When a truck crashes into a smaller vehicle, it often hurts people in the smaller car very badly. Make your health your top concern after an accident with a large truck. Even if you feel okay right after the crash, some injuries might not show up until later. See a doctor as soon as you can after the accident. They can check you over and make sure there's nothing wrong that you can't see or feel yet.
Some common injuries from truck accidents include whiplash, broken bones, cuts, and head injuries. These can take a long time to heal and might need ongoing treatment. Your doctor will determine what kind of care you need and how long it might take for you to get better.
Talk to a truck accident lawyer. A truck accident lawyer can handle talks with insurance companies and other people involved in the accident while you recover.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents happen for many reasons. One of the biggest causes is driver tiredness. Truck drivers often have to drive for long hours, and sometimes they don't get enough rest. When drivers are tired, they might not react as quickly to things happening on the road, or fall asleep at the wheel.
Another common cause is problems with the truck itself. Trucks are big, heavy vehicles that need a lot of maintenance.
If parts of the truck aren't working right, like the brakes or tires, it can lead to accidents. Sometimes, trucking companies don't do a good job of keeping their trucks in good shape, which can endanger everyone on the road.
Distracted driving is also a big problem. Like other drivers, phones, eating, or the radio can distract truck drivers. But because trucks are so big and heavy, a distracted truck driver can cause even more damage than a distracted car driver.
Poor weather is another thing that can cause truck accidents. Rain, snow, and ice make the roads slippery and harder to drive on. Trucks need more time and space to stop than cars do, so bad weather can make it even more dangerous for them.
Sometimes, accidents happen because of the way the truck's cargo is loaded. If the loading crew didn’t spread out the weight evenly or didn’t tie things down properly, it can make the truck harder to control or even cause it to tip over.
A truck accident attorney will know how to examine these possible causes. They can work with experts to figure out exactly what happened and why. This can help you figure out who's responsible for the accident.
The Legal Process for Truck Accident Cases
To seek compensation after a truck accident, you'll need to go through a legal process. This can seem overwhelming, especially when you're trying to recover from injuries. But a truck accident lawyer can guide you through each step.
The process usually starts with filing a claim. Your lawyer will put together all the evidence from the investigation, and information about your injuries and other losses. They'll use this to make a formal demand for compensation from the responsible parties.
Sometimes, cases can settle without going to court. Your truck accident attorney will negotiate with the other side to reach a fair settlement. They'll inform you about any offers and give you advice, but the final decision about whether to accept a settlement will always be yours.
If the case goes to trial, your truck accident lawyer will present your case to a judge or jury. They'll call witnesses, present evidence, and make arguments on your behalf. Throughout the whole process, they'll answer your questions and explain what's happening.
The legal process can take time, especially for very complex cases. But having a skilled truck accident lawyer can make it much less stressful. They'll handle the legal details while you focus on your recovery.
Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
If you suffered an injury in a truck accident, you can get compensation for your losses. This can include money for your medical bills, both for treatment you've already had and for care you might need in the future. It can also cover lost income if you miss work because of your injuries.
But compensation isn't just about money you've lost. You can also get compensation for things like pain and suffering, which means the physical pain and emotional distress you've gone through because of the accident. If your injuries have affected your ability to enjoy life as you used to, your compensation can reflect that.
In some cases, you can recover punitive damages. This is extra compensation meant to punish the person or company responsible for the accident if they did something especially careless or dangerous.
A truck accident lawyer will know how to calculate all these different types of damages. They'll work to ensure that the amount you seek reflects every way the accident has affected your life. They'll also know how to present your case in a way that shows why you deserve this compensation.
The amount of compensation you might get depends on your accident and injuries. A truck accident attorney can give you a better idea of what to expect based on your individual situation.
Call a Truck Accident Lawyer For a Free Consultation
After a truck accident, you might feel overwhelmed. You're dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and maybe even long-term changes to your life. It's a lot to handle on your own.
That's why you need a truck accident lawyer. They will explain your rights, investigate the accident, deal with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. They can take on the legal burdens while you focus on your recovery.
Many Williamsport personal injury attorney offer free initial consultations. This means you can talk to a lawyer about your case without any cost or obligation. It's a chance to get some advice and learn more about your options.
Thomas Waffenschmidt
Attorney
Thomas Waffenschmidt has served on the Pennsylvania Association for Justice since 1990 and has been a board member from 1999 through 2014. He has also served on the board of the Lycoming Law Association since 2008 and served as president in 2014.
Author's Bio