Victim of a truck accident?

Trucking accidents can result in devastating injuries and damages due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. If you sustained injuries in a trucking accident, it’s important to understand your rights and take appropriate steps to protect yourself.

A truck accident lawyer from Sweet James can explain your legal options and help you navigate the claims process after a wreck. With our personal injury lawyers on your side, you’ll have all the resources and guidance you need to face the claims process after an accident.

We’re real lawyers who get real results for injury victims who turn to us for assistance. You can rely on us to prioritize your needs as we guide you through the legal system and stand up for your rights every step of the way.

What Is the Contingency Fee in a Truck Accident Case?

What Is the Contingency Fee in a Truck Accident Case?

The contingency fee for handling your truck crash claim can vary. Contingency fees are used most often in personal injury lawsuits. In these cases, the client pays contingency fees to a truck accident injury attorney only if the attorney handles the case successfully.

Our truck accident injury lawyers only get paid if we win your case. You will not be responsible for any costs advanced by the firm if we do not obtain a recovery.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

After an accident, you must understand that the law sets strict deadlines for filing a truck accident claim. Individuals injured in trucking collisions must act within a specific time frame known as the statute of limitations. Depending on the circumstances, this deadline may be as short as 180 days or extend up to several years.

Each state gets to set its own statute of limitations for personal injury claims, so we need to review the specific regulations in your area before we can give you information about upcoming deadlines for your case.

If you don’t meet this important requirement, the court system could bar you from pursuing the compensation you need to cover your medical bills and other losses. Our truck accident lawyers can help you understand and comply with these time limits.

What Compensation Can You Receive for Truck Accident Injuries?

What Compensation Can You Receive for Truck Accident Injuries?

When you work with a truck accident attorney, they will seek financial recovery for all of your medical expenses. Depending on your circumstances, you may need compensation to pay for your:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Time spent in a hospital
• Medical diagnostic tests
• Surgeries and other medical procedures
• Medications
• Physical therapy and rehabilitative care

An attorney will need to carefully track all of your medical bills in order to ensure you receive fair compensation after a crash involving a large truck.

You May Also Get Compensation for Your Vehicle Repairs

The party responsible for your crash may have to cover the cost of repairing your vehicle or any other property damaged in the crash. Additionally, you may get funds to replace property that sustained too much damage in the collision.

The Liable Party May Have to Cover Your Lost Income

We know that you may end up missing a lot of time at work after a collision involving a large commercial vehicle. In this situation, the liable party may have to cover your lost wages.

If you end up disabled due to the severity of your injuries, you could get additional compensation for your reduced earning potential. We can track all of these losses on your behalf when you reach out to us for help and support.

We Can Focus on Getting You Compensation for Your Pain and Suffering

You may also qualify for compensation to cover the non-economic expenses associated with your collision. Your non-economic damages could include things like your emotional distress, mental anguish, and physical pain.

Our team knows how to determine a fair value for these losses, and we’re ready to discuss them when you reach out to us. We want to help you make a full financial recovery, so don’t wait to get the help you deserve.

Some Injury Victims Get Punitive Damages

Finally, some states allow injury victims to seek punitive damages from the liable party after a trucking crash. Punitive damages are designed to punish the individual responsible for your accident and do not directly correlate to the losses you sustained.

Note that not every injury victim receives punitive damages. We’ll tell you more about this form of compensation when you reach out to us to discuss the specifics of your legal situation.

What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?

What Is the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?

There isn’t an average amount of compensation available to truck accident victims. Instead, our team focuses on determining an accurate value for the losses faced by each individual hurt in a crash with a big rig, tractor-trailer, semi-truck, or another large commercial vehicle.

We take the time to carefully review your situation so that we can determine precisely how much money you need to make a full financial recovery after your crash.

Can I Negotiate a Truck Accident Settlement?

Can I Negotiate a Truck Accident Settlement?

