Truck Accident Law: What's New? No One Is Discussing Truck Accident Law

A competent truck accident lawyer is knowledgeable about the trucking industry, encompassing the specific laws that govern truck drivers and trucking companies. They will conduct an investigation and discover evidence such as the maintenance records of the trucking firm that could prove negligence.

A NYC truck accident lawyer can assist you in determining who's at fault for your incident and assist you in recovering your injuries.

1. Driver injured or fatigued

When a vehicle driven by a person collides with a truck, the most efficient method to determine the liability is to examine the manner of driving and behavior. A truck accident attorney can use surveillance footage and testimony from witnesses to determine the driver at fault.


A lot of places have surveillance cameras. This includes many intersections hotels, interchanges gas stations and restaurants. A skilled truck accident lawyer could use this evidence to identify potential defendants, particularly when the driver was unobservant or distracted during the time of the accident.

In the event of a truck crash it could be that the driver was fatigued or even injured during the time of the crash. The road logs of drivers will show if they had a sleepless night or did not follow the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which limit the time truckers are allowed to spend on the road.

The trucking company may also be held accountable for negligent actions of their employees. A negligent hiring practice or training policy could have led to the accident. Policies that encourage drivers to drive for as long as they can, reducing their rest and sleep hours and putting them at risk for accidents may have contributed.

If a dangerous road caused an accident the government agency responsible for maintaining it can be held responsible. A truck accident lawyer who is well-versed can identify the responsible agency and engage an expert in construction or maintenance with experience to look into the causes of any dangerous conditions, if applicable. An experienced lawyer can identify multiple parties who may be accountable, and seek compensation from every source.

2. Defective Equipment

Many truck accidents are caused by faulty equipment, such as brakes and tires, coupling systems, and cargo restraints. These pieces of equipment are designed to withstand a lot of use and should be checked, maintained, and repaired to prevent failure. When something goes wrong, it could render the driver of a truck unable to control the vehicle and may result in fatal or serious collisions. Damaged parts and equipment for trucks could be the fault of several different entities which include the trucking company or the manufacturer, as well as the parts dealer or repair shop.

If an accident occurs because of an equipment or a component that is damaged, the victim can claim damages for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages include medical expenses both now and in the future, lost income and loss of earning potential. Noneconomic damages could include discomfort and pain or traumatic brain injuries and emotional anxiety. In certain cases, punitive damages may be given to punish the defendant and to prevent future mistakes.

Despite the best efforts by trucking companies and drivers equipment malfunctions will always occur. It is crucial to identify the responsible parties to seek compensation for your losses.

If you have been involved in a truck accident The experienced lawyers at Burch Law Firm are able to assist. Contact rockford truck accident lawyer for an appointment at no cost. Our lawyers will go over the case, determine responsible parties and fight to get the compensation you deserve. We can help you obtain compensation for medical bills as well as lost wages from work, and physical and emotional pain. We handle cases across Missouri, including Jefferson City, Columbia, and St. Louis. We are available to take your calls anytime all week long.

3. Improperly Loaded Cargo

Loaders and drivers of trucks must adhere to strict guidelines regarding stacking and secure the cargo they transport on the road. If they don't follow these guidelines could lead to serious issues. In a recent report the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration discovered that shifting cargo is among the leading causes of truck accidents.

A large number of truck accidents involve cargo falling off the vehicle and onto other vehicles or the roadway. This is especially dangerous because the cargo can create a risk or a problem on the road and force other drivers to slow down. It may also fall onto people walking or riding bikes within the vicinity of a truck.

In the event of the accident, there may be multiple parties to blame. If an individual driver was negligent in loading his or her cargo, for example the driver could be held liable according to the legal theory of respondeat superior. However, the trucking company that employs that driver might be liable as well, since it is accountable for the actions of its employees under the principle of vicarious liability.

In instances where an accident was caused by unsafely loaded or secured cargo, a seasoned truck accident lawyer can use professional investigators and police reports to determine what went wrong and who was responsible. A Cordisco and SAIL LLC attorney can assist victims in determining which defendants they should pursue a claim for compensation against. A successful claim may result in a verdict or settlement that provides victims with the financial assistance they require to recover.

4. Unsafe Road Conditions

Trucking companies and their drivers have a duty to keep their trucks in good working condition. If they fail to do so it could lead to serious accidents. To ensure that trucks work properly, mechanical parts are frequently checked and replaced. If this is not done, it could result in a dangerous and unsafe road.

Truck crashes can also be caused by dangerous weather and road conditions. Due to their huge size, trucks are more likely to be involved in a crash if they drive in bad conditions or on roads that are wet. Additionally, truck drivers are required to adhere to strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration guidelines regarding the number of hours they can travel each day. These rules are meant to protect the public. However truckers disregard these rules in order to meet deadlines or to earn more money from employers, they place the public at risk.

Unsafe road conditions could include slick pavement that stops tires from maintaining traction, potholes and uneven surface that causes skidding. Other issues include poor lane markings such as solid or broken lane lines that make drivers confused about which lane they're on, and merging lane ramps that are too small for larger vehicles to safely change lanes.

If a truck crash occurs due to road conditions that are poor the trucking company or the government agency that is responsible to maintain that road could be held liable. It is necessary to prove that the party who caused the accident violated their duty of care in creating dangerous conditions. This can include negligent hiring and maintenance of the vehicle, or drug testing. California law permits victims to claim damages for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as suffering and loss of quality of life.

5. Injuries to pedestrians

Truck accidents can be extremely hazardous for pedestrians walking along roadways or even in their own backyards. The pedestrians aren't always protected from the weight and size of a truck and can suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.

In these types of situations an attorney for personal injury will seek compensation from any party that was negligent. In some instances, the negligent party may be the driver of the truck who ran a red flag and struck the pedestrian. In other instances, it could be a trucking company which allowed the trucker work longer than the law allows, or failed to maintain the vehicle in a proper manner.

Accidents involving pedestrians and trucks are often caused by drivers' inattention or apathy. This type of accident happens frequently in car accidents, but it can be fatal for truck drivers since they are higher up and have more blind zones which are difficult to perceive.

If a pedestrian gets injured in a crash involving a truck it is possible to be awarded compensation for medical bills and loss of earnings, injuries and suffering, as well as property damage. In certain cases, the plaintiff is found to be partially at fault for the accident because of their own actions (such as not turning over to the left side when the truck started to turn) the compensation they receive could be reduced in proportion. This is why it is important to hire a knowledgeable and experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case. Contact us today to begin.