Any motor vehicle accident is disruptive, but a truck accident can be especially devastating. From long-term injury to lost wages to permanent disability, a split-second accident could lead to lasting consequences. An experienced Southern Highlands truck accident lawyer is essential in ensuring you receive maximum compensation for your pain and suffering.
At H&P Law, we have over 60 years of combined experience representing clients who have been injured, and we are dedicated to fighting for you. Having a seasoned Southern Highlands personal injury lawyer on your team is the first step in getting your life back. We will advocate for you and work diligently to get you the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Due to the nature of trucking, they are often more likely to be involved in crashes, but some factors make truck accidents different from car accidents. Truck drivers are often tired, their vehicles are not properly maintained, improperly secured, and more vulnerable to road conditions.
At H&P Law, we’re here to help find the cause, build your case, and get you the compensation you deserve.
Negligent Driving
Truck drivers are often overtired, distracted, or driving recklessly to ensure they arrive at their next destination as quickly as possible. Truckers usually have to follow GPS maps, call into dispatch, and eat on the road. This can lead to a lack of awareness of the road, and other vehicles can become collateral damage due to their negligence.
Poorly Maintained Vehicles
In addition, trucks may be poorly maintained or missing required safety checks. Due to the significant amount of wear and tear on semi-trucks, it is vital that regular maintenance be performed. If this is missed, it can be devastating.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo
Given the weight of the cargo that many of these trucks carry, there are strict protocols governing how freight must be distributed and secured. If this is not done properly, goods can shift, throwing off the balance of the vehicle. Items can also be ejected from the truck, which can have deadly consequences.
Poor Road Conditions
Truckers have strict deadlines they have to meet when it comes to delivering cargo, which will sometimes cause them to drive in unsafe conditions. Slippery roads and a lack of visibility can lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles. This increases the likelihood of an accident.
How Truck Accidents Are Unique
Trucks have their own set of rules and regulations that they are required to follow. These protocols are intended to keep everyone safe. An experienced Southern Highlands truck accident attorney understands these differences and can help you build your case.
Size and Weight of Commercial Vehicles
Large trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they crash, the damage is often much worse than in regular car accidents. People in smaller vehicles can suffer serious or even fatal injuries. These crashes often lead to high medical bills and long-term health problems.
Involvement of Federal Regulations
Truck drivers and companies must follow special federal rules and have special licenses set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
These rules cover things like how long drivers can work and how often trucks must be inspected. If they break these rules, they can be held liable for a crash. A Southern Highlands truck accident lawyer can help find out if any laws were broken.
Multiple Liable Parties
Truck accidents often involve more than just the driver. The trucking company, maintenance crew, cargo loaders, or even the truck manufacturer could be at fault. Finding all the responsible parties is important for getting full compensation. More people involved means more chances to get the money you need.
Higher Insurance Policy Limits
Trucking companies carry much larger insurance policies than regular drivers. This means there’s more money available for injury claims. However, it also means the insurance company will fight harder to avoid paying.
A Truck Accident Lawyer in Southern Highlands Can Find All of the Damages You May Be Entitled To
In the event of a truck accident, you may be owed several different types of compensation. Our team will fight to ensure you get the maximum payout that you are entitled to. These damages can include, but are not limited to:
Medical Expenses
You can recover money for all medical bills related to the crash, including hospital visits, surgeries, and prescriptions. If your injuries require treatment in the future, those costs can be included, too. This helps ensure you are not stuck paying for care caused by someone else’s mistake.
Lost Income and Loss of Future Wages
If you missed work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover your lost wages. If you cannot return to the same job or earn the same amount in the future, you may also be compensated for that loss. These damages help cover the financial impact of being out of work.
Pain and Suffering
This type of compensation is there for how the accident affects your quality of life. Being involved in a truck accident can lead to lifelong aches and pains. Pain and suffering damages cover the physical discomforts that come from your injuries.
Emotional Distress
Serious crashes can lead to anxiety, depression, and other post-traumatic stress symptoms. Emotional distress damages are meant to cover the mental toll of the accident. These effects can be just as hard to deal with as physical injuries.
Property Damage
You can get money to repair or replace your vehicle and any items damaged in the crash. This might include electronics, car seats, or other personal belongings. Even if your injuries are minor, your property damage claim still matters.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are intended to punish the wrongdoer, not just pay you back. These are only awarded in cases where the truck driver or company acted very recklessly, like driving drunk or ignoring safety rules. They also serve as a warning to others not to make the same dangerous choices.
Wrongful Death Damages
In the worst cases, a victim may not survive their injuries. If a family member dies in a truck accident, their relatives may be able to seek compensation. This can include funeral costs, loss of income, and loss of companionship. While no amount of money can replace a life, these damages can help support the family left behind.
Working with H&P Law
When you have been in a truck accident, it can feel like the world is crashing down on you. At H&P Law, we know truck accidents, and we know how to advocate for our clients so you get every cent you are entitled to. You are not in this fight alone.
Partnering with a truck accident attorney in Southern Highlands is the best way to get all of the damages that are owed to you. Don’t let a truck accident halt your life. Schedule your free consultation with us today to take the first step in moving forward with your life.
