Truck accidents can be devastating and often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, seeking legal help is important. When it comes to truck accidents, experience matters.
You want to find a Lincoln personal injury lawyer who has experience handling truck accident cases specifically. This means the lawyer you choose should have a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry, as well as the common causes of truck accidents.
The Lincoln freight truck accident lawyers with Berry Law have a proven track record of success in complex truck crash litigation, and we may be able to help you.
Common Instances of Negligence that Lead to Trucking Accidents
A freight truck collision can be caused by a number of different things. An injury accident can result from the negligence of any of the many people who contribute to the safe operation of a single truck.
You might believe the cause of a crash to be obvious, but it isn’t always as it appears. A freight truck accident lawyer in Lincoln, NE, can examine the available evidence to establish what led to the accident and who is at fault. This can lead to other sources of liability that may increase the amount of compensation you recover.
Some commonly cited causes in 18-wheeler accident cases include:
Drunk Driving, Fatigued Driving, and Distracted Driving
Drivers are often subjected to long hours on the road and pressured to meet unreasonable deadlines by employers. They may even be asked to drive outside the legal limits of the hours of service allowed by law.
All of this can lead to distracted driving, drowsy driving, or even impaired driving due to the use of stimulant drugs or alcohol. This can lead to impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and even falling asleep at the wheel.
Freight Improperly Loaded or Overloaded Truck
Additionally, overloading or improperly loading a truck can cause it to be unstable and difficult to maneuver, especially in high winds or on steep inclines. Or, the freight can shift, causing the driver to lose control.
A freight truck accident attorney in Lincoln, NE, can investigate to determine if safety regulations were adhered to and if the freight loaders could be held liable.
Speeding or Disobeying Traffic Laws
Speeding is also a major cause of trucking accidents, as trucks are often large and difficult to maneuver at high speeds. This can lead to collisions with other vehicles, as well as rollovers and other types of accidents. The driver and driver’s employer could be held accountable for your injuries and losses with assistance from a truck accident lawyer in Lincoln.
Inexperienced Drivers
Improper training or lack of experience can also contribute to trucking accidents. When a driver is not properly trained, they may not know how to handle certain situations on the road, leading to mistakes or reckless behavior.
Many trucking companies cut corners and hire inexperienced drivers or fail to train employees properly. This can lead to the trucking company being held liable for accidents these drivers cause.
Trucking companies and drivers are responsible for their fleets. State and federal trucking laws require maintenance and regular safety inspections. When a company or driver fails to properly maintain their vehicle, they can be held responsible.
A truck accident lawyer in Lincoln will have familiarity with mechanical failure accidents and can gather inspection and maintenance records to identify any failures on the part of the trucking company.
How a Freight Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help Me With My Claim
There are a number of reasons why you should consider hiring a truck accident lawyer. First, commercial truck claims can present complexities that you may not be familiar with. For example, corporate institutions might be held liable for your crash, rather than just the individual drivers involved.
Second, at-fault parties in an 18-wheeler accident could include multiple entities, their lawyers, the insurance companies, and insurance company lawyers. This can include trucking companies, shipping companies, and even the manufacturers of the trucks involved.
In a complex situation like this one, you need legal representation. An experienced attorney will protect your interests, help you maintain eligibility for filing a lawsuit, and navigate potential roadblocks during negotiations.
Damages in a Truck Accident Case
Economic damages resulting from a truck accident are those that cover compensatory losses which are tangible and quantifiable, such as:
- Hospital expenses
- Medical bills
- Lost wages due to time spent away from work for recovery
- Property damage
- Other out-of-pocket costs
These damages are meant to return an injured person’s life and financial state to what was before the accident. Non-economic damages encompass the more subjective aspects of an injury victim’s losses, such as:
- Pain and suffering endured because of the crash
- Emotional trauma, mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
By having an experienced Lincoln trucking accident lawyer on your side, you can minimize the potential impact of your injury on your wallet and future ability to work. Lawyers who focus on truck accidents can help victims negotiate with insurance companies or go to court to get what they are owed.
If the circumstances warrant legal action, a lawyer can establish a solid case for fair and full compensation with the help of medical records provided by doctors as supporting evidence of injuries and proof of missing pay owing to recovery time.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Rights After a Freight Truck Accident in Lincoln
After being in a traumatic truck accident, the last thing you want to do is handle an insurance company and their many tactics. Working with the personal injury lawyers of Berry Law can help ensure your rights are protected while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
We can provide you with comprehensive advice and dedicated representation to ensure your personal injury claim is protected. Our attorneys understand that this is an intimidating and emotionally draining situation. We will fight to maximize your settlement and give you the time you need to focus on healing.
If you’ve been injured in a freight truck accident in Lincoln, contact us to find out how we can help protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve.