While you can attempt to negotiate with the insurance company representing the liable party after a trucking accident, doing so can reduce your chances of getting fair compensation for your losses. These companies know how to deny claims and undervalue the losses of injury victims.

Generally, you want a truck accident lawyer on your side to handle negotiations for you. An attorney can level the playing field when it comes to dealing with insurance representatives by carefully reviewing each settlement offer and rejecting ones that fail to properly cover your losses.

You should not sign any paperwork or agree to anything offered by the insurance company without speaking to your lawyer.

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Liability depends on who caused your truck crash. Determining fault in trucking accident cases is often complicated because multiple entities may be involved, such as the truck operator, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or parts manufacturers.

Issues like careless driving, mechanical problems, improper cargo loading, or noncompliance with federal safety rules can all play a role in your case, making it harder to establish liability.

Our truck accident attorneys can perform a detailed investigation to determine which parties are responsible. Contact our personal injury lawyers to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how the legal system handles liability in truck accident cases and how we may assist you.

When to Consult a Lawyer After a Truck Accident

When to Consult a Lawyer After a Truck Accident

You should consult an attorney immediately after a collision with a large truck. Facing the claims process after a serious truck crash requires the assistance of a truck accident attorney who can help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and advocate for compensation.

From negotiating with insurance companies to representing you in court, our attorneys can guide and support you throughout the legal process.

If you wait to seek legal assistance, it can give the at-fault party a chance to weaken your claim. You should focus on getting professional help right away, so don’t wait to turn to us for assistance.

What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Truck accident lawyers provide comprehensive legal assistance to injury victims. Depending on the needs of a client, an attorney may:

Offer Personalized Attention

At our truck accident law firm, we treat clients with compassion, respect, and personalized attention. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique circumstances and tailor legal strategies to meet your individual needs and goals.

Provide Passionate Advocacy

We are known for our dedicated advocacy on behalf of our clients. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies and trucking companies to fight for the results you need to put this accident behind you. Our truck accident attorneys will provide empathetic counsel and work hard to protect your rights.

Offer a Free Consultation

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to trucking accident victims. During your consultation, you can discuss the details of your case with an attorney, get answers to your questions, and learn more about your legal options moving forward.

If you sustained injuries in a trucking accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Sweet James today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about what it takes to get compensation and justice after a truck crash.

Answer All Your Legal Questions

Your attorney can provide clear, straightforward answers to any questions you have about the legal process after a collision. We’ll take the time to really listen to all of your concerns, and then we’ll ensure you have the answers you need to make informed decisions throughout the legal process.

What Is the Process for Truck Accident Insurance Claims?

What Is the Process for Truck Accident Insurance Claims?

Seeking compensation for trucking accident injuries often involves filing an insurance claim with the trucking company’s insurer. This process requires you to complete specific forms and submit them to the insurance company. The company then reviews your claim and makes a decision about approving or denying your request for compensation.

Insurance companies may offer low settlements in an attempt to minimize their financial liability. A trucking accident attorney can review any settlement offers you receive from the insurance company and negotiate on your behalf.

We will work with you to identify all the economic and non-economic losses you’ve suffered due to the accident. We’ll work tirelessly to protect you from dishonest insurance tactics and safeguard your best interests throughout the negotiation process.

What Evidence Is Needed for a Truck Accident Case?

What Evidence Is Needed for a Truck Accident Case?

When building a truck accident claim, your attorney needs to gather all evidence that can show that someone else owed you a duty of care, violated that duty, and directly caused your accident and financial losses.

Examples of evidence that we may need to handle your personal injury claim include:

• Information from the truck’s black box data recorder
• Statements from eyewitnesses
• Copies of the official police report
• Video surveillance footage of the crash
• Information from the trucker’s driving record

Additionally, your legal team may work with accident reconstruction specialists to get a better idea of what caused the collision. You can rely on Sweet James to collect all evidence related to your claim so we can improve your chances of getting maximum compensation for your losses.

