Semi trucks, while an important part of the American economy, also pose a serious risk to drivers and passengers across the United States. When fully loaded, a semi truck can weigh as much as 20 times more than the average car or other passenger vehicle. They need more room for stopping, have much larger blind spots, and are more difficult to maneuver than passenger vehicles.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, you know the devastation that one of these accidents can cause. At Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, & Cure, PSC, we aggressively pursue damages on behalf of our clients.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Trucking accidents cause thousands of fatalities and injuries every year. While the circumstances of each accident are unique, the same causes come up time and time again when we research big rig crashes:
Failure to stop in a timely manner. The length and weight of tractor-trailer trucks mean that they need more time to stop when there’s an obstacle on the road. If a driver does not maintain a safe following distance or does not merge into traffic safely, they can easily cause an accident.
Fatigue. Trucking companies often put substantial pressure on drivers to hit a certain mileage target every day. Though the federal government does regulate how much time drivers spend on the road, companies may urge drivers to ignore these rules or drivers may take it upon themselves to get a little bit more out of each day. A fatigued driver can be as dangerous as an intoxicated driver, particularly if they’re behind the wheel of a large truck.
Poor maintenance. The loads carried by large trucks put vehicles through a lot of wear and tear. If companies do not follow a routine maintenance schedule or delay necessary repairs, broken equipment can lead to a crash.
Hazardous materials. Many trucking companies specialize in the transportation of hazardous materials and chemicals. Upon impact, these chemicals can interact with other chemicals in the air and cause irreparable damage.
Possible Damages
Truck accidents can be very complex, causing several types of damage in a matter of seconds. The team at Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, & Cure will look at your specific case to determine which types of damages you may be able to recover. Depending on the severity of the accident and who is responsible, you may be entitled to:
- Medical expenses and copays
- Medication costs
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Loss of income, as well as the loss of benefits like health insurance and life insurance
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of potential future wages
- Pain and suffering
How We Can Help
After you have been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your next step is to call Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, & Cure, PSC. When the driver or trucking company reports the accident, insurance will immediately begin researching it and will likely reach out to you with an initial offer. You should have a lawyer before you consider any settlement offer from the insurance company; the expenses associated with a trucking accident can last decades, and it’s likely that the settlement offered is not enough to make you whole after a serious crash.
Due to our extensive experience in personal injury law, we can immediately get to work investigating your accident and determining who is responsible for your injuries. If possible, we will work with the insurance company to secure a fair settlement for your injuries. If they are not willing to offer a fair settlement, we are ready to take your case to court.
Depending on the results of our investigation, we may recommend suing the driver, the trucking company, the the truck manufacturer, or other parties. In many cases, more than one party is liable, and filing against all involved parties can yield positive results.
Turn to the team at Sanchez, Mitchell, Eastman, & Cure, PSC for help with your truck accident case. Call 360-479-3000 now to discuss your options.