A semi-truck is a combination of two parts; a tractor unit and one or more semi-trailers to carry cargo. Such trucks are much bigger than normal personal trucks or cars.
Accidents from such trucks are often fatal compared to accidents between smaller vehicles. There is also a high possibility that the cargo will fall on people or volatile products could explode, resulting in severe bodily harm. Some victims may lose the ability to ever work again, and some may also die on the scene because of the impact.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
The following comprises some of the main reasons why semi-truck accidents take place:
- Improper loading
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Driver fatigue
- Improper maintenance, that is, the driver or trucking company failed to service the vehicle properly
- The driver was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol
- Poor roads
- Bad weather
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 91,000 crashes in 2017 that involved drowsy driving. Drowsiness is usually due to fatigue or taking long shifts with little chance of sleeping. Some truck drivers do not go home at all. They adjust their seats and rest for less than three hours before hitting the road again. Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), truck drivers are restricted to 60/70 hours of driving within a seven to eight-day shift. Driving without resting puts not only the truck driver at risk but also other road users. Falling asleep behind the wheel while on a busy road is reckless, and there is no guarantee that an accident will not occur.
Trucking companies must ensure that each driver takes their respective shifts and that no driver exceeds the weekly limit. Notwithstanding, accidents involving semi-trucks still occur, resulting in serious injuries and even death. If you have suffered harm in a semi-truck accident, you have a right to compensation for your losses. Contact our legal team at Morelli Law Firm to have your case reviewed free of charge. Give us a call today at (212) 751-9800.
What to Do After a Semi-Truck Accident
It is advisable to contact an attorney as soon as possible or have someone contact your attorney where you cannot do so yourself. Having a lawyer from the start may help your case. In addition to getting an attorney, you should make sure you get treatment while your attorney handles your case. You should follow the doctor’s instructions and remember to keep all the medical bills and records because they will serve as documented evidence for your compensation claim.
Following the accident, you should also inform your insurance company about the crash. You need to contact them, even if you were the one at fault, to begin the negotiation process. After the accident, you must preserve all the documents as they will help your case. For example, your lawyer can track the police reports, the surveillance footage, the accident scene pictures, medical bills, and receipts as well as any communication from the insurance company. Such documents serve as evidence that helps you prove your claim for compensation and damages.
You need to also submit a written statement to your lawyer as soon as possible. Any unnecessary delays can lead to lost evidence because the human mind can easily forget, which may work to the insurance company’s advantage. It is vital that you only share the relevant documents with your lawyer alone. Do not talk to the insurance company without your lawyer. Most importantly, do not settle for the first offer before discussing the matter with your lawyer.
Wayne Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me 877-751-9800
Advantages of Having a Lawyer
The following are the advantages of getting a Wayne semi-truck accident lawyer following your accident.
They will:
- Help you conduct a thorough investigation on your case
- Assist you in pursuing compensation for your loss
- Help you to recover lost income and wages
- Help you recover the medical and funeral expenses
- Help you navigate the legal complexities surrounding the case
- Conduct the negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf
- File a civil suit in court when the negotiations fail
Our legal team at Morelli Law Firm has experience in personal injury claims, and we are ready to help you. For a free case evaluation, call us today at (212) 751-9800.
Identifying the Proper Defendant
It is important to note that semi-truck accident cases involve various defendants.
The possible defendants include:
- The trucking companies
- The semi-truck driver
- The government entity responsible for maintaining roads
It is a common mistake for laypeople to sue the driver directly without consulting a lawyer. In many cases, it is the at-fault party’s insurance company that pays for all the damages. Before filing a personal injury claim, it is vital to know all the defendants and include them in the claim.
The trucking company is usually vicariously liable for the recklessness of the truck driver. Additionally, trucking companies share in the responsibility if they keep drivers on the road for shifts surpassing the weekly limit.
Call a Wayne Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today
As larger vehicles on the road, semi-trucks accidents cause a lot of damage not only to property but also to the body of victims. In many instances, people succumb to the injuries and die because of the intense destruction that occurs in these accidents.
If you have suffered injuries in a semi-truck accident, you may want the help of a Wayne semi-truck accident lawyer. Truck accidents can be quite complex, and a lawyer may be able to guide you through your case. Contact Morelli Law Firm today to have your case reviewed at no charge. Call us at (212) 751-9800.