What Is Discovery in Truck Accident Cases?

What Is Discovery in Truck Accident Cases?

Discovery in a truck accident claim is a process where both parties focus on gathering information about the crash. Discovery occurs early in the legal process, and it allows both sides to clarify their claims. In many cases, discovery increases the odds of both parties reaching a settlement instead of going to court.

Discovery also encourages full transparency on the part of all involved legal parties. Going through discovery helps prevent unexpected evidence during a trial. In many cases, this process focuses on determining the causes of your accident and establishing the extent of your injuries.

Discovery also allows your attorney to fully explore the financial impact of an accident on your life. We can give you more information about the discovery process when you reach out to us for a risk-free initial consultation. 

Do Truck Drivers Get Drug Tested After an Accident?

Do Truck Drivers Get Drug Tested After an Accident?

Truck drivers must take drug tests after some motor vehicle collisions. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides information about when testing occurs and what tests are required. According to the agency, truckers must submit to drug testing:

• For accidents involving a human fatality
• For accidents resulting in injuries that require immediate medical care if the crash results in a citation to the driver
• For accidents resulting in disabling damage to a vehicle if they result in a citation to the driver

Truckers may also have to submit to drug testing if they appear under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a trucker fails a drug test after hitting your vehicle, it could strengthen your claim for compensation.

Who Is Eligible to Sue After a Fatal Truck Accident?

Who Is Eligible to Sue After a Fatal Truck Accident?

Eligibility to file a wrongful death claim after the loss of a loved one varies based on your state‘s laws. Some states allow a close family member to file a wrongful death claim against the liable party, while others require a personal representative for the deceased to take this step.

Your attorney will need to review the specific regulations for your area in order to provide information about your eligibility to file a claim.

A truck accident lawyer can also explain the steps you need to take if you lose a loved one in a trucking accident caused by someone else’s negligent behavior. Your attorney can handle all legal matters while allowing you to focus on caring for the emotional needs of your family.

How Long Do You Have to Sue After a Deadly Crash?

The time available to move forward with a wrongful death claim after a deadly collision with a commercial vehicle will vary based on your state’s laws. In many cases, families will get a few years to take action, but you should reach out to an attorney for more specific information about the deadlines in your situation.

What Type of Compensation Do You Get Through a Wrongful Death Claim?

The funds available to your family after a fatal accident will vary based on the laws in your state. In many cases, families have a chance to secure compensation for their loved one’s medical, funeral, and burial expenses.

You may also qualify for compensation to address your loved one’s pain and suffering as well as your lost companionship, guidance, love, and care, depending on where you live and the laws in your area.

Our team can give you more information about your eligibility to file a wrongful death claim and the potential outcomes of winning a claim when you reach out to us for help.

What Type of Doctor to See if You’re Injured in a Truck Accident

What Type of Doctor to See if You’re Injured in a Truck Accident

The type of doctors you need to see after sustaining injuries in a truck accident will depend on your medical needs. You may need to see a doctor in the emergency room if you experience catastrophic injuries in a crash involving a commercial motor vehicle.

You may also need to see a surgeon, internist, or physical therapist. Your injuries will determine what kind of doctor you need to visit in order to make a full recovery after your collision.

Your truck accident lawyer can track all of your medical expenses as you visit different healthcare professionals to get the treatment you need.

What Medical Records Should You Have for a Truck Accident Case?

What Medical Records Should You Have for a Truck Accident Case?

You should have all the medical records that relate to the care you received after a collision as you work on your claim against a truck driver, trucking company, or another liable party. You may need records for your:

• Initial treatment
• Time spent in the hospital
• Surgical procedures
• Medical diagnostic test results
• Physical therapy appointments
• Prescription medications

Your medical records can clearly establish the extent of the losses you faced due to an accident. They also provide information about the severity of your injuries, making it easier for a jury or insurance representative to understand the impact of an accident on your life.

