Truck Accident Attorneys FAQ
A truck accident attorney is your best resource to answer any questions you might have regarding your truck accident. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you may have many important questions. Here are some questions that truck accident lawyers commonly hear and some general answers. The answers below are not meant to offer legal advice nor are they meant to replace the advice of a truck accident lawyer.
What causes a truck to jackknife?
A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck folds sideways against the truck’s cabin. Imagine a folding knife when the blade is tucked into the handle. This is what a truck jackknife accident looks like. Some common reasons why trucks jackknife are:
- Brake failure, or improperly functioning brakes
- Loss of traction, especially in the rear wheels
- Trucks following other cars too closely
- Sudden braking
- Overloaded truck, or improperly loaded truck
- Improperly secured trailer
- Hazardous conditions
- Speeding
- Failure of the truck driver to properly negotiate a sharp turn
- Improperly maintained equipment
- Driver error
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.
What is a bobtail truck and why are they dangerous?
A bobtail truck is a truck without its trailer attached.
Bobtail trucks are more dangerous because:
- Bobtail trucks are more prone to driver error. Trucks are designed to pull heavy weights. When the cabin of a truck isn’t pulling a trailer, the front wheels of a truck aren’t designed to bear the load. This can cause the cabin to handle differently than a cabin carrying a trailer. A driver behind the wheel of a bobtail truck must make adequate adjustments when driving.
- Bobtail trucks brake differently than trucks carrying a load. When a trailer isn’t attached to a truck’s cabin, the brakes will handle differently, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
- Traction issues. Because a truck’s cabin is designed to bear more weight, without the trailer attached, the truck is bearing more weight. This means that the wheels don’t have the same kind of traction they would have with a fully loaded-truck. This can increase the risk that the driver might lose control of the vehicle.
- Higher risks during snowy or rainy conditions. Because of the traction issues mentioned above, a bobtail truck can be more prone to skidding or loss of control during snowy or rainy weather 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.
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.
What are the leading causes of truck accidents?
Some of the common causes of truck accidents are:
- Fatigued driving
- An improperly loaded truck
- Improper maintenance of the truck (equipment failure)
- Driver error
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Bad weather
- Driver medical conditions
- Speeding
- Failure of the driver to follow the laws of the road
- Reckless driving
- Unrealistic scheduling expectations on the part of the shipping or truck company
- Poor training
If you were hurt in a truck accident, USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer near you. A truck accident attorney can evaluate the causes of your truck crash. You may be able to help you seek justice and compensation under the law.
Why are truck accidents different from car accidents?
Truck accident personal injury claims are different from car accident claims in many ways. Here are a few:
- Truck companies and drivers must follow strict federal and local laws that govern the truck industry. Truck accident lawyers are familiar with these laws and the different ways that truck companies and drivers can be liable. A truck accident lawyer can also investigate the truck company’s track record for past violations.
- Trucks carry heavy loads, which can lead to more damage and more serious physical injuries after a crash.
- Truck companies are required to take out higher-limit insurance policies. Truck accidents can result in larger claims. When claims are larger, insurance companies might require more evidence and may push back against the claim being made.
- More liable parties. After an auto accident, usually, the only liable party is the driver responsible for the accident. In most passenger vehicle accidents, either one driver is liable and responsible for damages, or both drivers are partially responsible. With truck accidents, more parties might be responsible. In addition to the truck driver, truck companies, shipping companies, maintenance companies, insurance companies, and others may be responsible.
- Company responsibility. Truck companies may have a greater responsibility in a truck accident. They may be required to train and vet their drivers before hire. They may additionally be required to ensure their drivers meet medical requirements. They may be responsible for arranging shipping schedules and timing of delivery. They may also be responsible for ensuring vehicles are properly maintained. When truck companies fail to honor their responsibilities, accidents can happen.
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. A lawyer can take the time to investigate your truck company and driver. If the company has a history of breaking the law, or violations this could impact your claim. USAttorneys.com can link you to a truck accident attorney near you.
What are the trucking laws that companies and drivers must follow?
Federal and local trucking laws govern a range of operational procedures related to the truck industry. Here are some commonly violated trucking laws.
- Hours of service laws. These laws govern how long a driver can be behind the wheel on a given day or week before needing to take a break.
- Truck maintenance requirements.
- Loading limits. These laws limit how heavy a truck can be loaded.
- Medical requirements for truck drivers. To maintain licensure, truck drivers must pass a physical exam. Truck drivers cannot have certain diagnoses or be on certain types of medicines that can impact their alertness and focus.
- Drug and alcohol testing. Companies may be required to test their drivers for drug and alcohol use.
Truck laws may vary also from state to state. For example, some states have strict rules regarding distracted driving and different speed limits for trucks.
Truck companies must follow strict laws and these laws can be different than those required for passenger vehicle drivers. A truck accident lawyer understands these laws and can determine whether a truck driver or company broke these laws. USAttorneys.com can match you with a truck accident lawyer near you who understands local and federal trucking laws.
What should I do after a truck accident?
Here are some steps you can take right after a truck accident:
- Make sure everyone is safe.
- Call 911 and seek emergency medical services for anyone who has been injured. If people have been injured in a truck accident, you are required by law to contact emergency medical services.
- Exchange contact information with the truck driver, if possible.
- Exchange insurance information with the truck driver.
- Let your insurance company know you’ve been in a truck accident.
- Seek medical attention for your own injuries and follow your doctor’s instructions.
- If you have more questions about your rights, consider reaching out to a truck accident lawyer.
If you have more questions about your rights, you can find a truck accident lawyer on USAttorneys.com today. A truck accident lawyer may be able to determine if you are entitled to make a claim.
Who is the responsible party in a truck accident, the driver, or the company?
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 by a company. The company, and its insurers, may be largely responsible for the crash. 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. A truck accident attorney can help you understand which parties may be liable for your crash. USAttorneys.com can connect you with a truck accident lawyer today.
How will truck accident attorneys help me?
Your truck accident lawyer can help you with your truck accident claim, every step of the way. Here are some ways a truck accident lawyer can help:
- Estimating the value of your truck accident claim. A truck accident attorney can review your medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and other expenses. This way, your lawyer can properly estimate the value of your claim.
- Identifying negligent parties. Your truck accident lawyer can identify responsible parties and write demand letters to the truck company so that you can be compensated for your losses.
- Help you with insurance claims. A truck accident lawyer can also negotiate with insurance adjusters after an accident. This may 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.
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. These factors can include:
- Driver error
- Equipment failure
- Medical issues in the driver
- Intoxication on the part of the driver
- Improper loads
- Failure of the truck driver to abide by hours-of-service laws
- And more.
A truck accident lawyer can speak to experts and look closely at a truck company’s safety record. If a truck company breaks federal laws that regulate the trucking industry, the company may be liable. If the truck company fails to perform maintenance, then the truck company may be liable 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.
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. Your lawyer can review medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses to estimate your claim. A truck accident lawyer may be able to help you get the settlement you deserve under the law.
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 a consultation, 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.
Choose the law firm with which you feel comfortable. 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 first. This way you can 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 and evaluate your options. We can help you with the next steps. Finding a truck accident lawyer can be difficult. USAttorneys.com can help you with this challenge.
Call 800-672-3103 for a Free Consultation. Our truck accident attorneys represent plaintiffs seeking damages for their injuries from semi-truck and commercial vehicle accidents.
