Blog, Truck Accident
Those involved in truck collisions often seek a clear understanding of what a truck accident lawyer does. This specific type of personal injury lawyer represents people injured in crashes involving vehicles such as tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other sizable rigs.
A skilled truck accident lawyer can tackle unique regulations and challenges faced in these cases. At The Morgan Law Group, our personal injury lawyers offer guidance to those in California, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas who need support after a wreck with a truck. Each of these states has its own truck accident laws, so hiring the right lawyer can be vital for securing compensation.
What Makes a Truck Accident Lawyer Different from Other Accident Lawyers
Not all personal injury lawyers handle truck crash cases. Certain lawyers develop experience with claims against trucking companies, insurance carriers, and commercial drivers. Federal rules and state-specific laws affect commercial drivers more than drivers of passenger vehicles. For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces hours-of-service rules, cargo regulations, and other safety requirements, which can be key points in a legal claim.
A truck accident lawyer recognizes that companies may bear liability for poor vehicle maintenance, driver training lapses, or other oversights that contribute to an accident. While car crash cases also focus on driver negligence, truck accident lawyers typically evaluate factors such as electronic logging devices, driver work schedules, and trucking company safety policies. Because each state has its own negligence rules – like pure comparative negligence or contributory negligence – truck accident lawyers must tailor legal approaches to the specific state’s standards.
What Collisions Trucking Accident Lawyers Handle
Large commercial vehicles can cause significant harm when they collide with smaller passenger cars or motorcycles. A truck accident lawyer takes on cases involving many different crash types, each with its own complications due to the size and weight of trucks.
Rear-End Collisions
When a commercial truck travels too closely behind another vehicle or cannot stop in time, it can smash into the rear of a car. Because tractor-trailers typically require more distance to brake than passenger vehicles, the resulting impact can be devastating. Occupants in the smaller vehicle may experience severe neck, back, or head trauma.
Jackknife Incidents
In a jackknife situation, the trailer of a semi-truck folds in on itself at a sharp angle, resembling a folding pocket knife. This can happen when drivers brake abruptly, especially in poor weather conditions or on slick roads. A trailer swinging outward can strike multiple lanes of traffic and lead to multi-vehicle crashes.
Underride Accidents
An underride accident occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. This type of collision frequently results in catastrophic injuries to car occupants. Side underride guards and rear underride guards are supposed to help prevent such incidents, but if these safety features are missing or defective, the impact on passengers can be life-changing.
Tire Blowouts
Large truck tires carry tremendous pressure and must be carefully inspected. A blowout can happen suddenly, sending pieces of tire into adjacent lanes and creating chaos on the road. In some cases, the truck driver can lose control, leading to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. The cause may be related to improper tire inflation, inadequate maintenance, or manufacturing flaws.
A truck accident lawyer or team of truck accident lawyers also helps individuals who suffer different types of truck accident injuries, including broken bones, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries. Commercial truck accidents often lead to high medical expenses, lengthy rehabilitations, and substantial pain.
What Injuries Are Common to Truck Accidents
Crashes involving trucks often lead to injuries more severe than those seen in standard car wrecks.
A truck accident lawyer assists individuals who have suffered a wide array of physical harm, including:
- Broken Bones: The sheer force of a large truck colliding with a smaller car can fracture arms, legs, ribs, or other bones. Recovery might require surgery, rehabilitation, and extended time away from work.
- Spinal Cord Damage: An impact can dislodge or compress vertebrae, occasionally leading to partial or complete paralysis. The extent of spinal injuries varies, but victims often face considerable medical expenses and ongoing care needs.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): A blow to the head can result in concussions, skull fractures, or more severe trauma that affects cognitive function, balance, and mood. TBIs may lead to lifelong disabilities requiring specialized treatment and therapy.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and chronic pain are also prevalent after truck crashes. These conditions might not be immediately visible but can affect daily life, limiting a person’s ability to work or complete routine tasks.
- Burns or Lacerations: When a truck’s fuel tank ruptures or cargo becomes hazardous, victims might suffer severe burns or deep cuts. The scarring or disfigurement from such injuries can be both physically and emotionally distressing.
In more tragic circumstances, victims do not survive these collisions. Truck accident lawyers frequently help grieving families pursue wrongful death claims if they have lost a loved one in a serious crash.
What Compensation a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Your Recover
Recoverable damages often fall into two main categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are usually easier to calculate because they cover tangible expenses.
They can include:
- Medical Bills: Emergency room visits, diagnostic tests, medications, surgeries, and follow-up care.
- Ambulance and Hospital Fees: Transportation costs and overnight stays add up quickly.
- Lost Income: Wages missed during recovery can be recovered, as well as potential future earnings if injuries limit work opportunities.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace a vehicle damaged in the collision.
A truck accident lawyer can evaluate pay stubs, medical reports, and other evidence to demonstrate economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for less tangible effects of a truck accident.