Can Pre-Existing Conditions Affect a Truck Accident Claim?

Can Pre-Existing Conditions Affect a Truck Accident Claim?

Yes, pre-existing conditions can affect a truck accident claim. If the insurance company learns that you had a pre-existing health condition, they could try to use this information to deny your claim or reduce the funds available to you to cover your medical expenses and other losses.

For example, let’s say that you sought treatment for back pain before getting into a trucking accident. The accident caused a spinal cord injury (SCI) that required expensive medical care and caused additional back pain.

In this situation, the insurance company could try to claim that your back injury existed before the crash, so they should not have to cover your losses. A truck accident lawyer can work to establish that your collision caused all of the injuries you sustained, which can improve your chances of getting fair compensation for your losses.

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Truck Accident?

Who Pays for Medical Bills After a Truck Accident?

The party responsible for your crash should have to pay for your healthcare expenses after a commercial vehicle accident. Depending on your situation, that means you could need to bring a claim against:

A Truck Driver

Truckers cause many collisions and may hold legal responsibility for your crash. If an independent truck owner/operator caused your crash, we may need to seek payment for your medical bills directly from them.

The Trucking Company

Often, trucking companies hold responsibility for collisions caused by truckers. For example, the trucking company may have to pay for your losses if an employee of the company hits your vehicle.

The company may also hold legal responsibility for your crash if improper maintenance or dangerous hiring practices contributed to your crash. We could also pursue the company for compensation if they overloaded a truck or otherwise engaged in dangerous activities.

Commercial truck insurance policies can be 50 times larger than auto accident policies, which incentivizes insurance companies to use veteran adjusters and lawyers to prove that they were not liable for your accident.

The Truck Manufacturer

In some cases, trucking accidents happen due to defective parts. In this situation, we could go after the manufacturer of the parts or the truck. We can help you get a better understanding of who needs to pay for your medical bills and other losses after a collision when you contact us for professional help and support.

Another Motorist

Sometimes, other drivers end up causing tremendous collisions involving commercial vehicles. In this situation, we would pursue a claim against the motorist who caused the crash.

Depending on your situation, we may end up seeking compensation from multiple parties. More than one person could hold liability for your crash, so it’s crucial that you reach out to us for help quickly.

We need to investigate so we can determine who caused your crash and who needs to pay for your losses.

How Long Will Pain Last After a Truck Accident?

How Long Will Pain Last After a Truck Accident?

Every injury victim’s pain lasts for a different amount of time after a commercial vehicle accident. The time it takes for your pain to pass will depend on the nature and severity of your injuries.

Sometimes, pain passes quickly, especially if you are dealing with relatively minor injuries. In other cases, such as those involving nerve damage, you could experience some degree of pain for the rest of your life.

We believe that the party responsible for your crash should have to pay for all the physical pain you experience, along with your emotional distress and all mental anguish associated with your collision. We can determine a fair value for these accident effects when you contact us for support.

Can You Suffer PTSD After a Truck Accident?

Can You Suffer PTSD After a Truck Accident?

Yes, you can experience Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after a trucking accident. Many injury victims report experiencing the symptoms of PTSD and require treatment for the condition.

You may need to speak with a mental healthcare professional about PTSD if you experience these symptoms after your crash:

• Unwanted and distressing memories of the crash that return over and over
• Flashbacks of the collision or unsettling dreams
• Negative changes to your mood and thinking
• Feelings of anger, guilt, fear, or shame
• Memory problems
• Feelings of detachment or feeling emotionally numb
• A higher chance of being frightened or startled
• Feeling that you must always be on guard
• Problems sleeping or concentrating
• Aggressive behavior or irritability

If you experience these symptoms, you can seek an official diagnosis from a healthcare professional. PTSD is a serious condition, and you do not have to face it alone.

Can You Get Compensation for PTSD Symptoms?

