Truck Accident

Although most drivers operate safely, even a single mistake behind the wheel of a large truck can cause a catastrophic crash.

For individuals injured in these collisions, the road ahead can feel uncertain. Medical bills begin arriving almost immediately, insurance adjusters start calling, and victims are left trying to understand their legal options for a personal injury claim.

Working with a truck accident lawyer offers some clarity during this difficult time. At Troutman & Judge, LLC, we help injured individuals pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered.

Why You Need a Truck Accident Lawyer

A single truck accident may involve:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company that employs the driver
• The company that owns the trailer
• A third-party maintenance contractor
• A cargo loading company

Each of these parties may have separate legal responsibilities and insurance coverage. Finding out who is responsible for the crash requires a thorough investigation.

Along with that, truck accident cases also involve safety rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These federal regulations dictate driver work hours, vehicle maintenance standards, and cargo securement procedures.

If a trucking company violates these rules and an accident occurs, that violation can be a centerpiece for your lawsuit.

Another factor that makes truck accident claims more complicated is the aggressive response from trucking insurers. Insurance carriers may move quickly to limit the opportunity for finding their clients liable. Investigators may be dispatched to the scene within hours of a crash.

With help from an experienced semi-truck accident attorney at Troutman & Judge, LLC, we can help make sure your interests are protected during this process by:

• Preserving evidence before it disappears
• Conducting an independent crash investigation
• Identifying every responsible party
• Managing communications with insurance companies
• Preparing the case for trial

When you take action early, you are taking the first steps to make sure that important evidence is not lost or overwritten for your case.

Common Causes of Commercial Truck Crashes

Truck accidents don’t happen in a vacuum. There is often something that was missed or overlooked that contributed to these crashes. Many accidents are often the result of preventable safety failures within the trucking industry.

We have seen many of the same factors come up in these serious truck crashes. They include:

• Driver fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can take a serious toll on truck drivers. This can lead to slow reaction time, reduced alertness, and impaired judgment. In extreme cases, drivers may briefly fall asleep while driving.
• Speeding and unsafe driving behavior: Large commercial trucks require longer distances to stop than passenger vehicles.
• Improper cargo loading: Cargo must be balanced and secured to prevent movement during transport. Shifting cargo may lead to dangerous jackknife truck crashes or rollover accidents.
• Mechanical failures: Trucking companies must maintain their fleets. When maintenance is neglected, the consequences can be catastrophic.
• Underride accidents: This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer of a truck. These accidents result in severe or fatal injuries due to the height difference between passenger vehicles and truck trailers.

Many of these situations involve violations of FMCSA safety rules. All these factors can help establish liability during a truck accident investigation.