Although they don’t come with itemized bills, they can still represent significant harm, such as:
- Pain and Suffering: Chronic discomfort, serious physical distress, or ongoing limitations in daily activities.
- Emotional and Psychological Effects: Depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress tied to the events of the crash.
- Reduced Quality of Life: The inability to engage in hobbies, social interactions, or relationships the same way as before.
In court, these injuries can carry considerable weight. Because truck accident laws vary by state, a truck accident lawyer customizes damage claims to meet relevant statutes. In Florida, for example, claimants generally follow a four-year statute of limitations for personal injuries, but commercial vehicle cases might involve additional complexities around insurance coverage.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Helps in Your Case
Engaging a truck accident lawyer can streamline the legal process.
Below are several key functions they perform:
- Investigation of the Collision: Truck accident lawyers collect and preserve evidence, including driver logs, electronic control module data (black boxes), and maintenance records. They may also work with accident reconstruction professionals to assess how the collision happened.
- Determining Liability: Trucking companies, drivers, and even vehicle manufacturers can bear responsibility. Detailed analysis of corporate policies, load logs, and driver background checks often reveals liability beyond driver error.
- Negotiation with Insurers: Insurance adjusters may offer lower settlement amounts. A truck accident lawyer steps in to request fair compensation that covers medical expenses, property damage, and other losses.
- Representation in Court: If no fair settlement is reached, a truck accident lawyer presents a strong case before a judge or jury. This can be especially relevant in states like North Carolina, where contributory negligence law dictates that any fault on the part of the claimant can restrict recovery.
Truck accident lawyers also manage filing deadlines, respond to legal motions, and attend hearings. Their role is to relieve the stress of legal obligations so you can focus on recovery.
How Much Truck Accident Lawyers Cost
Most truck accident lawyers, like The Morgan Law Group – work on a contingency fee arrangement. That means they receive payment only if they secure compensation for you.
Typically, the fee is a percentage of the settlement or court award. This percentage may vary based on case complexity and the stage at which the case is resolved.
State regulations may also apply. In California and Texas, for example, attorneys must abide by specific ethical requirements to ensure transparency in their fee agreements. Always check the lawyer’s fee structure before deciding to move forward.
If no money is recovered, you generally owe no legal fees under a contingency setup. This payment model offers many individuals access to legal services without worrying about large upfront costs.
How to Choose the Best Truck Accident Lawyer in Your Area
Selecting an attorney who is dedicated to commercial vehicle collisions can be critical.
Consider the following:
- Relevant Experience: Look for a track record of successful outcomes involving commercial vehicles, tractor-trailers, or 18-wheelers. A history of successful results can be an indicator that they know how to gather driver logs, review maintenance records, and interpret trucking company policies.
Their ability to look at electronic logging device data or corporate safety protocols may also show they understand the different regulations imposed on the trucking industry. Handling multiple truck-related cases suggests the lawyer recognizes common defense tactics from large insurers and can prepare accordingly.
- Knowledge of Local Law: Every state has different rules. Tennessee and Louisiana have short one-year statutes for personal injury, while Florida has four years. An attorney who understands these deadlines is essential.
A truck accident lawyer who stays up to date with these specific time frames can ensure you avoid missing critical deadlines. They can also explain whether comparative or contributory negligence laws might affect how much compensation you can pursue in your state, ensuring that every aspect of your case follows local guidelines.
- Responsiveness and Communication: Consistent updates make a big difference when you are already dealing with injuries, medical expenses, and stress. A dependable truck accident lawyer should promptly return phone calls, answer emails, and schedule meetings to talk about your case in detail.
They should also outline strategies, offer clear guidance on settlement versus trial options, and clarify any questions. Feeling comfortable expressing concerns and asking for further information can help build confidence and trust throughout the process.
- Client Reviews and Referrals: Feedback from individuals who previously hired the same truck accident lawyer is often revealing. Online testimonials or third-party review platforms can highlight patterns regarding communication style, settlement results, and overall service.
Word of mouth from friends, family members, or coworkers who have experienced a truck crash case can also be valuable. If someone you know had a positive experience and felt supported and informed, it’s a good sign the lawyer makes client satisfaction a priority.
Setting up an initial consultation can help you decide whether a truck lawyer’s style and approach fit your needs. Ask about their experience with cases similar to yours, their plan for pursuing damages, and any potential challenges they foresee.
Schedule Your Free Consultation to Our Truck Accident Lawyer
Injuries from truck collisions can lead to significant challenges, and sound legal guidance is often the best path to a fair recovery. At The Morgan Law Group, our truck accident lawyer is ready to review your situation, gather vital evidence, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Reach out for a thorough case review that can help you move forward.
We have helped clients in multiple locations secure favorable outcomes in motor vehicle accident claims. If you are searching for truck accident lawyers, let us evaluate your claim and explain possible steps.
Call us at (800) 551-0554 or answer our online form to schedule your free case evaluation. The Morgan Law Group is committed to treating every case with care, and we look forward to serving you.
