Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
Because of their massive weight and size, semi-trucks can present extreme dangers to small passenger vehicles on the road. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported that nearly 5,000 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes in 2017, an 8% increase from 2016.
The severity of this type of wreck makes getting prompt legal assistance from a semi-truck accident attorney crucial for victims and their families. Unfortunately, the burden of liability and exorbitant cost of damages often causes trucking companies, truck drivers, and their insurance companies to fight tooth-and-nail to undermine a potential personal injury or wrongful death case. Left unchecked, accident victims whose claims are quashed by trucking companies may be left to deal with insurmountable medical bills and catastrophic injuries.
Don’t let semi-truck drivers or their employers off the hook for negligent or reckless behavior. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact The Paul Powell Law Firm today to find out how a semi-truck accident attorney can help.
Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Due to size and cargo, a semi-truck can often be one of the most dangerous things on the road. As an accident victim, you must be prepared to fight for your rights. If the truck driver caused the accident for one of the following reasons, you may be able to file a personal injury claim:
Improper Training
Strict rules are enforced so that semi-truck drivers take appropriate care with their vehicles. Additionally, regulations control how long a truck driver may be on the road before they must take a required break. Sometimes, however, inadequate or improper training in driving techniques, including defensive driving, can cause a semi-truck accident.
Trucking Company Negligence
Commercial truck companies sometimes encourage their truck drivers to break safety regulations by promising compensation for unsafe vehicle speeds and continuous driving without taking appropriate breaks. When they are more concerned with meeting a deadline than operating their big rig safely, drivers and the companies that employ them may be liable for resulting accidents.
Drugged or Drowsy Driving
Some commercial drivers may use caffeine pills or other stimulants to push through long shifts without stopping to rest. These substances usually only mask the symptoms of sleep deprivation. Consequently, drowsy driving can be just as deadly as drunken driving, especially when operating a vehicle as large as a semi-truck.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving affects all motorists, including commercial truck drivers. Distractions such as eating or drinking, personal grooming, reading a map or looking at a navigation system, or fiddling with the radio can cause a deadly accident. Any action that causes drivers to take their eyes off the road, their hands off the wheel, or their mind off the task of driving is considered an act of distracted driving.
The factors noted above may help establish negligence or recklessness in a court of law. A semi-truck accident attorney may also level punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages on behalf of their injured clients. Damages may apply to both the driver and the trucking company, depending on the unique circumstances of your case.
Settlements for Semi-Truck Accidents
What is the average semi-truck accident settlement? The truth is, even an experienced accident attorney can’t cite a precise figure off the top of their head. Settlement amounts may range from a few hundred dollars to several million depending on:
- The severity of your injuries
- The amount of your medical costs
- Lost wages and opportunities
- Truck driver / trucking company conduct
- Mitigating circumstances, such as severe weather
Contact a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been injured due to the careless actions of a semi-truck driver or their employer, don’t hesitate. Contact The Paul Powell Law Firm to receive compassionate and professional legal representation that will maximize your available compensation. You can get in touch with us by phone, or visit one of our offices located in Chicago and Las Vegas. You can also reach out to us from the comfort of your home by submitting a free case evaluation online. Experience the Paul Powell difference for yourself by contacting us today.