Liability in Truck Accident Claims

1. Liability in Truck Accident Claims

2. Driving on highways involves driving along with other cars, some of which present potential hazards–such as trucks. Accidents involving trucks cause more severe injuries than ones involving small cars due to their size. Large size and overspeeding are a dangerous combination, so most truck accidents are usually fatal. The good thing is that you can recover damages for your injuries if you’re a victim of a truck accident. You can also recover damages as a professional truck driver if you’re injured on duty. A truck accident lawyer in Bakersfield can assist you even if you don’t know where to start, and the best part is that they’ll provide you with a free consultation and advise you accordingly. Causes of Truck Accidents Most truck drivers are experienced and are disciplined. Unfortunately, a small mistake or a factor beyond them can result in a severe accident. If you’re a truck accident victim, you can sue for damages. Some of the common risk factors of truck accidents include:

3. 1. Mechanical Issues As stated above, some factors are beyond a truck driver’s control, such as mechanical issues. However, the driver must conduct routine checkups and ensure their trucks are road-worthy. They should also ensure their vehicles are serviced at the right time for optimal performance. Unfortunately, some companies are keener on saving money, ignoring timely service and maintenance of their truck, which endangers the lives of other road users. • Driving Under the Influence (DUI) The results of past studies on truck drivers indicate that over 40% of them have used drugs while on duty the drugs included prescription drugs, alcohol, and prohibited drugs. Others confessed that they exceeded the legal BAC limit for their respective jurisdictions. Driving under the influence can impact driving habits by interfering with sound judgment, resulting in an accident. • Distracted Driving Most trucks are owned by companies, meaning their drivers are probably employed to transport goods. The drivers are sometimes overworked and forced to follow unrealistic routines. When truck drivers are overworked, they cannot focus on their work, causing distractions as their mind wanders. Driving over long distances without resting can also cause boredom and distraction. Truck drivers should rest enough to avoid distracted driving-related accidents.

4. • Falling Cargo I’m sure you’ve once witnessed objects or cargo falling from a moving truck. Cargo loading should adhere to specific guidelines depending on the nature of the cargo to avoid falling cargo-related accidents. Drivers should keep a safe distance when driving behind loaded trucks, allowing them to respond fast if cargo happens to fall from the truck. • Bad Road Infrastructure A truck driver can be very disciplined and vigilant on the road but still gets involved in an accident because of a poor road network. Potholes are the common culprits in this case; a driver may be avoiding a pothole only to run oncoming traffic or get out of the road, injuring pedestrians. Liability in Truck Accident Cases Most truck drivers have insurance policies that can cover them and the trucking company in the event of an accident. A trucking company should always ensure roadworthy vehicles to prevent avoidable accidents. The driver can be held liable, depending on the situation. However, the company will also be liable for an accident since it’s responsible for the actions of its employees on duty.

5. Recovering Damages for Truck Accident Injuries Motor vehicle accidents have consequences that cause financial and emotional challenges, although truck accidents are even worse. Most truck accident survivors in Bakersfield consult a truck accident lawyer to recover damages for injuries or damaged property. If a truck accident survivor can prove the truck driver’s negligence caused the crash, they can initiate legal action in a court of law. If the court proves liability, the defendant (the driver or/and the trucking company) is held responsible for the victim’s past, present, and future medication. The settlement should include hospital bills, ambulance charges, emergency room expenses, the cost of acquiring assistive devices, such as braces and crutches, physical therapy, and in-house services expenses. Other recoverable damages include lost wages & lost earning opportunities, and property damage that pays for the victim’s vehicle.

6. How can a Lawyer Help? The advice and guidance of a reliable and competent truck accident lawyer are invaluable if you’re a victim of a truck accident. The attorney will explain your rights and expound on the applicable laws, including how they can impact your case. After evaluating your situation, the attorney will help you develop a realistic claim. Your attorney can also negotiate better settlement deals if they’re not satisfied with what was awarded. Victims of truck accidents should be compensated without complicating an already tricky situation. When the process becomes complicated, contact a reliable truck accident attorney.

7. SOURCE URL https://businessnewsday.com/liability-in-truck-accident- claims/