Lancaster Truck Accident Lawyers

Most Common Causes For Truck Accidents

Collisions involving large trucks such as semi-trucks, big rigs, or 18-wheelers can have serious consequences. There are a variety of factors that may be considered when determining the cause of these types of accidents.

Some of the most common causes of truck accidents are:

Driver Fatigue

Despite laws that limit how many hours truck drivers are allowed to work in order to protect their safety, some will push themselves beyond the limits in pursuit of extra income. This can lead to driver fatigue which could adversely affect a driver’s vision, reaction time, coordination and decision-making ability.

Poor Maintenance and Equipment Failure

Maintaining a vehicle is critical for keeping it in good condition and safe to operate. If an accident occurs due to defective parts or equipment, the manufacturer may be held responsible for any trucking accidents that result in injury or property damage.

Driving Under the Influence

Research conducted by the American Addiction Centers found that 27.6% of surveyed truck drivers had used illicit drugs. The potential harm caused by a truck crash due to drunk drivers, with catastrophic injuries being among the possible consequences.

Speeding & Aggressive Driving

Going over the speed limit can be severely dangerous and may lead to motor vehicle accidents. This is especially true for heavy trucks, as their weight makes it harder to maintain control when turning or stopping quickly. Taking extra precautions when driving these vehicles at higher speeds is essential in order to prevent any potential danger.

Distracted Driving

Engaging in distracting activities while driving can be extremely hazardous, as it puts both the driver and other motorists at risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,142 individuals lost their lives in car accidents as a result of distracted driving.

Tailgating

Following too closely behind a truck can be hazardous since they take longer to come to a full stop and may not be able to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of them. It is best to keep your distance from a truck on the road to avoid a fatal collision.

Natural Disasters

Low visibility, slippery road, and poor weather conditions can reduce the ability of truck drivers to see other vehicles on the road, making them more prone to accidents.

Improperly Loaded Trailers

If cargo is improperly loaded, it can lead to dangerous situations such as tire blowouts, objects falling off the truck, and an increased chance of collisions with other vehicles or loss of control. Additionally, improperly loaded trucks may cause rollover accidents and jackknifes as well.

Who Can Be Held Liable For a Truck Accident?

In a truck accident case, multiple parties could potentially be the responsible party for the incident. It can be tricky to identify which party is liable, so it is crucial to obtain the legal advice of experienced Lancaster truck accident lawyers.

The following parties may be held liable for the truck collision:

• Truck Owner – Truck owners are responsible for ensuring their vehicle is in a safe and operational state. If they fail to maintain their truck and an accident or injury results from this negligence, they may be held responsible.
• Truck Company – If a trucking company is found to be at fault for an accident, the company can be held accountable for its negligence. This could include employing reckless or unskilled commercial drivers or failing to keep their vehicles in proper condition. Trucking companies must abide by federal regulations, therefore it is essential that they adhere to them at all times.
• Truck Driver – If a traffic accident is caused by the negligence of a commercial truck driver, the truck accident victim may file a personal injury claim against the driver and recover fair compensation for their injuries and damages.
• Truck Manufacturers – If faulty steering systems, brakes, or hitches are the cause of a truck accident, the truck manufacturer may be held liable for the accident.
• Cargo Loaders – Loading cargo incorrectly or in excess can lead to serious trucking accidents, and the loaders responsible for this could be held liable. This is because improperly loading cargo can cause the driver to lose control, or the cargo itself may harm someone.
• City or County Government – The city or county government may be deemed the liable party if the truck accident was caused by poor road conditions, inadequate lighting, or insufficient traffic signs.

Most Common Injuries Sustained in a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can result in a variety of injuries, these may range from minor to severe. The severity of these injuries will depend on the specifics of the accident. Some of the most common truck accident injuries include:

Broken Bones

Due to the weight and the speed at which trucks travel, the impact from an accident may lead to broken bones and crushing injuries. Passengers may be thrown against their vehicle’s dashboard, windshield, seats, and doors.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traffic collisions involving trucks can lead to serious brain injuries, even in a minor collision. A blow to the head can cause the brain to move around violently inside the skull, potentially resulting in bleeding or inflammation. Treatment for these types of injuries could be costly and may become long-term.

