Commercial trucks are still one of the primary ways we move products needed in everyday life from one place to another today. Because of the high demand for these products, a large volume of commercial vehicles travel the highways daily. Accidents happen. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the vast majority of fatal and non-fatal crashes involving commercial trucks and tractor trailers occur during the overnight hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
It is believed this is because drivers are fatigued and do not take reasonable steps to be safe while driving, but there are many factors to consider. If you have been injured in an accident with a large commercial truck, it may be helpful to speak with a truck accident lawyer. This is the best way to ensure your rights and financial future are protected.
What Happens After A Truck Accident?
While your accident is most likely a traumatic event in your mind, the time period after an accident can determine how your case will play out. You may be still recovering from your injuries or facing months or even years of therapy or surgery before you can return to work. Having a car accident lawyer Milwaukee trusts can increase the likelihood of obtaining a fair settlement for your expenses, damaged property, and injuries. They may help you by:
- Hiring investigators to determine how the accident happened
- Speak with your doctors about your prognosis and long term care
- Consult with medical experts to prove your injuries are permanent or severe
- Interview witnesses to the accident
- Obtain trucking logs for the at-fault driver
- Obtain maintenance records for the commercial truck involved
- Negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance agency
- File your lawsuit in court
- Represent you at trial and fight for your rights
Proving Who Was At Fault
Because truck accidents typically leave victims of passenger cars with serious injuries, it is important to determine how the accident occurred and who was at fault. If you file a personal injury lawsuit to obtain compensation from the trucking company or truck manufacturer, you must be able to prove negligence occurred and caused your injuries. Some things that may point to negligence in truck accident cases include:
- Driving while fatigued
- Operating an overloaded truck
- Failing to perform routine maintenance on commercial trucks
- Operating a truck while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication
- Driving while distracted by mobile devices
- Tailgating
- Aggressive driving or road rage
If you have been involved in an accident and were injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or the vehicle manufacturer, it is important to speak with a lawyer to examine all of your options under the law. Having a lawyer working for you is the best way to protect your interests while your case is ongoing and you work to recover from your injuries.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Hickey & Turim SC for their insight into truck accident cases.
