Lawyers are expensive, and many people think they can save money by handling their own case. But if you’ve been in a traffic collision involving a truck, hiring a lawyer may be the best decision you can make. Truck accident cases are complex, and usually require the help of an experienced attorney. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working on their behalf, and if you don’t have legal representation, you’ll be at a severe disadvantage.
A lawyer will also handle all the paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. And if your case goes to trial, having a lawyer by your side will increase your chances of success. So if you’ve been in a truck accident, it’s probably worth your while to contact a truck accident lawyer in Greensboro, NC.
In this article, we will go over each and every aspect of Truck Accidents and how you will benefit from hiring a Truck Accident Attorney. Ranging from repairing your vehicle, to long-term hospitalization, you will want an expert by your side that knows how to get the job done and will not rest until you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
Table of Contents
What Is Truck Accident?
A Truck Accident is defined as an accident involving a large truck, such as an 18-wheeler or semi-truck. These accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, bad weather, and road conditions. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death, due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved.
There are many different types of Truck Accidents, but here are 7 of the most common that include:
– Jackknife Accidents:
These accidents occur when the trailer of a truck swings out from behind the cab, forming a 90-degree angle. Jackknife accidents are often caused by braking too hard, or by driving too fast for road conditions.
– Rollover Accidents:
Rollover accidents can happen when a truck takes a turn too sharply, or if the load shifts unexpectedly. These accidents are especially dangerous because the weight of the truck can crush smaller vehicles, and the contents of the trailer can spill onto the roadway.
– Rear-End Collisions:
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of Truck Accidents. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including tailgating, driver fatigue, and distractions.
– Head-On Collisions:
Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of Truck Accidents. They often occur when a truck drifts into oncoming traffic, or if a driver falls asleep at the wheel.
– Underride Accidents:
Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle collides with the side or rear of a truck, and becomes wedged underneath. These accidents are often fatal, due to the crushing weight of the truck.
– Wide Turn Accidents:
Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings out into oncoming traffic while making a turn. These accidents can be caused by improper signaling, or by traveling too fast for road conditions.
– Sideswipe Accidents:
Sideswipe accidents happen when the side of a truck collides with another vehicle. These accidents are often caused by drivers changing lanes without checking their blind spot, or by trucks straddling lanes.
What Are The Causes Of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, mechanical failure, bad weather, and road conditions. Here are 7 of the most common causes of Truck Accidents include:
– Driver Fatigue:
Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of Truck Accidents. Truckers often work long hours, and may not get enough rest. This can lead to them falling asleep at the wheel, or making mistakes while driving.
– Distractions:
Distractions, such as talking on the phone or eating, can also lead to Truck Accidents. These distractions can take a trucker’s attention away from the road, and make it more likely that they’ll make an error.
– Improper Training:
Truckers must have a special license to operate their vehicles. However, not all truckers receive proper training before getting behind the wheel. This can lead to them making mistakes while driving, and increase the risk of an accident.
– Poorly Maintained Trucks:
If a truck isn’t properly maintained, it can lead to mechanical problems that can cause an accident. For example, if the brakes aren’t working properly, it can make it difficult for the truck to stop.
– Dangerous Road Conditions:
Bad weather and poor road conditions can also lead to Truck Accidents. For example, if the roads are icy, it can make it more difficult for a truck to stop.
– Improperly Loaded Trucks:
If a truck’s load isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit. This can make the truck unstable, and increase the risk of an accident.
– Intoxication:
Truckers are not allowed to drink alcohol before driving. However, some truckers do so anyway, which can lead to them being impaired while behind the wheel.
What Are The Consequences Of Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death, due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Here are 7 of the most common consequences of Truck Accidents include:
– Injuries:
Truck accidents often result in injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones and head injuries. In some cases, these injuries can be life-threatening.
– Disabilities:
Some truck accident victims suffer from disabilities, such as paralysis or brain damage. These disabilities can be permanent, and can drastically change a victim’s life.
– Death:
Sadly, some Truck Accidents result in death. This is often due to the severity of the injuries sustained, or because of the weight of the vehicles involved.
– Property Damage:
Truck accidents often result in property damage, such as damaged vehicles or destroyed buildings. This damage can be costly to repair, and may not be covered by insurance.
