Trucking Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA"), between 2009 through 2013, there were just over 14,000 fatal crashes in the U.S. involving heavy trucks and buses, killing almost 16,000 people
Unfortunately, many people - including inexperienced attorneys - view collisions involving commercial vehicles as "big car wrecks."
However, because the trucking industry is heavily regulated, a collision involving a commercial vehicle can be significantly more complex than a regular automobile accident case. Lawsuits based on collisions involving commercial vehicles involve a complicated set of laws and regulations and often involve complex legal theories, including issues such statutory employees and independent contractors. Additionally, trucking companies have record retention, training, and background check requirements regarding the drivers they employee. While many attorneys claim to handle trucking accident cases, only a select few are familiar with the laws and regulations that apply to both trucking companies and their drivers. This lack of experience can often result in vital evidence being overlooked or worse--the case being dismissed.
Depending upon the severity of the injuries, collisions involving commercial vehicles can be very costly to the trucking and insurance companies. As a result, trucking companies and their insurers may have a strong incentive to hide or destroy evidence, particularly if they think they can get away with it.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Common causes of commercial vehicle collisions are:
- Lack of driver experience
- Improper training
- Overloaded trailers
- Truck driver fatigue
- Safety rule violations
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Overworked drivers who are drowsy or fall asleep at the wheel
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accident lawsuits are complex because of the number of federal and state laws and regulations involved in interstate trucking. In addition, the trucking companies and their insurance companies tend to have substantial legal resources and competent, aggressive legal representation. All of this makes it more important than in many other motor vehicle accident cases that you hire an experienced attorney and you do so as soon as possible before evidence is lost. If you or your loved one was injured or killed in an accident involving a truck, consult with an attorney with experience handling these complex cases.
Free Initial Consultation
SAMMONS & BERRY, P.C., represents railroad workers and their families in trucking cases ACROSS THE COUNTRY. Our lawyers, paralegals, and other professionals are experienced in evaluating, investigating, negotiating and trying these difficult cases. If you or family member have been seriously injured or killed as a result of a collision with a commercial vehicle– call or email us for a FREE case evaluation. Our team of experienced attorneys will review the facts in your case and answer any questions you may have.