You may qualify for money to pay for the effects of PTSD on your life. The liable party could have to pay for any treatments you need during your recovery from PTSD, as well as the emotional and mental effects of this condition.

Our team can focus on bringing you the funds you need to fairly cover your losses when you reach out to us for help.

Can You Experience Other Mental or Emotional Effects After a Crash?

Many injury victims experience mental and emotional effects after a collision. For example, you may experience feelings of anxiety or depression after your crash. The liable party may have to cover these costs along with any other expenses associated with your collision.

Will My Truck Accident Case Go to Trial?

Will My Truck Accident Case Go to Trial?

If we cannot reach a fair settlement through negotiations, we may need to help you file a personal injury lawsuit, so your truck accident case could go to trial. That said, litigation can be incredibly challenging without the help of an attorney.

Fortunately, our truck accident lawyers can represent you in court, present evidence and arguments on your behalf, and advocate for your rights throughout the legal process.

We know what it takes to aggressively represent our clients in and out of the courtroom. We’ll explain all the potential options to help you get fair compensation for your losses from the at-fault party.

How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle?

How Long Do Truck Accident Cases Take to Settle?

The time it takes to settle a truck accident claim will vary depending on the facts surrounding the accident. If we have clear evidence that another party caused your crash and fully understand the extent of your losses, the settlement negotiation process may take several months.

However, insurance companies often try to drag out the settlement process in the hopes that an injury victim will either give up on the claim or agree to a subpar settlement. Our team focuses on pushing back on stall tactics and helping clients get the funds they need without an undue wait time.

We can also help you pursue a lawsuit against the liable party if the insurance company tries to drag out settlement negotiations past the point of reasonableness. You can contact us now to get help handling all aspects of your legal claim, including negotiations with the insurance company that represents the liable party.

Does It Take Longer to Go to Court?

Generally, yes, it will take longer for you to get the compensation you need after a truck accident if you file a lawsuit against the liable party. Going to court often involves long waits between hearings and other circumstances that can extend the time you have to wait for compensation.

However, you can count on your attorney to do everything possible to expedite the legal process on your behalf. You do not have to try to push through your claim on your own. We’re here and ready to help right now.

Is It Better to Settle or Go to Trial After a Truck Accident Injury?

Is It Better to Settle or Go to Trial After a Truck Accident Injury?

Our team needs to carefully review the facts about your crash before we can determine if it’s better for you to settle or go to trial after a collision with a commercial motor vehicle. We need to go over any offers made by the insurance company and focus on how they’re treating you during negotiations before we can advise you about how to proceed.

In some cases, it is in your best interests to go to trial after a collision, while in others, we’ll recommend accepting a settlement from the insurance company.

You do not have to make this serious decision on your own. Our team will review your situation and provide the advice you need to make informed decisions about handling every aspect of your legal claim.

What Happens if You Were Partially At-Fault for a Truck Accident?

What Happens if You Were Partially At-Fault for a Truck Accident?

What happens if you partially contribute to a truck collision varies depending on which state you live in. States have varying laws about fault, which can include:

Comparative Fault

Comparative fault (or comparative negligence) laws mean that you can still seek compensation if you partially contribute to an accident. In states with these laws, the court will decrease the compensation you receive based on your percentage of fault, while still allowing you to get some money to cover your losses.

Most states with comparative negligence laws will have a cut-off to determine how much fault you can hold for a crash and still get compensation. Generally, you can hold up to 50% fault for a crash and still secure some compensation.

States like California, Florida, and Pennsylvania use comparative negligence laws.

Contributory Fault

Some states use contributory fault (or contributory negligence) laws to handle compensation for accident claims. Contributory negligence laws are very harsh and say you cannot seek compensation for your losses if you contributed even 1% to an accident.

If you sustain injuries in an accident in one of these states, you need to get help from a truck accident lawyer right away to protect your claim. North Carolina has some of the strictest contributory negligence laws in the country.

