Truck Accident FAQ
In the aftermath of a truck accident, you and your family may have many questions. A truck accident attorney may be best able to answer most of your truck accident questions, but here are some common questions victims and families might answer after a truck accident, and some general answers:
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What Causes a Truck to jackknife?
A jackknife accident is when the trailer of a truck folds sideways against the truck’s cabin, causing the vehicle to fold in on itself like a folding knife. A jackknife accident usually occurs either due to brake failure or because the wheels on the front or rear of the truck begin to slide or lose traction. Jackknife accidents can happen when a truck’s brakes aren’t working properly, or when a truck driver must brake suddenly because he or she is following too closely behind another vehicle. A jackknife accident can happen when a truck is too overloaded for its size or when a truck isn’t properly loaded or evenly loaded, or when cargo in a trailer isn’t properly secured. Shifting items in the back of a truck can cause the trailer to move erratically. A truck can jackknife if the driver fails to properly negotiate sharp turns, or when a truck driver chooses to drive during hazardous conditions, or when a driver goes too fast for conditions. There are many reasons why a truck might jackknife, but most are due to driver error, improperly loaded vehicles, or improperly maintained equipment. If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident because a commercial truck jackknifed, you and your family may have the right to pursue a lawsuit. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer near you today.
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What is a bobtail truck?
A bobtail truck is a truck without its trailer attached. Bobtail trucks can be more dangerous than a truck without a trailer attached. Why? A truck’s cabin is designed specifically to pull a great deal of weight. The front wheels of a truck’s cabin are not designed to bear the load of the vehicle. But when a truck is in bobtail, the load is borne by the front wheels, and the vehicle will handle differently than when it is carrying a load. Either a driver must be aware of these differences and, make adequate adjustments, taking into account that a bobtail truck will be more difficult to control than a fully loaded truck. The braking system of a truck’s cabin is also designed to handle well with a trailer attached. When the trailer isn’t attached, the brakes function differently, creating a potentially dangerous situation. One might think that a truck without a trailer can brake more easily than a truck with a trailer, but the opposite is actually true. Finally, because a truck’s cabin is designed to bear more weight, without the trailer attached, the truck isn’t bearing as much weight, which means that the wheels don’t contact the road with the same degree of friction. This can make it more likely that the bobtail truck might skid or that the driver could lose control. It can also make the truck especially dangerous in snowy or rainy conditions. If you or someone you love was injured in a truck accident with a bobtail truck, you may have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Reach out to the truck accident lawyers at USAttorneys.com today to learn more.
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What does deadhead mean in trucking?
A deadhead truck is the same as a bobtail truck. A deadhead truck is a truck being driven without a trailer attached.
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What are the leading causes of truck accidents?
Truck accidents occur for many reasons. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include fatigued driving, improperly loaded trucks, improperly maintained vehicles, driver error, distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and bad weather. Many of these factors are the responsibility of the truck company and truck driver to control. If you were hurt in a truck accident, USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer near you, who can evaluate the causes of your truck crash and help you seek justice and compensation under the law.
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Why are truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accidents differ from car accidents in many ways. Truck drivers and companies are required to abide by federal trucking laws. These laws govern a range of things, including driver hours of service, maintenance of vehicles, vehicle loading limits, driver medical requirements, truck driver licensure, and more. When truck companies cut corners, or break trucking laws, they put everyone on the road at risk. A truck accident lawyer understands federal trucking laws and can take the time to investigate your truck company and driver to see whether the company has a history of breaking the law, or violations. A truck accident lawyer can also investigate the accident itself to determine whether any federal trucking laws were violated that led to your accident. Other factors make truck accidents different than other types of accidents. Truck companies carry heavy loads and trucks can cause more damage in the event of a crash. For this reason, truck companies are required to hold higher limit policies to protect drivers and victims in the event of a crash. However, when it comes to seeking a major claim, insurance companies may be more likely to push back. For this reason, it may be a good idea to hire a truck accident lawyer if you’ve been seriously injured in a crash. USAttorneys.com can link you to a truck accident attorney near you.
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What should I do following a truck accident?
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you should first take steps to make sure everyone is safe and seek medical attention for any injuries. Call the police and emergency services. If people have been injured in a truck accident, you are required by law to contact emergency services and seek help. If you can, exchange contact information and insurance information with the truck driver. Let your insurance company know you’ve been in an accident. If you have more questions about your rights, whether you might be entitled to make a claim following your truck accident, or aren’t sure about what your next steps should be after a truck crash, you can find a truck accident lawyer on USAttorneys.com today.
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Who is the responsible party in a truck accident, the driver, or the company?
When it comes to determining who is responsible after a truck accident—the answer is—it depends. Both the driver and the company may be responsible, especially if the driver owns the company or is a driver owner. In some cases, drivers are merely hired, and the company, and its insurers, may be largely responsible for the crash, though sometimes truck companies may try to avoid liability by claiming that the truck driver was an independent contractor. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, a truck accident lawyer can look at your specific situation and help you understand which parties may be liable for your crash. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer today.
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What will my truck accident attorney do to help me?
Your truck accident lawyer can help you with your truck accident claim, every step of the way. A truck accident attorney can review your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses to properly estimate the value of your claim. He or she can identify responsible parties and write demand letters to the truck company so that you can be compensated for your losses. A truck accident lawyer can also negotiate with insurance adjusters after an accident to help you get the best possible settlement for your case. A truck accident lawyer can also take your case to court, if needed. Navigating a truck lawsuit can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer today.
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How is negligence established following a truck accident?
Your truck accident lawyer will look at police reports, witness statements, camera evidence (if it exists), and any other factors to determine who might be at fault for your truck crash. Many factors can contribute to a truck accident, including driver error, equipment failure, medical issues or intoxication on the part of the driver, improper loads, and failure of the truck driver to abide by hours of service laws, among other things. A truck accident lawyer can speak to experts and look closely at a truck company’s safety record. If a truck company broke federal laws that regulate the trucking industry, or if the truck company failed to take steps to secure safety or perform maintenance, then the truck company may be liable or negligent for your crash. If you have been in a truck accident due to the negligence or neglect of another driver or truck company, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer near you today.
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How is compensation determined after a truck accident?
The value of your truck accident claim will depend on various factors. The best way to determine the proper value of your truck accident claim is to speak to a truck accident lawyer today to review your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses to estimate the value of your claim, and to take steps to help you get the settlement you may deserve under the law.
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Who is the best truck accident lawyer for me?
When it comes to finding a good truck accident lawyer, match is everything. Sometimes it helps to interview a few truck accident lawyers before you choose one. The good news is that truck accident lawyers offer clients free initial consultations during which you can get to know the lawyers, the law firm, and ask questions. Ultimately, you’ll want to find a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable. Remember that when it comes to personal injury claims, you’ll need to share personal details about your injuries and about your life before and after your accident. It might be a good idea to interview several truck accident lawyers before choosing the law firm with which you feel comfortable and the lawyer with whom you think you have a good rapport. USAttorneys.com can match you with a truck accident lawyer near you so you can begin this process. Truck accident lawyers are personal injury lawyers and they usually don’t receive compensation until they win your case (some other fees may apply in some cases, though, so you should always ask). If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, consider speaking to a few lawyers and visiting several law firms to find a lawyer who matches your schedule, your personality, and your needs.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, you may have many questions. The answers above are only meant to be general. Every truck accident case is unique. A truck accident lawyer can take a close look at the details of your case, evaluate your options, and help you with the next steps. Finding a truck accident lawyer can be difficult. USAttorneys.com can help you with this challenge.
