subject: Truck Accidents [print this page] Truck accidents are generally defined as accidents involving 18- wheelers or tractor trailers. Truck accidents generally are more devastating than car accidents and victims experience serious injury or even death. Lawyers who specialize in these types of accidents understand the unique needs that victims have and the laws that govern commercial truck drivers and their employers.
Commercial trucking companies are governed by Federal laws which dictate the standards they must follow. Federal law requires that these companies keep strict time and mileage logs. Under these Federal statutes, truck drivers can only drive for a certain amount of hours per day. Federal laws also establish liability standards and require commercial truckers to carry sufficient insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage.
Truck accidents can be caused in a variety of ways. Due to their size and huge amounts of cargo, trucks take much longer to stop than a regular car. If a truck driver is speeding or tailgating he may be unable to avoid a collision during sudden stops. Other driver error may occur if a driver is fatigued, distracted or sleepy. Defective or faulty equipment may also result in an accident. Your attorneys investigator will study the drivers logs and driving record, the trucking equipment, and the accident scene to determine what precipitated the accident and establish liability.
Truck accidents can result in serious bodily injury or even death. In a personal injury suit, the victim is entitled to recover money for any physical injury suffered as a result of the accident. Damages awarded may include reimbursement or payment of medical bills, pain and suffering, and compensation for lost wages. Plaintiffs may also recover for future wages if their injuries will affect future employment. If the victim of the truck accident dies from the injuries sustained, then his/her estate may be allowed to recover on behalf of the deceased. It is imperative that a truck accident victim receive proper medical diagnosis and treatment because the legal principal of res judicata usually bars a plaintiff from suing more than once for injuries sustained during the accident.
Accident litigation can be time consuming and confusing, choosing the right attorney can ease the process and ensure your rights are protected.