No-Fault

Finally, some states have no-fault laws when it comes to auto accidents. These states require motorists to carry no-fault insurance coverage, which provides compensation regardless of who caused a crash. Even if you caused 100% of a truck crash, you could get compensation for some of your losses through no-fault insurance.

However, no-fault insurance generally will not cover all of your losses after a collision with a large motor vehicle. The party that has to cover the rest of your losses will depend on the division of fault for the crash and other state laws.

States like Massachusetts and New York have no-fault laws.

How Black Box Data Can Be Used in a Truck Accident Case

How Black Box Data Can Be Used in a Truck Accident Case

Black box data can help strengthen your case by providing information about the trucker’s actions before a crash. The data comes from a truck’s event data recorder (EDR), which functions as part of a truck’s electronic control module (ECM).

What Kind of Data Does the Black Box Record?

A truck’s black box can record immense amounts of information about the driver’s actions and the operation of the vehicle. These recorders can secure information about over 100 types of data.

Not all of the data recorded on an EDR will help with your personal injury claim. Some of the most helpful information could pertain to:

• The truck’s wheel speed at the time of the crash
• The truck engine’s RPM
• The truck’s throttle position or gear selection
• The status of the truck’s anti-lock braking system
• The roll angle and yaw rate of the truck
• The truck’s tire pressure

Additionally, the EDR could contain information about the crash itself, such as evidence that the trucker swerved, rapidly decelerated, or braked hard right before the crash. Your attorney may use all the information in the EDR when building your claim.

How Do You Get Black Box Data?

Your attorney will need to request information from the truck’s black box data recorder from the trucking company. These companies often try to erase the data before a truck accident lawyer can request it because they know it can strengthen the claims of injury victims.

Therefore, it’s crucial that you reach out to a lawyer for help as quickly as possible after your accident. If you wait, the evidence could disappear.

Do All Big Trucks Have EDRs?

Many large commercial trucks have EDRs, while others have electronic logging devices (ELDs), which function in similar ways. However, ELDs do not record as much information at EDRs.

ELDs maintain information on a trucker’s hours of service (HOS) and other details about how long the truck’s engine runs, when the truck moves, and how many miles the truck travels.

How Federal and State Regulations Impact Truck Accident Injury Cases

How Federal and State Regulations Impact Truck Accident Injury Cases

Federal and state regulations on large commercial vehicles can impact your injury case by potentially making it easier for you to get compensation after a collision. Basically, if your attorney can show that a trucking company or trucker violated a federal or state law in a way that contributed to your crash, it could strengthen your claim.

The federal government has many regulations for the trucking industry, many of which are tied to FMCSA rules. These rules govern:

• How truckers are trained and safety expectations
• The qualifications for instructors and drivers
• How long drivers can operate large trucks
• Maintenance, repair, and inspection expectations
• Cellphone usage by drivers
• Alcohol and drug testing for truck operators
• The transportation of hazardous material
• Insurance requirements

States may have rules in addition to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. In many cases, these rules involve harsher rules for driving under the influence (DUI) for commercial drivers and prohibitions regarding the usage of handheld electronic devices while driving.

Our legal team can tell you more about state and federal trucking regulations when you contact us for a risk-free initial consultation.

What To Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

What To Do Immediately After a Truck Accident

The steps you take after a truck crash can dictate how your recovery and legal claim will progress. Our truck accident attorneys recommend that you take the following actions after sustaining injuries and losses in a truck crash:

Contact Law Enforcement

You should immediately notify the police after a trucking collision. The police need to assess what happened and will need to file an official accident report. Your attorney may need to utilize any of the information in the report when building your legal claim.

Additionally, if you leave the scene of the crash without notifying the police, you could potentially face hit-and-run charges. Therefore, you should always contact law enforcement after a crash that results in injuries or property damage.

