Truck accidents can be devastating, often leading to severe injuries and substantial property damage. These accidents usually involve large, heavy vehicles, so they present more danger than typical car accidents. Victims of these kinds of vehicle accidents can be permanently disabled or die.
Hiring a truck accident lawyer from Rand Spear and the accident attorneys at Spear Greenfield can significantly influence the outcome of your truck accident case. We offer free consultations to help you learn more about your options for compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Numerous factors can lead to a truck accident. However, several causes frequently emerge.
Driver Fatigue
Since truck drivers often work lengthy shifts, fatigue and drowsiness are common occurrences that can significantly impair their ability to safely operate their vehicles. Lack of rest can lead to a lapse in concentration, slower reaction times, and even momentary sleep, resulting in catastrophic accidents.
Mechanical Failures
Poor vehicle maintenance, defective parts, or equipment malfunctions can trigger accidents. A poorly maintained truck or faulty mechanical components can easily fail, making it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle, leading to accidents.
Negligent Driving
Speeding, reckless driving, tailgating, and failure to yield constitute negligent driving behaviors. These behaviors flout traffic regulations and increase the probability of truck accidents.
Improper Loading
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), incorrectly loaded or secured cargo can compromise the vehicle’s balance or cause cargo to spill onto the roadway, leading to severe accidents.
Steps to Take After Being in a Truck Accident
In the unfortunate event that you find yourself involved in a truck accident, it is crucial to adhere to the following steps:
- Ensure safety: First and foremost, move to a safe location away from traffic and check for any injuries. If there are severe injuries or immediate hazards, contact emergency services immediately.
- Document the scene: Take photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, and visible injuries. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information, including their names and phone numbers, as they may be necessary in subsequent legal proceedings.
- Report the accident: Contact the police promptly and report the accident. Be sure to obtain a copy of the police report, as it provides an official record of the incident, which can be beneficial when seeking compensation.
- Seek medical attention: Even if you feel uninjured, seeking a professional medical evaluation is paramount. Some injuries might not exhibit immediate symptoms but could get worse over time, leading to more serious health problems.
- Notify your insurance company: Keep your insurance company informed about the accident. Provide them with detailed and accurate information, but refrain from discussing fault or accepting blame before a thorough investigation has been conducted.
Insurance Options for Victims of Truck Accidents
Several options may be available regarding insurance coverage following a truck accident. Greenfield truck accidents are governed by Pennsylvania’s insurance laws. We are a choice no-fault state so you may be able to seek financial relief for your damages through sources such as:
Truck Driver’s Insurance
Commercial truck drivers are typically required to carry commercial liability insurance. This insurance covers damages from accidents where the truck driver is at fault due to negligence.
Trucking Company’s Insurance
Trucking companies often have insurance policies covering accidents involving their employees. These policies can provide additional coverage, often exceeding the individual driver’s insurance.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
If the truck driver at fault does not have sufficient insurance coverage or is completely uninsured, your uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can compensate for your damages.
A Truck Accident Victim’s Rights
As a truck accident victim, you are entitled to certain rights, including those referenced below.
Right to Compensation
Primarily, these damages could include medical expenses, which cover the cost of immediate emergency care, hospital stays, doctor visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care needed due to your injuries.
In addition, you also have the right to seek compensation for property damage. This includes the visible damage to your vehicle and any other personal property that was damaged as a result of the accident.
Right to Legal Representation
Engaging the services of a truck accident attorney can provide invaluable assistance and support throughout the complex legal process that often follows an accident. This right allows you to have a legal expert advocating for your best interests, defending your rights, and fighting to secure the maximum compensation for you.
This right to legal representation ensures you have someone to guide you through the intricate maze of personal injury law, explaining your options and advising you on the best course of action. It assures you that you have a professional who will handle communication with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident, conduct an in-depth investigation into the circumstances of the accident, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate settlements on your behalf.
Why It Is Wise to Work with an Attorney
Engaging the services of proficient truck accident attorneys with considerable experience dealing with truck accident cases can be enormously beneficial.
Legal Expertise
An attorney specializing in truck accident cases is a reservoir of legal expertise. They possess in-depth knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the intricate laws, regulations, and industry standards surrounding truck accidents. This legal insight is vital in understanding the complexities of the case, the legalities involved, and the potential defenses the opposing side could use.
Their expertise ensures your rights are fully protected throughout the legal process, providing guidance, advice, and representation. This can be particularly important in dealing with insurance companies who may try to minimize their liability.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Qualified truck accident lawyers will conduct a meticulous investigation of the accident. They will collect evidence, consult with expert witnesses, and use this information to build a formidable case on your behalf.
Negotiation and Settlement
Attorneys are skilled negotiators. They can proficiently advocate for your best interests during settlement discussions with insurance companies and, if necessary, in a court of law.
Litigation Support
If your case goes to trial, a seasoned attorney will provide comprehensive legal representation, adeptly presenting your case to the judge and jury to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
Contact Spear Greenfield for a Truck Accident Lawyer
You need a trustworthy legal advocate with vast legal knowledge, investigative capabilities, negotiation skills, and litigation support. A truck accident lawyer from Rand Spear and the accident attorneys at Spear Greenfield can provide the comprehensive legal assistance required to pursue justice in the aftermath of a truck accident.
Don’t settle for any lawyer. Demand Rand! Contact us today.
