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Email Us NowCommercial trucks are an essential part of the American economy. Because large commercial trucks are used to transport goods all around the country, the risk of truck accidents has increased dramatically in the past few years. Unfortunately, due to their large size compared to passenger vehicles, commercial truck accidents have the potential to cause severe injuries.
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you deserve compensation. An experienced Monroe truck accident attorney on our team will protect your rights and advocate for you until you get the payment you deserve. Truck accident victims may face property damage repairs, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Our Monroe truck accident attorneys will handle your personal injury claim so you get the compensation you need to cover all these expenses.
Our team at Benton & Benton Law knows how challenging this situation can be. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive legal services to all our clients. For a free consultation, contact our office today by calling 866-927-4290.
How Are Truck Accidents Different From Car Accidents?
All accidents on the road have the potential to cause serious injuries. However, truck accidents are often more severe and can be complex. Commercial vehicles can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds when hauling cargo across the United States. Something that heavy is going to cause a lot of damage during an accident with a passenger car.
There are many reasons why truck accidents are more serious than other accidents, including:
- Truck drivers have less visibility when driving than other cars do.
- Semi-trucks take longer to slow down and change lanes.
- Large trucks may tip or roll over when in a collision with other cars.
- Some trucks carry hazardous materials that can cause further damage during a crash.
- Truck drivers tend to work long hours, leading to fatigue.
There are also multiple parties that could be held liable for your accident. In a car crash, the other driver is usually the one at-fault party. In a truck accident, the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo-loading company, and the truck maintenance company could all be responsible for your injuries. Because of their complex nature, it is recommended to work with a team of personal injury lawyers if you’re involved in a truck accident claim.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents?
Like car accidents, there are many different reasons why truck accidents happen. Determining the exact cause of your accident can help you assign responsibility in a personal injury case.
There are many reasons why a truck accident may happen, including:
Driver Fatigue
Many truck drivers work long hours, spending most of their days driving. Drivers are required to take rest periods after working a certain amount of time, but not all drivers obey this rule. Fatigued drivers can make mistakes or even fall asleep at the wheel.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers use GPS devices and cell phones to know when and where they’re going. If drivers are texting, talking on the phone, checking their map, or eating, they might not pay attention to the road as they should.
Inexperienced Drivers
Trucking companies are required to hire experienced drivers or give them the training they need. If drivers are not properly trained, they may not know how to control such a large vehicle, which can lead to dangerous situations for the vehicles around them.
Lack of Vehicle Maintenance
Large commercial trucks require extensive maintenance to remain in driving shape. If the trucking company or maintenance company fails to repair its vehicles, they could malfunction on the road, causing accidents through brake and engine malfunctions.
Poor Weather Conditions
Ice, hail, rain, and snow can make it dangerous for large trucks on the road. If drivers lose control of their vehicles, they could cause collisions.
Unsafe Driving
Truck drivers who speed, swerve, brake excessively, or fail to obey traffic signs can be dangerous. Vehicles around them may be damaged if a truck driver is not following the rules of the road.
What Kind of Injuries Are the Most Common in Truck Accident Cases?
The aftermath of a truck accident can be devastating. Many people face severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment, leading to significant expenses. The injuries from a truck accident have the potential to cause permanent and life-changing symptoms.
Truck accident victims often suffer the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal organ damage
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Amputations
- Burns
- Lacerations
Truck accidents have the potential to be fatal. If you have lost a loved one because of a truck accident, a Monroe truck accident attorney on our team can help you file a wrongful death claim. Wrongful death lawsuits provide compensation to the surviving family members of the deceased.
The money can be used to pay for medical expenses before your loved one’s death, funeral costs, loss of income, and more. For more information about wrongful death claims, contact our lawyers today.
What Kind of Damages Can You Seek in a Truck Accident Claim?
When you pursue a personal injury claim, you can seek compensation for any financial losses you have suffered as a direct result of the accident. The kinds of damages you can seek will depend on the severity of the accident you were in and what kind of injuries you sustained. Damages are broken up into the following categories:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are often proven with bills, receipts, and other documentation. These damages are easy to calculate and can be proven with evidence. Economic damages may include:
- Medical costs, both now and in the future
- Property damage repairs or replacement
- Physical therapy
- Hospital visits
- Prescription medications
- Transportation to doctor’s visits
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Legal fees
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages, also called general damages, can’t be proven with bills or receipts. Instead, these damages have to do with your mental and emotional state due to the accident. Damages like these include:
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Disfigurement
- Fear
- Anxiety
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages serve as a punishment to the defendant to discourage them from repeating their actions. These damages are awarded when a defendant is found to have behaved recklessly or maliciously. In many truck accident cases, punitive damages would be awarded if the truck driver was found to be under the influence at the time of the accident.
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?
Determining liability is one of the key components of a truck accident claim. However, due to the complex nature of these cases, liability is rarely straightforward. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, there are multiple parties that could be responsible for your injuries. Those parties include:
The Truck Driver
The truck driver can be held liable if they make a mistake while driving or behave dangerously. Depending on their employment, either the driver’s insurance company or the trucking company’s insurance company will pay for your expenses.
The Trucking Company
Truck companies employ drivers to transport goods around the country. If a truck driver made a mistake or a vehicle was not cared for properly, it’s possible to go after a trucking company for your damages. Keep in mind that many truck companies keep attorneys on retainer for this exact reason.
The Cargo Loaders
Improper loading of cargo can cause trucks to tip or rollover. If the truck’s load caused it to crash, you could hold the cargo loaders responsible for your accident.
The City or County
The city or county that you are in is likely responsible for road maintenance. If your crash occurred because of poor road conditions, you could hold the government entity responsible for your injuries.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Case?
When pursuing a personal injury case, you are subject to a statute of limitations. Every state has its own statute of limitations, after which you will no longer be able to pursue compensation in court. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for a truck accident claim is two years from the date of the accident.
If it has been more than two years since your commercial vehicle accident, you likely will not be able to seek compensation in court. There are some exceptions to this rule, although they are rare and will not apply to everyone. If you’d like to know more about the statute of limitations and how it pertains to your claim, contact our personal injury lawyers today.
Should You Contact Our Team Today?
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you are likely facing thousands of dollars in medical expenses, property damage, and more. Accident victims can face thousands of dollars of debt for something that wasn’t their fault. Working with an experienced Monroe truck accident attorney on our team allows you to focus on your health while we pursue compensation on your behalf.
Benton & Benton Law has helped clients just like you seek damages for truck accidents. To learn more about our team and how we can help with your case, call our Monroe truck accident lawyer today at 866-927-4290.