The Aftermath: What to Expect After a Truck Accident

The Aftermath: What to Expect After a Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident, victims are often uncertain about the future and what steps to take. In many cases, truck accident injuries cause victims to lose wages and spend money on medical treatment. Victims are typically under a lot of stress, both from these financial pressures and from spending time and energy on treatment and recovery. Contacting an attorney can help victims understand what to expect after a truck accident, and start down the road to recovering compensation.  Contacting a Truck Accident Attorney An experienced truck accident attorney is knowledgeable about the different laws surrounding truck accidents, and will be able to provide victims with case-specific advice. Most truck accident lawsuits are filed against the company that hired the truck driver. In many cases, these companies are large corporations with extensive resources to defend their case. An attorney is helpful in handling claims against large corporations by helping provide clients with the resources needed to file against corporations. There may also be statute of limitations laws that come into play, limiting the amount of time that a victim has to file a lawsuit against the trucking company. An attorney can help to gather the evidence and file a claim within the necessary time frame for the particular jurisdiction in which the accident occurred. Truck Accident Lawsuits Due to the weight and size of tractor trailers, truck accidents often cause severe injuries. After treating injuries, claims will usually be filed against the victim’s health insurance and PIP insurance, if applicable. However, these types of insurance usually do not completely cover the cost of treatment needed for injuries such as head trauma, paralysis, and spinal cord damage. To recover additional compensation for treatment, a truck accident attorney may have to negotiate with insurance companies or file a lawsuit against the trucking company. Negligence Lawsuits Most truck accident lawsuits are based on proving the truck driver or company’s negligence. Negligent actions that may cause a truck accident include failing to obey traffic laws, failing to stop at weigh stations, overloading the vehicle, and driving for longer than is legally allowed without taking a break. Product Liability Lawsuits If a truck accident was caused by a flaw or malfunction of the truck or a truck part, a product liability lawsuit may be filed against the manufacturer of the truck or part. These types of lawsuits may be more difficult to prove, and often require the testimony of an expert. An attorney will be invaluable in acquiring the evidence necessary to file this type of claim, as the burden of proving that the truck or part was unreasonably dangerous even when the truck was being operated and maintained as intended will fall on the plaintiff.     Sources: http://www.dmv.org/fl-florida/accident-guide/...

read more

Winter Trucking Safety

Winter Trucking Safety

Winter can present special dangers for truck drivers across the United States. Winter trucking safety is especially important for northern truck drivers, as ice and snow can create dangerous driving conditions. Icy, slippery roads can be disastrous for trucks carrying thousands of pounds of cargo. Winter trucking safety involves caution while driving. Driving slowly and obeying all traffic laws can play a key role in preventing winter trucking accidents. Winter Trucking Safety Preparation One of the most important winter trucking safety tips is to be prepared. Truck drivers should leave early and always know their destination and which routes they plan to take. As an extra precaution, drivers should map out potential routes in case they may need to exit off of the highway. Indecisive driving may contribute to trucking accidents. Emergency Kit Winter trucking safety precautions should also involve having an emergency kit on hand. An emergency kit should contain items that drivers may need in the event of several types of road emergencies. Supplies should include items for first aid, vehicle repair, driver safety and well-being, and nourishment in the event that a driver becomes stranded. An emergency kit should include: Battery-powered radio Flashlight Extra batteries Jumper cables Fire extinguisher Blanket First aid kit Flares Tire repair kit Bottled water Non-perishable food items Avoiding Road Hazards Drivers should check weather conditions in advance. If conditions are dangerous, drivers should consider delaying their trip for more favorable conditions. Conditions such as ice, hail, and snow are particularly dangerous. In these cases, the best winter trucking safety precaution is to avoid driving all together if possible. Drivers should also try to limit driving to during the daylight when traveling through harsh conditions. Checking for Black Ice Black ice is a term referring to a thin layer of transparent ice that develops when temperatures are near freezing. Black ice earns its name from its appearance. Its transparency often makes the ice difficult to tell apart from the black color of the road. When visible, black ice often appears as though the road is wet. Black Ice Warning Signs Drivers should check their truck’s mirror arms, top windshield corners, and antenna for ice build-up. These signs often indicate the possible formation of black ice on the roads. Additionally, drivers can predict black ice by paying attention to the spray from the tires of the vehicle in front of them. If the spray eventually stops, the water on the roads may have...

read more