Commercial trucks have a substantial size difference compared to other motor vehicles on the road. Commercial truck accidents can cause severe injuries and damage to others on the road. After a truck accident, you will sustain life-altering injuries that require years of medical attention. There is also the financial burden of being injured from piling medical bills.
Truck accident victims are often scared and unsure of what to do next. They believe they are no match for the trucking company. That is not the reality since you can and should consult with a Bridgewater truck accident lawyer. The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan are ready to take your case and get you a favorable settlement.
Causes of Truck Accidents
The slightest mistake or negligent action can cause a severe truck accident. It is understood that these are large vehicles, and it requires skill and coordination to operate them successfully. Their size is no excuse for causing a truck accident. Typically truck accidents are caused by:
- Intoxicated driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Fatigued driving
- Maintenance issues
- Improper driver training
- Defective parts
- Unsafe cargo loads
There are times when the weather or other unsafe conditions are to blame for causing an accident. Even if there was bad weather, you still have legal options.
What Makes Truck Accidents Different?
Truck accidents are unlike other motor vehicle accidents, and they can become complex fairly quickly. There are several critical differences between truck accidents and other car accidents, such as:
- The severity of injuries
- The number of parties involved
- State and federal regulations
You may think you can handle an 18-wheeler accident through the insurance company, but you cannot. Several parties can be accountable for your accident. Truck drivers often work with several companies to deliver goods across the state or country. All parties that can be held responsible will shift the blame on each other. This tactic makes accident victims so frustrated that they drop the case.
Another reason truck accidents are so different is because several state and federal regulations control the trucking industry. Regulations range from safety standards to weight limits and driving times. It will be imperative to your case to consider these regulations during the investigation.
Liability After a Truck Accident
Several parties can be held liable after a commercial truck accident. It will be critical to your case for your Bridgewater truck accident lawyer to thoroughly investigate your claim and determine the responsible party(s).
While the truck driver will be the first to blame, other responsible parties include:
- The trucking company
- The truck owner
- Truck maintenance company
- Part manufacturer
- Truck manufacturer
- Freight company
You will need a full investigation to determine which party contributed to the accident and can be held liable.
Injuries From Truck Accidents
The injuries sustained from truck accidents are far more severe than in other accidents. The severity is due to the size comparison of the two vehicles. A truck will carry more weight and force, which is far too much for a small passenger vehicle to withstand. This is not to say that you will not suffer minor injuries, but nine out of 10 injuries will be substantial. Whether you believe you have sustained a minor injury or not, you need to seek immediate medical attention. Examples of truck accident injuries include:
- Fractures
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Sprains and strains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Spinal cord damage
Treatment for these injuries will be ongoing and, in some cases, permanent.
Obtaining Compensation For Your Damages
A Bridgewater truck accident victim will be entitled to compensation for their damages. Semi-truck accident victims often suffer physically, financially, and emotionally. You need compensation to get through this difficult time and pay for any expenses you sustained from a truck accident. Damages you may be entitled to include:
- Lost income
- Long-term care expenses
- Medical expenses for past and estimated future care
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home services
- Personal services
- Property damage
In Massachusetts, truck accident victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. A claim denial happens if filed after the deadline, leaving victims with no way to recover financial compensation.
Consult with a Bridgewater Truck Accident Lawyer
Contacting a Bridgewater truck lawyer is the best way to protect your rights and get the justice you deserve after a truck accident. The Law Office of Gerald J. Norman has the experience necessary to conduct a thorough truck accident investigation, file a claim and prepare for trial. Call us at 1-508-588-0422 today.
