Ways to Avoid Accidents with Semi-Trucks
There are also many ways motorists can do their part to avoid collisions with semi-trucks. Some things to stay mindful of include:
- Stay out of the driver’s blind spots or no-zones
- Avoid sudden lane changes in front of the trucks
- make careful maneuvers around semi-trucks
- Pass trucks safely
Whether in a passenger car, motorcycle, or truck, all drivers out on the road must do their part and follow safety regulations to avoid accidents.
Proving Liability After a Crash Involving a Semi-Truck
Accidents involving semi-truck or other large commercial vehicles result in much more damage. Therefore, the insurance company and lawyers that represent the truck driver and the company they fight for will fight to avoid liability. The crashes also involve more than one defendant much of the time. The defendant on the claim for damages could be:
- The truck driver if their negligent actions caused the crash.
- The trucking company, if the business, did not follow all state and federal laws.
- The truck manufacturer, if a vehicle malfunctions, causes a crash.
- The truck owner if their negligence caused the collision.
- Cargo loaders if the truck was overweight and caused an accident.
There are other potentially liable parties, as every case has its own set of circumstances leading to the accident.
Potential Damage Recovery After an Accident with a Semi-Truck
Every injury case will vary depending on many factors. However, collisions often cause severe injuries and property damage. Award amounts after an accident with a semi-truck may include:
- Compensation to cover past, current, and future medical bills and expenses related to the collision.
- Money for the loss of wages and future earning potential.
- Award for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience.
It is always in the best interest of all parties to settle through negotiations with insurance companies before going to trial. However, if we cannot reach a settlement amount the plaintiff agrees with, we will fight for the just award amount at the civil trial.
How Edwards Injury Law Will Help After a Crash with a Semi-Truck
If you were in an accident with a semi-truck, you are likely recovering from painful injuries and unsure of where to begin in the damage recovery process. Collisions that involve a passenger car and truck are often traumatic for everyone involved. Because of the high costs of damages in these cases, the insurance company and trucking company legal team will fight aggressively to prove the passenger car vehicle is liable for the crash. Consider visiting with an experienced attorney that can fight on your behalf before and during the trial. After a collision with a semi-truck, call a semi-truck accident lawyer at Edwards Injury Law. To get more information and begin your claim, contact us today. Our law firm is proudly black-owned and veteran-owned, with a history of proven success. We look forward to visiting with you and helping ensure your legal rights remain protected.
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Distracted Driving Accidents
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