Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of large trucks traveling on U.S. roads. Large trucks transport all types of goods from food to hazardous materials. If you or a member of your family has injuries from an accident with a large truck, you will need to establish who is liable for your injuries and the damage to your vehicle. Here are some things that will help you determine if you have a viable case:
Accident Statistics
A 2014 report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 111,000 people sustained injuries in accidents with large trucks.
- There also were 438,000 trucks involved in traffic accidents.
- About 74 percent of the injured people were occupants of other types of vehicles, such as automobiles.
- Seventeen percent were occupants of large trucks.
Determining Liability in a Truck Accident
The following list contains parties who could be held liable for trucking accidents:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company that owns the truck and trailer
- The company or person that leased the truck and trailer
- The manufacturer of the truck
- The manufacturer of the tires on the truck
- The manufacturer of any defective parts
- Any company responsible for loading truck
Causes of Truck and Auto Accidents
A study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows that 44 percent of truck drivers take over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions before or while driving. Possible side effects of these drugs are drowsiness and dizziness. Another cause of accidents is the driver drinking alcohol while driving on public roads. The FMCSA also reports that the most common causes of trucking accidents are truck driver errors:
- Driving too fast on roads
- Improper loading of cargo
- Fatigue from working excessive hours
- Unfamiliar with roads and area
- Distractions such as talking on smartphone without a hands-free device
- Using devices to text, surf the internet, and watch videos
- Inexperience handling the truck
- Improper attachment of trailer to the truck
- Depowering the front brakes to reduce operating costs
Evidence in Truck and Auto Accidents
It is important to gather evidence supporting your case against a trucking company. Many trucking companies install electronic event data recorders in their trucks. This equipment keeps track of all operations of the truck. Here is some of the information the equipment records:
- Speed of the truck
- Patterns of truck speed
- Length of truck operating time
- Frequency of break usage
Government agencies require a certified truck inspection after all accidents. This inspection will reveal the condition of the truck and trailer.
Damages in Truck and Auto Accidents
You will need compensation for any expenses incurred by the accident. These expenses are known as damages. Here are some damages you can receive compensation for during your lawsuit:
- Medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and physical therapy
- Wages lost due to the accident
- Mental and physical pain
- Property loss
- Loss of companionship such as loss of affection from spouse
- Special damages that include monetary loss due to the accident
You should contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer soon after the trucking accident happens. You have rights to protect concerning injuries and property damage. Here are some reasons to contact a lawyer following an accident:
- There is a limited time to sue the responsible party
- Their familiarity with state rules and regulations
- You have the legal right to recover damages
- Their knowledge of complex laws governing lawsuits
- They can pursue all responsible parties to maximize your recovery
- They can help you understand settlement option
A personal injury lawyer can be your advocate throughout the lawsuit process. They can help you fight your way back to physical, mental, and financial health.
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