Internal Injuries

A collision involving a truck can lead to serious injuries such as broken ribs, internal bleeding, and organ damage that may require quick medical care.

Back Injuries

Due to their size and mass, a collision involving a truck may lead to more severe back, neck, and spinal injuries compared to other types of collisions. This can be particularly serious with head-on or side impacts resulting in spinal dislocation that may cause chronic pain, hindering a person’s ability to resume regular activities.

Spinal Cord Injuries

A truck accident can lead to a serious injury, such as a spinal injury, causing paralysis in some cases and significantly reducing the quality of life of those affected.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a common injury in auto accidents. This type of injury is common in rear-end collisions and may often result in stiffness and pain.

Cuts and Lacerations

Injuries caused by sharp objects piercing the skin, such as lacerations and cuts, are often a result of truck accidents due to broken glass pieces and exposed metal.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

As the injured party, you may be eligible to file a truck accident claim for the injuries and damages you sustained in the accident. To ensure the value of your claim, there are several steps you may take the following steps to ensure the validity of your claim:

1. Contact the police – It is crucial that the police are contacted immediately after the accident. A police officer must be present at the accident scene to document the accident and file a report. Remember to procure the number of the police report as this may be used by your experienced truck accident lawyer as evidence in your claim.
2. Seek medical care – You must receive emergency medical treatment promptly following a catastrophic accident, even if you suspect that you may have only sustained minor injuries. An accident victim may sustain internal injuries in which symptoms do not present themselves outwardly. Failure to treat these injuries immediately could cause further medical complications.
3. Document the accident scene – It is wise to take photos from a variety of perspectives at the accident scene, including items that could be helpful in establishing your claim. This might include skid marks or insufficient roadside signs. Additionally, don’t forget to capture evidence of any injuries sustained in the incident.
4. Collect the truck driver’s information – You must obtain the name, contact number, insurance company, license plate of the truck, and company details after an accident involving a truck. Obtaining this information will enable you and your truck accident attorney to move forward with filing a personal injury claim.
5. Collect witness information – If there were any individuals that witnessed the truck accident, it is crucial to get their contact information including their name, phone number, and other pertinent facts. These witnesses may possess important evidence that could help support your case.
6. Contact Lancaster truck accident lawyers ASAP – It is in your best interest to obtain legal representation from an experienced truck accident attorney to help guide you through the claims process. At Farahi Law Firm, we strive to provide you with the necessary resources and assistance to obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Recoverable Compensation in a Truck Accident

Recovering from the injuries sustained in a truck accident can be a long and difficult process. As previously mentioned, truck crashes can lead to serious injuries and substantial property damage, both of which may disrupt one’s daily activities or prevent them from working, resulting in economic losses. The negligent party could be liable for these monetary damages. Truck accident victims may be eligible for the following compensatory damages:

• Medical expenses
• Future medical bills
• Physical therapy
• Loss of property
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment
• Other financial losses resulting from the accident
• Punitive damages
• And more

In the event that the truck accident caused the wrongful death of your loved one, you may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim on their behalf. Although no amount of compensation is enough to make up for the loss of a loved one, this settlement offer will cover bills such as funeral expenses and other financial burdens that result from the accidents.

You must have experienced Lancaster truck accident lawyers by your side to ensure that your rights are safeguarded by insurance companies. These insurance adjusters may wish to trick you into lowering the value of your claim in order to avoid offering you a fair settlement offer.

Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact Farahi Law Firm Today!

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident due to the actions of an at-fault party, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages.

At Farahi Law Firm, we understand the difficulty of dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident. Our team will deal with the complex paperwork of your case, put you in touch with the best medical professionals, and ensure that you receive the fair compensation you need and deserve.

We work on a contingency basis and offer a No Fee Guarantee policy. This means you won’t need to pay us a single cent until we win your case. Contact us today at (661) 689-5718 for a free consultation. Your justice is our cause!