Helping Clients Recover Damages for Their Injuries
With so many vehicles on the road, auto collisions are unfortunately common. An accident involving a truck, semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or big rig is often severe and can lead to lasting injuries and even death. Accident victims often incur many expenses, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage, through no fault of their own.
Truck drivers, especially those who drive commercial trucks, are bound by law to follow rules and regulations on the road. Unfortunately, many truck drivers ignore these regulations in favor of meeting tight deadlines and making a profit. If you were in a truck accident, it is very likely that the accident was not your fault.
Our team of Yuma truck accident lawyers believes that every victim deserves compensation. At Territorial Law, we have over 60 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, including truck accident claims. To learn more about our services and receive a free consultation, contact our office today by calling 928-955-7191.
What Are the Most Common Reasons that Truck Accidents Happen?
Truck accidents happen for a wide variety of reasons. Understanding what the cause of your trucking accident was can help you in your truck accident claim. Some factors may be the fault of the trucking company, while other factors are the fault of the truck driver. An Arizona truck accident lawyer on our team can review your case and help you determine how to prove liability and who to hold liable.
The main reasons that truck accidents happen include the following:
- Equipment failure. Equipment can fail because of improper maintenance or improper manufacturing.
- Driver fatigue. Many trucking companies keep their drivers on tight deadlines. Although drivers are mandated to take rest periods, many keep driving to meet their deadlines, leading to fatigued drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
- Driver error. Making a mistake while driving a commercial vehicle can lead to dangerous accidents. Although drivers are professionals, mistakes can still happen.
- Improperly loaded cargo. Cargo that is uneven or improperly loaded can cause a truck to fishtail, slide, or tip.
- Distracted driving. When truck drivers check their cell phones or GPS navigators while driving, accidents can occur.
- Improper lane changes. Large trucks have many blindspots, which can cause cars to get stuck or crushed during lane changes.
- Poor road conditions. Rainy, snowy, and icy roads can lead to dangerous driving conditions for large trucks. Drivers are always expected to maintain control of their vehicle no matter what road conditions may be like.
What Kind of Injuries Are Common After Truck Accidents?
Commercial truck accidents often cause severe injuries due to the large size of most trucks. Although every truck accident case is different, most victims suffer severe injuries that take months or even years to recover from.
The most common injuries after truck accidents include the following:
- Concussions
- Contusions
- Bruising
- Burns
- Blood clots
- Loss of sight
- Loss of limbs
- Loss of hearing
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash
- Wrongful death
If your loved one died due to injuries from a truck accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit on their behalf. In a wrongful death claim, you can sue for damages like lost wages, loss of companionship, and more. For more information about wrongful death suits, contact our office today.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?
The damages you can recover compensation for depend on the nature of your accident and the kinds of injuries you suffered. In some cases, you can go after an insurance company, while in other cases, you can sue the parties involved in the accident directly.
Many accident victims recover damages for the following:
- Lost wages or earning potential
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Fatal injuries and wrongful death
Why Are Truck Accidents More Complicated Than Other Vehicle Accidents?
Truck accident claims are often more complex than a typical car accident. In most car accident cases, two parties are involved: you and the other driver. You can go through the other driver’s insurance company or your own insurance company to seek compensation.
In a truck accident claim, there are many more parties involved. The truck driver who hit you may be a self-employed independent contractor, meaning they are the only party involved. Or, the driver may be employed by a trucking company, meaning their employer could be held liable. These factors will impact how you seek damages and which insurance companies you negotiate with for compensation.
Large truck companies often have lawyers on retainer to handle truck accident claims, making it difficult to file a personal injury suit on your own. Even smaller trucking companies often have money set aside to defend against accident cases. If you have been in a truck accident, no matter the circumstances, it is in your best interest to contact a Yuma truck accident lawyer on our team.
Do I Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
Getting into a commercial truck accident is a frightening experience that can leave you with lasting injuries. Paying for your injuries and other expenses, like lost income and property damage, can quickly add up. The last thing you want to do is deal with insurance companies and other parties while trying to rest and recover.
At Territorial Law, we are dedicated to seeking compensation on behalf of our clients so they can focus on their mental and physical health after an accident. We have years of experience handling Yuma truck accident cases, and we are confident we can get you the outcome you deserve. For more information, call us today at 928-955-7191.