When a passenger vehicle is involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler truck, the crash and the resulting aftermath can be catastrophic. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for 2017, approximately 121, 000 trucks and large buses were involved in crashes that resulted in serious injuries. Due to the heavy loads and long stopping times of semi-trailer trucks, their drivers must take a great deal of care to operate these vehicles safely. Negligence by truck drivers can lead to deadly accidents, and drivers and passengers of other vehicles are likely to be seriously injured or killed in these types of collisions. If you or a loved one have sustained a serious injury as a result of a truck driver’s negligence, you should consult with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to determine how you can hold the liable party or parties responsible.
Truck Driver Negligence
Most car accidents are caused by the negligence of at least one of the drivers, and that is true of truck accidents as well. Truck driver negligence comes in many forms, including:
- Lack of attention to the road (e.g., texting or reading a map)
- Truck driver fatigue (e.g., failing to stop and rest after driving for a certain number of hours)
- Speeding
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Failing to keep up with truck maintenance
- Knowingly driving an overloaded or poorly maintained truck
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving with an unmanaged medical condition
As with any car accident, a truck accident victim should document as much as possible after a collision. This includes photographic evidence, eye witness statements, and detailed logs of the victim’s physical symptoms and the medical treatment received.
Seeking Damages
There are many state and federal laws and regulations that exist to help protect the safety of those who use the roads. A few examples of these laws require truck drivers to:
- Perform regular inspections on all commercial trucks
- Commission repairs in a timely manner
- Hold a valid license
- Keep meticulous driving logs and stay within the permitted number of driving hours per day
When accidents occur because a truck driver or trucking company violated the laws or did not follow regulations properly, victims may be able to pursue compensation from the offending parties. Proving that a collision occurred because of the negligence of a truck driver is the first step in this process. Victims may seek compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills and all treatment-related expenses, and lost wages. If family members file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased loved one, they may also seek compensation for loss of companionship, grief and sorrow, and funeral expenses.
Contact a Green Bay Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, speak to the experienced attorneys at Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd. to learn about your best options for recovering compensation. To schedule a free consultation, contact our Appleton, WI personal injury attorneys at 920-739-7366.
Sources:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2017
https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/com-drv-vehs/cdl-how-aply/cdloverview.aspx