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Truck Accident Resources

If you or a family member has been impacted by a truck accident, it is crucial to understand your rights and the legal process. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), semi-truck accidents saw a 13% increase from 2020 to 2021 — resulting in a 16-year high in traffic deaths. With traffic deaths and semi-truck accident numbers rising, it is more important than ever to familiarize yourself with your legal rights and the resources available. Here, you will find information on common causes of truck accidents, the role of trucking companies, and the steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Additionally, you can access information on state-specific truck accident laws, how fault is determined in a trucking accident, and how to choose a truck accident attorney.

I've Been in a Commercial Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, know that you are not alone. The aftermath of such an accident can be a traumatic and confusing time, but many resources are available to help you navigate this difficult period. Our resources will provide information and guidance on what to do after a semi-truck accident, what insurance covers and doesn't cover, how to navigate the legal process if a lawsuit is necessary, and more.

What to do after a truck accident

What to Do After a Truck Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is a valuable resource for trucking accident victims, providing clear and concise instructions on what to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident and in the days and weeks that follow.

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Hiring a truck accident attorney

How to Hire a Truck Accident Attorney

If you've never hired a lawyer before, the process can be daunting. Truck accident victims may need a specialized personal injury attorney; here's how to hire one.

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Semi-Truck Accident Litigation Resources

Semi-truck accidents can be life-changing for victims and their families, leaving them with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial difficulties. Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, but many resources are available to help victims of semi-truck accidents get the support and compensation they need. From hiring a truck accident lawyer to learning about the types of evidence presented in trucking accident lawsuits to determining liability, our resources are sure to provide information, guidance, and representation for those affected by these accidents.

evidence in truck accident lawsuits

Evidence and Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents

After a truck accident, determining liability is often the primary concern. There can be a lot of conflicting information when trying to figure out the next steps. This guide provides tips and recommendations for compiling compelling truck accident evidence when filing a claim for compensation.

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Truck accident lawsuit cost

How Much Will a Truck Accident Lawsuit Cost? [2023]

Almost all accidents involving cars and semi-trucks result in injury or property damage to one or both parties. This article provides information about hiring an attorney, how much your lawsuit might cost, and legal resources that can assist you in recovering from your accident. 

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Truck Accident Statistics and Other Information

Trucking accidents are a significant public safety concern in the United States. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), there are about 415,000 trucking accidents annually. This number accounts for just 7% of all motor vehicle accidents but contains some of the country's most dangerous and harmful crashes. Common causes of trucking accidents include fatigue, distracted driving, and reckless driving. These examples can lead to rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and more — causing catastrophic damage and significant loss to everyone involved. As the trucking industry continues to grow and play a vital role in our economy, it's essential to understand the causes of these accidents and take steps to prevent them in the future.

what does truck insurance cover

Trucking Insurance: What's Covered and What Isn't

This guide looks at the various types of trucking insurance policies available, what they cover, how insurance companies and courts determine liability in truck accidents, and what policyholders can expect to pay for coverage.

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common types of truck accidents

What Are the Most Common Types of Commercial Truck Accidents?

Commercial truck accidents are a serious concern on our highways, with hundreds of thousands of collisions occurring every year. These collisions often have devastating consequences as well as about 4,000 fatalities annually. Understanding the common causes and types of commercial truck accidents is crucial in preventing these incidents.

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State-Specific Truck Accident Laws

When navigating the legal terrain after a truck accident, it's important to understand how state-specific laws might affect your case. State-specific laws refer to the rules and regulations that govern individual states within the United States and are especially important to understand in truck accident law. These laws can affect your case's statute of limitations, the legal processes your lawyer has to follow, and how negotiations with an insurance company can proceed.

illinois trucking laws

Illinois Trucking Laws

If you’ve been injured in a crash with a commercial truck in IL, review these resources before consulting an experienced personal injury attorney specializing in commercial truck accidents. 

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What does a truck accident attorney do?

A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

What are the common causes of truck accidents?

Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

What should I do after a truck accident?

The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.