Truck Accidents

Trucking accidents are classified as the most devastating types of vehicle accidents. Nearly 100,000 people suffered injuries in trucking accidents last year. The types of injuries that may be sustained because of trucking accidents include:

• Bone and Facial Fractures
• Spinal Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Paralysis
• Amputation of Body Parts
• Facial Disfigurement
• Coma
• Death

The Causes of Accidents

There are many reasons why a trucking accident may occur. In some cases, the reason is not fully uncovered at the time of the accident. For this reason, it is wise to consult with a lawyer that is skilled at understanding the factors surrounding trucking accidents. Attorneys have access to experts that can help establish the validity of claims through the re-creation of the mechanics of the accident. There can be one or more reasons why a trucking accident occurs. For example, there may have been a defective truck part on the vehicle that caused the accident. Secondly, the truck may not have been properly maintained. Third, the weight load on the truck may have been excessive, limiting break and acceleration capacity. In addition, there may have been an error on the part of another driver. Cross winds and air turbulence may also cause a trucking accident. Finally, distracted driving is one the latest most common reasons for a trucking accident.

Trucking Regulations

The U.S. Government has set standards to reduce the risk of trucking accidents. However, resources to enforce the regulations are inadequate. Consequently, there are a high number of accidents that occur but could have been avoided. Interstate regulations are inadequate when resources are not available to enforce the regulations. This holds true for State and Federal regulations. This factor creates another reason for those injured in trucking accidents to seek out the advice of a lawyer. Lawsuits against trucking companies that do not meet regulations help to better police trucking companies and provide compensation to injured victims.

Special Circumstances and why You Need an Attorney as Soon After an Accident as Possible

Truck Companies almost always have a headstart when an accident occurs and there is a collision with one or more vehicles. Usually, the first call that a trucker makes is to his or her dispatcher for the trucking company. The dispatcher will either call the insurer or a lawfirm that handles truck defense on a regular basis. There is usually an advance response team, consisting of investigators and/or attorneys who immediately go to the scene, often before vehicles have been moved.

Victims and their families do not have an opportunity to have counsel at the scene so quickly. That is why it is so important to hire counsel who have handled trucking cases previously. Due to the special regulations that apply to truckers and truck companies, information is available that usually is not found in regular accidents for exampleAll information from data accumulation systems such as: (1) electronic control modules (ECM); (2) global positioning satellite data (GPS); (3) trip recorders; (4) scanned data regarding the driver’s logs and loads; (5) collision warning systems; (6) communication systems between the truck driver and others; and (7) video cameras and drive cams incident and accident reports; (8) driver statements; (9) driver’s logs; (10) vehicle inspection records; (11) vehicle maintenance records; (12) vehicle weight records; (13) shipment records; (14) load and cargo records; (15) bills of lading; and (1) driver drug and alcohol records, (15) background investigation, and (16) medical file and driving record of the driver, All records required to be kept by any governmental agency concerning the tractor trailer, company or driver involved regardless of the period of time that the agency and regulations may require that those records are kept. (Although, with modern cars, some of these items such as GPS are available).

Mr. Burton Padove is highly skilled in the area of trucking accidents. In fact, he has previously served as a volunteer state coordinator for CRASH (Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways). He has even visited Congressional representatives to advocate for highway and trucking safety.

Call Burton Padove for a free consultation at 219-836-2200 for nationwide callers. Visit todayslawalert.com to view Burton Padove’s blog.