What happens after you’ve been involved in a trucking accident? There’s so much to figure out after a truck accident, and it’s expected that most victims will have questions, especially as they consider meeting with a truck accident attorney. First, it’s important to keep in mind that trucking accidents are not handled in the same manner as regular car accidents. Therefore, if you were involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, big rig, or 18 wheeler, it’s very important to hire the right attorney with a proven track record of handling these specific types of cases.
So, before you hire an attorney to represent you in a truck accident case, we recommend you ask them at least these three questions.
Three Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Trucking Lawyer
- Do you often handle trucking accident cases? We know this sounds like a simple question, but it’s important to hire a law firm with attorneys who know the specific federal and state laws as they relate to trucking accidents. As we previously said, trucking accidents are not handled the same as regular car accidents, an attorney with experience handling trucking accidents will understand this. More importantly, a lawyer that tries to treat your truck accident case like a car accident, can cost you possibly hundreds of thousands of dollars, potentially preventing you from receiving the justice you deserve for your case.
- What types of results have you obtained for your clients and how long does it generally take to resolve your cases? Make sure you’re satisfied with the potential attorney’s case results before you hire him/her, and ask for sample outcomes. Although they will not be a prediction of what can happen in your specific case, you’ll want to know the track record of the attorney and their law firm.
- How often will you communicate with me about my case? If you’ve been injured, you don’t want to be left in the dark about your pending case against the trucking company or their insurance carriers. Your only job should be to get the medical attention you need while your attorney handles the rest. For this reason, it’s important that you select a trucking attorney that is willing to answer your questions and provide you regular case updates.
How Truck Accidents Happen
- Driver Error: The most common cause may include alcohol and drug consumption to combat driver’s fatigue due to unreasonable deadlines that are given to drivers. Negligent and reckless behavior of tractor-trailer drivers can cause great harm if they get involved in devastating truck accidents.
- Failure to observe proper safety protocol: There are rules specific to tractor-trailers like observing proper braking techniques, following security guidelines for big trucks, loading of specific cargos. There are also regulations implemented by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and with the United States Department of Transportation. These protocols regulate how drivers are being trained, their hours of service, and the vehicle’s strict maintenance. Failure to follow the regulations can lead to a truck accident and result in property damage, minor scrapes and bruises, serious physical injuries and even fatalities.
- Aggressive drivers: Individuals who are speeding, swerving, and turning carelessly cause many accidents. The careless behavior of big rig drivers presents a serious danger to every driver nearby, which can result in irreversible damages.
- Road and weather conditions: Due to the weight of the truck, it may be difficult to maneuver at times. The combination of a big rig and black ice can lead to a big, heavy truck skidding, Tight turns at high-speeds can easily topple over a semi, heavy snow without the right equipment can be deadly and strong wind gusts can easily knock an empty trailer to its side.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Trucking companies need to ensure that their trucks and drivers are fit to operate. Companies that own big rigs should have their required maintenance done in a timely and effective manner. Failure to do so may cause an unexpected and hazardous accident.
- Defective parts: Problems with the brakes, the engine and even the tires can easily cause a truck-related accident anywhere. The manufacturer of these parts and the manufacturer of the trucks can be held liable in such cases.
Schedule A Complimentary Consultation With Our Truck Accident Law Firm
If you or your family member have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, big rig, or 18 wheeler, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’re here to answer any questions you may have and can share our track record for success. At Council & Associates, our only goal is to recover the maximum compensation available for every client while providing outstanding customer service. We fight hard for our clients because, “Our Firm Cares.”
