Truck accident victims often find themselves dealing with serious injuries. Because trucks are so large and heavy, they can cause substantial damage to other vehicles and their passengers when accidents occur. Many truck accident victims die from their injuries, and those who survive may have permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to a “normal” life.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, connect with experienced legal representation to help you navigate the insurance claim process and potentially pursue a legal action for damages. Contact the truck accident team at Hughey Law Firm today at (843) 881-8644 to schedule a free consultation.
More than $115 Million Recovered for Our Clients
At the Hughey Law Firm, we have substantial experience with a wide range of personal injury cases, including truck accidents. We’re proud to have achieved settlements and judgments in the millions of dollars for our clients. Of course, every case is different, and there is never a guarantee of recovering money. Our promise to our clients, however, is that when they choose our firm to represent them in truck accident matter, we’ll fight hard to protect their rights and get them the compensation they deserve.
What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Because trucks are often larger than other vehicles on the road, they can cause more serious injuries to parties involved in accidents with them. These injuries may include:
- Broken bones;
- Lacerations;
- Burns;
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Whiplash;
- Spinal cord damage; and
- Soft tissue damage.
Causes of Truck Accidents?
Many factors can contribute to accidents with big trucks. Frequently, truckers are responsible for the accidents that occur with their vehicles, especially when the following factors come into play.
- Fatigue behind the wheel can be caused by long hours of driving, often with few or no breaks. Truckers often work long hours, frequently spending too much time on the road in an effort to meet tight deadlines. Because they are often paid by the hour, truckers may also attempt to drive more hours than necessary. When the trucking company’s policies require their drivers to drive for excessive hours without a break, they may also bear partial liability for the circumstances of your accident.
- Distracted driving becomes increasingly common as truckers spend longer hours on the road. Truckers who are engaged with their cell phones, eating, or doing anything other than driving when they’re on the road are more likely to be involved in accidents.
- Driving under the influence is a common cause of trucking accidents. Many truckers use stimulants to help keep them awake and alert in spite of excessive hours on the road. Truckers may also choose to drink alcohol or indulge in other substances when they’re on the road, which causes higher levels of distraction and may increase the risk of accidents.
In some cases, such as when the geographic or road features of the area contributed to the accident, local and state governments may also be partially or wholly liable for the circumstances that led up to your accident. Likewise, when trucking equipment fails and causes an accident, the manufacturer of that equipment could be held legally liable.
What Costs Can You Incur After a Truck Accident?
The damages that can be recovered after a truck accident vary based on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries. There are, however, several common damages that may be recovered.
- Medical expenses: From your initial trip to the hospital to any long-term medical expenses associated with your injuries, you may be able to recover medical expenses following your truck accident. These may include the cost of hospitalization, physical therapy, and ongoing care if necessary after your accident.
- Lost wages: A severe injury may make it impossible to work the way you could before your accident. In that circumstance, you may be entitled to recover lost wages from the party that caused the accident. You may also be able to recover a larger settlement if you are permanently injured and these injuries lead to a permanent reduction in your earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Following your accident, you may experience substantial pain and suffering, both physical and emotional. Pain and suffering damages are often a key part of damage recoveries.
- Funeral and burial expenses: When truck accidents result in death, you may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses.
Trucking Companies Will Fight Back
Following your trucking accident, you’ll likely deal with the trucker or trucking company’s insurance as you work to get your settlement. There are several common strategies used to decrease the amount of the settlement or to try to get out of paying altogether.
- Denying liability. The insurance company may attempt to prove that the trucker was not responsible for the accident or to shift as much of the liability as possible to you. If you are deemed partially at fault for the accident, it may reduce the amount you are able to recover. The company may also attempt to shift liability to other parties.
- Offering a low initial settlement amount. A low initial settlement is often offered shortly after the accident, when you’re still unsure of the full extent of your injuries or how they will impact you long-term. It can be helpful to talk with a lawyer about the circumstances of your accident and discuss the categories of damages you may be entitled to recover.
Get the Legal Assistance You Deserve From the Hughey Law Firm
At Hughey Law Firm, we know that you have enough to deal with immediately following your accident, from your health to expenses. We offer a free consultation to all potential clients. In many cases, we’re able to accept clients on a contingent fee basis, in which we only receive payment out of any settlement or judgment we recover on our client’s behalf.
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Instead, email us today or call (843) 881-8644 to schedule your free consultation or to learn more about the legal services we offer.