Accidents Involving Trucks Can Be Devastating
Steering wide and clear of semi-haulers, 18-wheeler rigs, commercial vans and other oversized trucks on the freeway and surface streets is not always to answer to avoiding a truck collision. State and federal regulations for these types of vehicles are frequently ignored by drivers and the companies that own commercial delivery trucks.
What can you do if you or a loved one is suffering devastating accident injuries after a trucking collision? The short answer is to get medical attention right away and not speak to the trucking company’s insurance representative until you speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Commercial trucks and farm equipment on the roads cause catastrophic injuries that can be life-altering, and frequently result in death. Insurance representatives are quick on the scene, sometimes even before emergency vehicles and law enforcement have time to get there.
Trucking Companies Must Abide By State And Federal Regulations
We need commercial trucks to deliver our goods. We also need our roads to be safe despite the growing number of trucks in Iowa. All drivers must follow local and state regulations for driving. Commercial vehicles are subject to additional regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA rules address critical safety issues and mandated precautions, such as:
- Proper driver training
- Licensing standards
- Adequate braking distances
- Continuous vehicle maintenance schedule
- Driver time limits
- Time logs with dates and distances driven
- Loading precautions
Drivers must have a current commercial driver’s license (CDL) and a clean driving record. When driver fatigue, equipment failure or any combination of violations result in your suffering accident injuries, a thorough investigation is conducted to determine how these violations will factor into your personal injury claim. We also look to third-party liability, such as if the tires were poorly manufactured or an engine part was defective, your claim may involve suing a manufacturing corporation.
The potential for severe injuries and fatalities in truck-related collisions means having an experienced personal injury team in your corner will be important to the outcome of your compensation award. Insurance companies may seek to offer you a payout package for your injuries. It is best to hold off on accepting any lump sum payments until you seek the medical attention you need and speak with a lawyer to determine the real value of your claim.
Get Legal Assistance Promptly
Seeking compensation after a trucking accident can be difficult without the help of an experienced attorney. If the truck driver is negligent, they can be held responsible for paying for your medical expenses, lost wages, future wages, and pain and suffering. We can help you with evidence collection, including your medical records, accident reconstruction and expert analysis to build a strong case. We will work with law enforcement and specialized investigators in determining liability.
We Advocate For Victims’ Rights. Schedule A Free Consultation Today.
We understand how challenging it is to pick up the phone or send an email after a catastrophic accident. It can be even more difficult when you have insurance companies hounding you for your side of the story and consequent offers for a cash out. We will negotiate with the insurance companies and third parties for you. Our strategy involves negotiations, settlements or court litigation when necessary.
We are highly skilled in building strong cases for our clients. We will help you seek fair compensation and hold the responsible parties liable for their negligence. Call Lombardi & Miler Law Firm PLLC in West Des Moines at 515-513-5324. If you prefer, send us an online inquiry for a free consultation.