Note that these regulations do not apply if you sustained catastrophic injuries and require emergency medical treatment. The police will not charge you with a hit-and-run if you must leave the scene of a crash in an ambulance.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Following a trucking collision, getting medical care soon is important. Even when you believe you are unharmed, certain injuries might not show signs right away. Early medical care protects your health and creates documented evidence of your injuries, which matters for your legal case.

Typical injuries from trucking crashes include brain injuries, fractures, and internal trauma, many of which demand immediate medical treatment. Once you’ve gotten the care you need, you’ll want to reach out to our firm. Our truck accident lawyers will use your medical records and other forms of evidence to build your case.

After a truck accident injury, skipping medical exams, doctor appointments, or therapy sessions can harm your claim. Failing to obtain or follow recommended medical care may be interpreted by the insurance company as a sign that your injuries are not serious. Your health and the completion of your medical treatment should come first.

Document the Accident

Gathering and saving information related to your trucking crash will allow our personal injury law firm to build your claim. Proper documentation begins at the accident scene, where you should collect evidence such as photographs of the vehicles involved, tire marks on the roadway, traffic or weather conditions, and any visible injuries you sustained.

You should also gather names and contact details from witnesses and the truck operator involved. Maintain organized records of medical care, related costs, and all correspondence with insurance carriers to fully support your claim.

We also recommend that you write down an account of everything that you remember about the accident. Your truck accident lawyer can use all the evidence you collect when working on your personal injury claim.

Contact an Attorney for Help

You should quickly reach out to a personal injury attorney with experience handling truck wreck cases after your collision. Getting legal help on your side right away can improve your chances of securing fair compensation for all of your economic and non-economic losses.

Our truck accident lawyers will take charge of your legal case and start working on gathering evidence while you focus on healing. You can count on our team to explain each step you need to take after a crash, allowing you to get back your peace of mind after a collision.

Keep in mind that our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay for attorney fees unless we win your case. This pricing structure allows injured victims of trucking accidents to access high-quality legal representation without worrying about upfront costs or financial risks.

What You Should Never Do After a Truck Accident

What You Should Never Do After a Truck Accident

There are a few actions you should avoid after your collision. For example, you should:

Avoid Talking to the Insurance Company Without an Attorney

Speaking with the other party’s insurer without legal guidance may negatively affect your claim. After seeking care for your injuries and notifying your insurance company of your truck accident, let your truck accident injury attorney deal with the insurance companies.

Insurance companies want to protect their profits. That means they won’t hesitate to deny valid claims if they can. They’ll try to use the things you say against you and will do everything possible to minimize the compensation they have to provide.

Allow your attorney to protect your best interests while handling all legal communications about your accident and injury claim.

Avoid Signing a Settlement Offer Without an Attorney

Insurance companies often try to push truck accident victims to accept small settlements immediately after a crash. These settlements often fail to fully cover the losses caused by these collisions, and once you sign them, you lose the right to seek additional compensation.

You should always allow your attorney to carefully review a settlement offer before you sign it or even offer a verbal agreement to an insurance representative. Our team can push back on subpar offers on your behalf as we strive to ensure you get the compensation you deserve to make a total financial recovery. 

Avoid Apologizing or Discussing Your Accident

We know it’s natural to apologize after a crash, but if you take this action, it could appear that you’re taking responsibility for the collision. If you accept fault for a crash, it becomes much harder to secure the compensation you need to cover your losses.

Additionally, anything you say about your crash could be turned against you, so our team recommends that you minimize discussions about your collision, especially on social media.

In fact, we often advise clients to avoid posting on social media at all during the legal process.

Avoid Ignoring Your Legal Claim

If you or a loved one got hurt in a truck crash, you should be aware of the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit. The statute of limitations is the legal deadline for initiating legal action, and failing to file a lawsuit before the deadline expires can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

Our team can meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your case and the statute of limitations. We’ll explain how much time you have to take legal action and help you meet the filing deadline that applies to your situation.