– Emotional Trauma:
Truck accidents can also cause emotional trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. This emotional trauma can be just as devastating as the physical injuries suffered.
– Loss Of Income:
If a truck accident victim is unable to work, they may suffer a loss of income. This lost income can make it difficult to pay bills, and may cause financial hardship.
– Strained Relationships:
Truck accidents often put a strain on relationships, such as marriages, families, and friendships. This strain can be due to the physical and emotional injuries suffered, or because of the financial hardships caused by the accident.
Should You Hire A Lawyer If You’ve Been In A Truck Accident?
If you’ve been in a truck accident, you may be wondering if you should hire a lawyer. Here are 3 reasons why you may want to consider hiring a lawyer after a truck accident:
– To Ensure Your Rights Are Protected:
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death. As such, the trucking company or their insurance company will likely try to minimize their liability. A lawyer can help protect your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
– To Help With The Claims Process:
The claims process following a truck accident can be complicated and confusing. A lawyer can help guide you through the process, and ensure that all the necessary paperwork is completed.
– To Help With Negotiations:
If you’re planning on filing a lawsuit, your lawyer will be able to negotiate with the trucking company or their insurance company on your behalf. This can help you receive a higher settlement, and avoid going to court.
Hiring a lawyer after a truck accident can be beneficial in many ways. However, it’s important to remember that not all lawyers are created equal. When choosing a lawyer, be sure to ask about their experience handling truck accident cases, as well as their success rate. You should also make sure that you feel comfortable communicating with them, and that they have your best interests at heart.
What Are The Injuries Associated With Truck Accidents?
Truck accidents often result in serious injuries or death, due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Simple physics and medical science dictate that the larger and heavier the object, the greater the damage it can do when it collides with a living being. That’s why car accidents often result in broken bones or cuts and bruises, while truck accidents often result in much more serious injuries, such as paralysis or brain damage.
Some of the most common injuries associated with Truck Accidents include:
– Traumatic Brain Injuries
The brain is highly sensitive, and can be easily injured in a truck accident. Common symptoms of a brain injury include headaches, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and memory loss.
– Spinal Cord Injuries
The spinal cord is responsible for carrying signals between the brain and the body. A spinal cord injury can cause paralysis, and may result in a loss of sensation or movement.
– Broken Bones
Broken bones are common in truck accidents, due to the force of the impact. These fractures can range from minor to severe, and may require surgery to heal properly.
– Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels are ruptured, and can often lead to death. This type of injury is often difficult to detect, as it may not show any external signs
– Internal Bleeding
Internal bleeding occurs when blood vessels are ruptured, and can often lead to death. This type of injury is often difficult to detect, as it may not show any external signs.
– Amputations
Amputations may be necessary if a limb is severely damaged in a truck accident. In some cases, the limb can be reattached, but often times amputation is the only option.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Truck Accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. These injuries can be life-threatening, and may require surgery or long-term hospitalization. In some cases, the injuries may be permanent, and can lead to disabilities.
FAQ
Why Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer?
Truck accident cases are complex, and usually require the help of an experienced attorney. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working on their behalf, and if you don’t have legal representation, this is simply because trucking companies will do whatever it takes to avoid paying out on a claim. They will try to shift blame onto the truck driver, or argue that the accident was caused by a third party. A lawyer will help you build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
A Truck Accident Lawyer will investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence to support your claim. He or she will also handle all the paperwork and negotiations with insurance companies, so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. And if your case goes to trial, having a lawyer by your side will increase your chances of success.
How Much Does A Truck Accident Lawyer Cost?
This is difficult to answer as some lawyers simply say that they won’t ask for any fee until you win your case and receive compensation. Some lawyers will charge an hourly rate, while others may charge a contingency fee. contingency fees are usually a percentage of the total amount awarded to you, so it’s important to ask about this before hiring an attorney.
Choosing The Right Truck Accident Lawyer
When choosing a Truck Accident Lawyer, it’s important to find someone who has experience handling cases like yours. He or she should also be familiar with the laws in your state, as they can vary from state to state. And finally, make sure you feel comfortable with the lawyer you choose, as you’ll be working closely with him or her on your case.
Truck accident cases are complex, and usually require the help of an experienced attorney, so don’t try to handle it on your own. If you’ve been in a truck accident, contact an experienced Truck Accident Lawyer today to discuss your case.