A single commercial truck driver can travel thousands of miles every single week. For large trucking companies, their fleet of drivers can log more than a million miles combined on a weekly basis.
With so much time spent on heavily-traveled roadways, accidents involving large commercial trucks, like 18-wheelers, tractor trailers and semi-trucks, are bound to happen. When they do, they can cause catastrophic injuries and even death, especially if a truck collides with a much smaller passenger vehicle.
Broken bones, concussions, neck and back strains are common injuries associated with truck accidents. In addition to emergency room care, the injuries you receive from being hit by a commercial truck may require you to seek continuing medical treatment including chiropractic care and physical therapy.
Ongoing visits with doctors and therapists can quickly add up costing thousands of dollars. The costs of medical care can be especially burdensome if you’ve been unable to work as a result of your injuries.
To seek the financial relief you deserve, you can file a personal injury claim against the truck driver and his or her employer. Doing so allows you to recover compensation for your medical costs as well as any lost wages. In some cases, you may even be able to receive payment for pain and suffering.
An experienced personal injury attorney will advise you on what compensation is available to you according to your state laws. He or she will help you navigate your personal injury claim as you work to recover the compensation you’re entitled to.
Determining Fault in a Truck Accident
In personal injury cases, the person who files a claim is responsible for proving fault. The determination of fault is important since it will affect how much, if any, compensation you can receive for your injuries.
That’s why it is crucial to retain an experienced truck accident attorney to help you initiate a claim and prove fault. He or she will be able to gather evidence that holds Roadrunner Transportation Systems, or any the party at faut, liable for your injuries. Evidence may include things like witness statements, photographs, medical records, and police reports.
Common Accidents
According to the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), driver fatigue is the most common factor that causes truck accidents. If any driver was driving while fatigued, this could be found as a contributing factor in your accident.
Truck drivers are held to federal safety standards that prevent them from driving too many hours without resting. If a truck driver violates these rules and causes an accident, they can be held liable for any injuries they cause. To prove this you can:
- Check the driver’s logs
- Request company records
- Inspect bills of lading (receipts issued to drivers when they make a delivery)
Although driver fatigue is the most common cause of truck accidents. Other causes of auto accidents can include:
- Distracted driving
- Poorly maintained trucks
- Speeding
- Cargo that is incorrectly loaded
Get the Help You Need
If you have been involved in a truck accident with a trucker or driver, you should seek representation from an experienced personal injury attorney. An attorney familiar with complex truck accidents can help you prove liability for your injuries and ensure you recover the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. With an attorney on your side, you stand the best chance of reaching a favorable outcome in your personal injury claim.
*The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Roadrunner Transportation Systems, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
