Accidents involving tractor trailers occur in many parts of the United States. Among the common causes of tractor trailer accidents include drowsy driving, driving while using cell phones, and driving under the influence of alcohol. Sadly, the result isn’t always limited to damaged vehicles. Some unlucky passengers are left with devastating injuries, too.
The succeeding information will provide an overview of personal injury law and what accident victims can do to obtain compensation for their injuries.
Common Accident Causes
The most common tractor trailer accident causes in the United States nowadays are as follows:
- Distracted Driving
- Driving Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol
- Improper Commercial Vehicle Maintenance
- Driving Over The Weight Limit
- Failure To Properly Maintain The Tractor Trailer
- Operating Trucks With Manufacturer Defects
- Improper Hiring Procedures
- Failure To Drug Test Truck Drivers
- Driving Over The Speed Limit
- Sudden Trailer Detachment
- Improper Installation Of Underride Bars
- Faulty Inspection Practices
There are other issues that can make commercial vehicles more dangerous than other types of vehicles on the road, such as:
- Difficulty Maneuverability Of Tractor Trailers
- Large Size Of Commercial Vehicles
- Poor Ability To Brake And Stop Quickly
- Carrying Dangerous Cargo
Accident Categories
Commercial vehicles can be divided into several categories, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident. The most common tractor trailer accident categories involve:
- Jack-Knife Accidents
- Rear End Accidents
- Left Turn Collisions
- Underrides
- Disabled Or Stopped Commercial Vehicles
- Shifting Cargo
Accident Injuries
Most trailer accidents claims involved commercial vehicles. Commonly reported injuries include:
- Crush Injuries
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Spinal Cord Accidents
- Back Injuries
- Neck Problems Such As Whiplash
- Limb Amputations
- Severed Limbs
- Paralysis
- Facial Lacerations Or Fractures
Damages
If you have been injured due to the negligence of a commercial truck driver or the carrier they work for, you may be eligible to file and collect injury claims. There are several types of accident compensation, such as:
- Lost Wages
- Cost Of Ambulance Transport
- Hospital Bills
- Surgery Fees
- Doctor Visits
- Medical Device Costs
- Cost Of Alternate Transportation
You may also be able to obtain a settlement for future lost wages if you were left disabled due to the accident. This type of settlement is designed to compensate accident victims who can no longer work because of the injuries sustained in the accident. An attorney can calculate the amount of money you would have earned over the course of your career and ask the court to award you that amount. A partial settlement for future lost wages may be obtained in cases where you may still be able to return to work but cannot perform in the same capacity which limits you to earn less money over the course of time. Due to the complexity of the process, it is advisable to hire an attorney who specializes in handling vehicle injuries claims.
How An Attorney Can Help
Hiring an experienced personal injury claims lawyer can greatly increase your chance of obtaining a fair settlement for your injuries in a tractor trailer accident. Your lawyer can help you with the following:
- Obtain police reports
- Speak with your doctors
- Request and review your medical records
- Talk with medical experts
- Hire accident investigators
- Interview eyewitnesses
- File court documents
- Represent you in court
- Negotiate with the commercial vehicle’s insurance company
If you or someone you know have been a victim of tractor trailer accidents, look for an experienced personal injury claims attorney who can educate you on your rights, examine your case, and let you know if you have a valid claim.
