In speaking with our clients, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions when a person has been injured or killed in a trucking accident. To help assist you, we have answered these questions in an easy-to-understand format. However, there is no substitute for a one-on-one consultation with an attorney. Please contact our office as soon as possible to work with a legal professional today.
Salt Lake City Large Truck Accident Attorney
What Makes Your Firm Different From Other Firms?
Above all, we treat our clients with attention and respect and give each case our dedication. Complementing our care, we have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the state and federal regulations governing trucking companies. In my experience as a Utah 18-wheeler personal-injury attorney, some firms sign up a trucking case without the proper knowledge and expertise to generate adequate results. You can take comfort in knowing that your lawsuit will be handled professionally and that the result will meet your expectations.
Is There Any State Or Federal Regulations Governing Truck Drivers?
Yes, there are many regulations imposed upon commercial trucks. Truck drivers are expected to follow all the road rules obeyed by regular drivers and many other regulations to enforce safety. Many of the laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines are created and enforced by the Federal Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both entities work to promote safety and save lives. Please visit their websites to find out more about truck safety laws and cite specific regulations.
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TRUCKING SAFETY QUESTIONS:
What are some of the dangers associated with large trucks and tractor-trailers?
The most dangerous aspect of a gigantic truck of this size is its size and weight. These factors account for many factors that can cause accidents and take lives. Due to the size of a truck, there can be problems with visibility and blind spots. There is also a great chance of the trailer swaying into another driver’s lane of traffic or the trailer tipping over. Because of these large vehicles’ weight, they have a hard time stopping and often collide with cars in their path.
What are some of the causes of tractor-trailer accidents and collisions?
There is an array of reasons that can cause or lead to trucking accidents. Human error is often amplified directly in part to the nature of the strenuous trucking industry. It is most troubling when these incidents are the direct results of the negligence of the driver. If more care were shown, then perhaps the accident would never have occurred. Furthermore, truckers are often pushed too far beyond their limitations to meet a deadline, causing them to be tired or distracted. Another large factor of wrongful action to the victim is when drivers do not follow their company’s safety protocol. Examples of this include the oversight of maintaining the vehicle’s integrity or failure to use hazard lights at appropriate times properly.
Below are the leading causes of typical trucking accidents and collisions:
- Fatigue or drowsy driving
- Bald or faulty tires
- Ineffective brakes
- Intoxicated driving
- Unsafe passing
- Unbalanced loads
- Insufficient training for truck drivers
- Traveling too fast for road conditions
- Unfamiliar roadway
Do I need to see a doctor after my accident, even if I feel fine?
Simply put, yes. There are a lot of parts of your body that are incredibly fragile. You can easily mistake a seemingly harmless symptom for something dangerous or even deadly. For example:
Brain Damage: The brain is a too delicate part of your body. If your brain was hurt in a wreck, you might not realize the effects right away. You may begin to experience memory relapses or headaches. These could be sure to tell signs of damage to the brain.
Nerve damage: Nerve damage can also cause trouble that might not surface right away. You may attribute your feeling a little odd or different after the wreck to nothing more than a sore muscle. Whiplash, a concussion, or even something worse could be happening, and you may not even realize it.
Skull Fractures: As previously stated, the brain is fragile. This is why the skull is made so tough. Even though the skull can take a pretty good beating, it is not uncommon for an auto accident victim to have hairline stress cracks in the skull.
These are just some examples of common side effects of a trucking crash that go dismissed or unnoticed altogether. For your safety, always seek medical attention after a crash, collision, or accident.
LEGAL QUESTIONS:
Who can be sued in a trucking accident lawsuit?
Generally, the truck driver’s employer or the trucking company’s proprietor will be held accountable for the actions of their employee. When an employer is held responsible for an employee’s negligence or misbehavior, it is known as vicarious liability theory or imputed negligence theory. As long as the driver was doing their job and was following company standard, and taking reasonable safety precautions, the company will almost always be held accountable, i.e., the entity being sued. However, some limitations may be applicable. For example, if the truck driver was using the company vehicle without permission, outside of business hours, the driver individually will be held accountable, not the company. Too, the truck driver may carry their insurance policy that you can also make a claim again. The right party must be summoned and held responsible. An experienced attorney will help you look at your case and make the right decisions.
What damages can be recovered in a truck accident lawsuit?
At Utah Personal Injury Law, we relentlessly fight to help our clients recover all of their damages. Whatever damages you have suffered, whether they are mental, emotional, physical, or financial, we will make it our duty to recover for you. This means:
- Medical bills
- Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering
- Lost Job / Time off Work
- Out of Pocket Expenses
- Property Damage
- Future medical treatment
- Future pain and suffering
The list can go on to include virtually any damage you have suffered due to the negligence of another. Remember that you and your attorney are a team, and only together can you properly assess and demand all reparations for damages caused to you.
Is there any information I should get to support a potential claim?
The more information you can gather for your attorney, the more effectively and efficiently your case can be handled. Gathering information includes compiling a list of potential witnesses to the accident, obtaining a police report, keeping a detailed journal, going to a doctor to get your treatment documented and handled, and keeping track of your healing process. To make a case, you need as much evidence as possible.
Again, this is just a quick, helpful guide to the common questions you may encounter during your case’s development and progression. Remember, during your time of need, you can never get enough help. There is no substitute for an experienced and professional attorney in terms of financial recovery from your trucking accident. For top-notch results in your trucking accident, trucking crash, or trucking collision, contact a Utah 18 Wheeler Personal Injury Attorney today.
The Importance Of Speaking With An Attorney
Recreational accident cases are unique in nature and require an experienced law firm to properly handle. Participants or guests engaged in managed and coordinated activities have a reasonable guarantee that precautions have been taken. It can be difficult for the injured parties to show that there was negligence of another that resulted in their injury. Furthermore, Insurance companies have a reputation for making it difficult to collect fair and just compensation. If you are looking for someone to fight for your rights we highly recommend requesting a case review today. Our attorneys can help you cut through red tape to get your case handled professionally and efficiently.
Insurance Companies Are Not On Your Side.
We are not here to try and villainize anyone. However, insurance companies do not have your best interests in mind. Insurance companies have a financial interest in paying you as little as possible for your injuries. Automobile insurance is supposed to step in and help take care of people who have been injured or suffered a loss due to an auto accident. Sadly, insurance companies often take advantage of victims by offering a quick, low-ball settlement for personal injuries and damage to the vehicle or by attempting to deny a claim and abandon the victim completely. Don’t let insurance companies walk away from their responsibilities. Ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, rehabilitative therapy, vehicle damage, lost wages, and other costs.
Why You Need A Car Crash Attorney.
An attorney can help you fight for what is rightfully yours. The cards are not stacked in your favor. We do not collect a fee unless your case settles or we win at trial. Call or Contact our office today.