Semi-trucks can present extreme dangers because of their massive weight and size. In fact, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that truck accidents result in one or more fatalities 98 percent of the time. The severity of these types of wrecks makes getting prompt legal help after a semi-truck accident absolutely crucial.
The massive damage and loss of life resulting from semi-truck accidents also lead to large costs for liability insurance, damages, and settlements. These factors cause trucking companies, insurance companies, and truck owners to fight tooth-and-nail to deter and minimize your injury case. If the transportation insurance company wins you’ll have to pay for all medical bills and damages out of your own pocket. As an accident victim, hire a good lawyer to represent you and be prepared to fight for your rights. Read on to learn more about accidents involving semi-trucks and passenger vehicles.
4 Factors in a Semi-Truck Accident Claim
Las Vegas Semi-truck accidents usually occur on the freeways and highways, such as the 215 beltway and Interstates 15 and 95. The combination of a large trucks moving at 65+ mph, and lack of maneuverability and longer breaking distances, can results in enormous amounts of damage and personal injury.
Factors that can raise the value of a semi-truck accident claim include:
- Unlawful Driving
- Strict rules are enforced to ensure semi-truck drivers take appropriate care of their vehicles and their conduct. Regulations control how long a truck driver may be on the road and the length of breaks they must take. However, some trucking firms often encourage drivers to break these rules, making accidents more likely. If a driver is trying to meet or beat their deadline, accidents can occur.
- Impaired Driving
- It was once very common for commercial drivers to use caffeine pills and other “pep pills” to maintain long shifts. Naturally, these pills only mask the symptoms of sleep deprivation – using them can actually make it harder to drive rather than easier. Nowadays the use of energy drinks is prevalent. Consequently, drowsy driving can be as deadly as drunk driving.
- Distracted Driving
- Distracted driving affects all motorists. In several states, using a cell phone, for example, in anything but a hands-free manner while on the road is unlawful. Additionally, during legal proceedings finding a cell phone was in use while driving can demonstrate that the driver was unfit at the time to operate a semi-truck, even if not otherwise impaired.
- Malfunctions and Mechanical Failure
- Malfunction or the mechanical failure of parts can be involved in a personal injury case. Negligence in maintenance and servicing or a product defect may be causes or contributing factors in accidents.
- When a part malfunctions, the issue becomes – what caused it? If the part requires regular inspection and maintenance – the part may have failed due to human neglect or error. If that is involved, then someone is negligent.
- On the other hand, if the product failed due to a defect from the manufacturer, there is good reason to pursue a product defect claim. Your attorney has to prove that the product was indeed defective and that the defect caused injury.
All the factors above could help establish that a semi-truck driver behaved in a reckless or negligent way behind the wheel. When such egregious behavior takes place, a sharp attorney will strive to level punitive damages to compensate you in addition to the amount you are seeking. These damages typically apply to the trucking company or the manufacturer and not to the individual truck driver.
Proving Negligence
Typically, when it comes to large vehicles – large trucks, semi-trucks, big rigs, or 18 wheelers – the truck driver and trucking companies are required to comply with stringent governmental regulations and make regulated safety precautions.
Semi-truck regulations include:
- Special driving licenses
- Federal tracking safety regulations
- Inspections at weight stations
- Keeping sleep and break logs
In lawsuits, accident lawyers have to prove that the truck driver neglected all or some of these rules and connect that negligence to the accident and victim’s injuries. Once these connections have been made, the lawyer may file a claim to get compensation for current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Semi-Truck Accident Settlement Amounts
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 range from a few hundred dollars to several million depending on:
- The severity of your injuries and associated costs
- Lost wages and opportunities
- The truck driver’s conduct
- Mitigating circumstances, such as severe weather, and
- Other factors that may have contributed to the accident
Contact the Powell Law Firm Today
Getting a semi-truck accident attorney is the best way to pursue justice you rightly deserve. So don’t wait; contact The Powell Law Firm to find out more. More Lawyer. Less Fee.