About Watkins Bjerg

Description

Be On The Lookout For: How Truck Accident Law Is Gaining Ground, And What To Do About It
Truck Accident Law

A lawyer for truck accidents with expertise in the field has a deep understanding of the laws that regulate truck drivers and trucking firms. They will look into evidence, such as maintenance records of a trucking company which could be used to prove negligence.

A NYC truck accident lawyer in NYC can determine who is at fault in your case and help you recover from your injuries.

1. Fatigued or injured driver

The easiest way to determine who is at fault in a collision between a truck and a passenger vehicle is to scrutinize the behavior of the driver. A lawyer who handles truck accidents will review surveillance footage and witness statements to determine who was responsible for the accident.

A lot of places have surveillance cameras. This includes the majority of intersections, interchanges, hotels gas stations, restaurants and hotels. A skilled truck accident lawyer can make use of this evidence to identify a potential defendant, particularly if the driver seemed inattentive or distracted during the time of the accident.

In bethlehem truck accident lawsuit of a truck accident the driver might have been injured or fatigued at the time of the accident. The road logs of the drivers will reveal if they slept too little or if they did not adhere to the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, which limit the amount of time truckers are allowed to spend on the road.

The trucking firm could be held accountable for the negligence of their employees. A negligent hiring procedure or training policy could have contributed to the accident. Policies that encourage drivers to drive as long as they can, while reducing their rest and sleep times and increasing their risk of accident, may also have contributed.

Government agencies responsible for maintaining roads can also be held accountable if a dangerous road caused the accident. A truck accident lawyer who has experience can identify the agency responsible and engage a construction or maintenance contractor with experience to investigate the root of any unsafe conditions in the event of a case. A seasoned attorney can identify the multiple parties that could be liable and seek compensation from all sources.

2. Defective Equipment

Many truck accidents are caused by faulty equipment, including the brakes, tires, coupling systems, and cargo restraints. These pieces of equipment are designed to endure rigorous use and must be properly examined, maintained, and repaired to avoid failure. When something goes wrong it could leave the driver of a truck in a position to control the vehicle and can result in fatal or serious collisions. Defective parts and equipment for trucks could be the fault of several entities that include the trucking firm and the manufacturer as well as the repair or parts dealer shop.

If an accident happened because of a defective part or piece of equipment, the injured person could seek compensation for economic and noneconomic damages. Economic damages include current and future medical expenses, lost income, and loss of earning capacity. Noneconomic damages may include pain and discomfort, traumatic brain injuries, and emotional distress. In certain instances, punitive damages are awarded to penalize the defendant and prevent future negligent behavior.

Even with the best efforts of trucking companies and drivers, equipment problems will always occur. It is crucial to determine the parties accountable in order to pursue compensation for the losses.

If you've been involved in a collision with a truck the skilled attorneys at the Burch Law firm can help. Contact us today for an appointment for a no-cost consultation. Our lawyers will analyze your case, identify the responsible parties and fight to obtain the compensation you're entitled to. We can help you get compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and physical or emotional suffering. We handle cases throughout Missouri including Jefferson City, Columbia, and St. Louis. We are available to take your calls anytime, seven days a week.

3. Unloading Cargo Unsafely

The cargo that trucks carry on the road may appear easy enough, however there are strict guidelines that loaders and drivers must follow in terms of stacking and securing their loads. Infractions to these rules can lead to serious problems. In a recent report the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration discovered that shifting cargo is one of the leading causes of truck accidents.

Most of these truck accidents result from cargo falling from the vehicle onto roads or other vehicles. This is especially dangerous, as the cargo could create a risk or a problem on the road, and force motorists to swerve. It could also fall on pedestrians who are walking or riding a bicycle near the truck.

Based on the manner in which the incident occurred, a number of parties could be responsible. If the driver was negligent when loading their cargo, for instance it could be held accountable under the legal principle of respondeat superior. However the trucking company that employs the driver could be held accountable, too, because it is responsible for the actions of its employees under the principle of vicarious liability.

An experienced lawyer for truck accidents can utilize police reports and professional investigators to determine what caused of an accident caused by inadequately secured or loaded cargo. A Cordisco and SAIL LLC lawyer can help victims determine the defendants they should submit a claim to compensation against. A successful claim may result in a settlement or a verdict which gives victims the financial aid they require to recover from their injuries.

4. Unsafe Road Conditions

Trucking companies, as well as their drivers, have the responsibility of keeping their vehicles in good working order. If they don't, it could lead to serious accidents. Trucks are often equipped with mechanical parts that require to be examined and replaced to allow them to work correctly. If this isn't done, it can lead to a dangerous and unsafe road.

Accidents involving trucks can also be caused by weather conditions or road conditions. Because of their size truck's size, they are more likely to be involved in accidents during stormy conditions and on roads that are wet. In addition truck drivers must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations about how many hours they are allowed to drive in a day. These rules are designed to protect the public, but if truck drivers do not follow them to meet deadlines or to get more money from their employers, it puts the public at risk.

Unsafe road conditions could include slick pavement that stops tires from maintaining traction, potholes, and uneven surface that causes skidding. Other problems can include inadequate markings for lane lines, like solid or broken lines that confuse the driver on which lane they're in, and merging ramps that are too short for large vehicles to safely change lanes.

If a truck crash occurs because of poor roadway conditions the trucking firm or government agency responsible for maintaining that road could be held accountable for the occurrence. It is necessary to prove that the person in question violated their obligation of care by creating hazardous conditions, and this could include negligent hiring or maintaining the vehicle, or drug testing. California law permits victims to claim damages for medical bills and lost wages, as well as suffering and loss of quality of life.

5. Injuries to Pedestrians

Truck accidents can be extremely hazardous for pedestrians walking along streets or in their own yards. Pedestrians are often not protected from the weight and size of a truck and could suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries.

In these cases, an attorney for personal injury will seek compensation from the party who was negligent. In some cases it could be as easy as the truck driver who ran an intersection and struck the pedestrian, however in other cases it could be the trucking firm that allowed the trucker longer shifts than required by law, failed to maintain the vehicle, or conducted an examination of their background that would have revealed the history of unsafe driving behavior.


Distraction or inattention are two of the most common causes of accidents involving pedestrians and trucks. While this kind of incident is normal in any car crash, it can be more deadly because truck drivers tend to be higher up in their cabs and have larger blind spots that are hard to see.

A pedestrian who is injured in a car crash may receive compensation for medical expenses and lost earnings, as well as pain and discomfort, and property damage. In certain cases, the plaintiff is determined to be partially responsible for the accident due to their own actions (such as not turning over to the left side when the truck began to accelerate) the amount they receive will be reduced according to. This is why it's vital to choose an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury lawyer to take care of your case. Contact us today to get started.