An accident involving a semi truck can change your life in an instant. Due to the sheer size and weight of these large vehicles, even a low-speed collision can cause significant damage to the smaller vehicle and its occupants. If you have been hurt in an accident with a truck, it is critical to take steps to protect your rights.
Trucking companies and insurance providers will do everything possible to minimize the truck driver’s and the company’s liability. They may even attempt to shift the blame onto you. In reality, you might have a valid claim to financial compensation for damages, as well as any pain and suffering caused in the accident.
Common factors in tractor-trailer accidents
Truck accidents can have deadly results, and, unfortunately, many of the factors that often play a role in these incidents are preventable. Some of the most common reasons that truck accidents occur include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Faulty vehicle maintenance
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Inexperienced drivers
- Bad tires
- Improperly loaded cargo
If you believe that any of these reasons played a role in your accident and subsequent injuries, you may assume that it will be quite difficult to prove your personal injury case. An experienced lawyer can gather pertinent evidence and use the following to prove liability and validate your legal claim:
- Driver’s log
- Safety training documentation
- Maintenance records
- Phone records
- Witness accounts
- Physical evidence from the accident scene
Evidence can erode over time, and it can be more difficult to gather evidence the longer you wait to get help. By acting quickly, you improve your chances of obtaining financial compensation.
What can your lawyer do for you?
In addition to gathering important evidence, an experienced lawyer knows how to deal with offers of settlements and other tactics often employed by insurance providers and trucking companies. With an in-depth knowledge of trucking industry regulations and the personal injury claims process, your lawyer knows how to determine if you have grounds for a claim and advocate for you throughout the entire process.
After an accident, you are usually overwhelmed with medical bills, treatments and complex insurance matters that must be resolved. You may be tempted to accept an initial settlement or simply believe that you do not have a case, but it is possible to hold truckers and trucking companies accountable with a strong legal ally by your side.
If you or someone you care about has been injured in a commercial trucking accident, due to someone else’s negligence, get the experienced legal representation and just compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Clay, Massey & Associates understand just how stressful these cases can be, and we’re here to help. To schedule a free consultation call us at 251-433-1000 today or stop by our office at 509 Church St., Mobile, AL 36602.