How Serious Are Truck Accident Injuries Compared to Car Accidents?

How Serious Are Truck Accident Injuries Compared to Car Accidents?

Since semi-trucks can outweigh passenger cars by as much as 30 tons, a collision with a truck can be catastrophic, resulting in significant property damage and serious injuries that far outweigh the severity of those caused by car accidents.

If you or a loved one sustains injuries in a commercial truck accident, contact our truck accident injury lawyers for assistance. We’ll take your injuries seriously and focus on bringing you the funds you need to cover all of your healthcare expenses.

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

What Are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Our truck accident attorneys are familiar with all the common causes of truck crashes. We know how to investigate these accidents and find out what factors led to your crash. We’ll work tirelessly to determine which of the following factors led to your collision and injuries:

Driver Fatigue

Driver exhaustion is a major factor in many trucking collisions. Long shifts behind the wheel, demanding delivery deadlines, and pressure from employers can leave drivers overly tired, reducing alertness, slowing reaction time, and putting everyone on the road at risk.

While federal safety rules restrict how long commercial drivers may operate without rest, drivers frequently ignore these limits. Our truck accident attorneys review potential signs of fatigue, including inconsistencies in driving logs and electronic logging device records, to help support your claim.

Improper Maintenance

Poor upkeep and mechanical breakdowns are a frequent cause of trucking accidents. Commercial trucks must undergo routine inspections, servicing, and repairs to remain safe on the road. When parts like brakes, tires, steering components, or lighting systems are not properly maintained, the risk of a severe crash increases significantly.

Trucking companies and third-party maintenance contractors may be responsible when crashes result from neglected maintenance, faulty repairs, or defective vehicle components.

Driver Error

Mistakes made by truck drivers, including excessive speed, distracted driving, aggressive behavior, or driving under the influence, also play a role in many trucking collisions. Operating a commercial vehicle safely requires constant attention and careful judgment.

However, distractions and pressure to meet delivery schedules can undermine a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely. Proof of driver error may come from sources, including eyewitness statements, traffic or surveillance video, and data collected from onboard recording systems.

Many commercial trucking companies give professional truck drivers financial incentives for meeting delivery schedules that can result in overworking, speeding, and disregarding safety regulations.

Improper Loading and Cargo Securement

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit and increase the risk of a crash. Trucking companies and loading crews are required to follow federal rules when loading and securing freight. Failing to meet these standards can place other drivers at risk.

Support for an improper loading claim may include witness accounts, cargo inspection documentation, and photographs taken at the crash scene showing shifted or unsecured cargo. Our truck accident law firm can provide assistance if you were injured in a crash caused by improper cargo loading.

What Are Common Injuries From Truck Accidents?

What Are Common Injuries From Truck Accidents?

Some of the most common injuries from trucking crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions
• Head and face injuries
• Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and neck injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue injuries like sprains and strains
• Internal injuries and damage to organs
• Burns and cuts

All of these injuries are serious. You should seek immediate medical treatment if you get hurt in a crash involving a large commercial vehicle. You should also reach out to a personal injury lawyer for help building your claim and getting fair payment for all of your losses.

You Can Reach Out to Us for Help After a Trucking Accident

You do not have to attempt to navigate the legal process on your own after a truck collision. Our team at Sweet James is here and ready to address all of your legal concerns, so don’t wait to contact us for dedicated support throughout every stage of the legal process.

We have many years of experience helping injury victims, and we believe in putting our clients first throughout every stage of the legal process, providing highly focused representation. We’ll carefully review your situation, assess your needs, and develop a personalized strategy to handle your legal claim.

We want you to make a full financial recovery, and we’re ready to fight back against unfair treatment by insurance representatives or the trucking company after a crash. Don’t wait to get the assistance you deserve; reach out to us now and learn more about how we can help with your legal challenges.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.