What Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Introduction

The world of commercial transportation holds its fair share of dangers. Truck accidents, in particular, are an unfortunate yet prevalent reality that significantly impacts lives across Tennessee and Mississippi every year. Amidst the chaos and aftermath of such accidents, victims often struggle to ascertain their legal rights or comprehend the complexity of personal injury cases. This is where the indispensable function of a truck accident attorney becomes apparent.

The pivotal role of specialists like truck accident lawyers extends beyond basic legal counsel. These professionals have intricate knowledge about trucking regulations, accident causes, compensation laws, and insurance claims, allowing them to build compelling cases. Capable of navigating the legally complex waters of personal injury litigation, truck accident attorneys prove to be the lifeline accident victims need in their pursuit of justice and compensation.

Given the heightened risks associated with truck accidents, understanding the gravity of these incidents is essential. Truck accidents often bear higher fatality rates than standard car accidents, partly due to the sheer size and weight of these commercial vehicles. In 2019 alone, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported nearly 5000 fatalities from truck accidents, underscoring the perilous nature of these occurrences.

Why Truck Accident Cases are Common

Truck accidents aren’t merely another subset of motor vehicle mishaps. They present unique, often amplified, risks that stem from a variety of reasons. Primarily, the extended hours of operation and long distances that truck drivers need to cover contribute exponentially to the chances of fatigued driving, a known harbinger of accidents.

The payload a truck carries can also escalate risks. Oversized or inadequately secured loads might cause instability, increasing the propensity for accidents. Overly heavy payloads can likewise amplify a truck’s momentum, causing catastrophic damages and personal injuries during collisions. These factors highlight why truck accidents often result in more severe injuries, larger medical bills, and higher financial liabilities, thereby emphasizing the need for expert legal representation for accident victims.

A considerable number of truck accidents stem from a lethal combination of negligent driving and trucking companies’ failings. With the roads filled with potential distractions, a moment of inattention or a sidetracked driver can quickly snowball into a disaster. Such incidents of distracted driving increasingly underline the weight of truck accident cases, as seen in the rise of legal proceedings involving trucking accidents.

Additional Risks in Trucking Companies

In the panoramic view of truck accident occurrences, the onus of risk isn’t singularly laid on drivers. Trucking companies, often clouded under corporate negligence, pose an additional layer of danger to the overall safety ecosystem. The corporate mentality to prioritize profits over safety can manifest in various detrimental ways, including the pressure on drivers to flout safety regulations, delivery deadlines, and work beyond fatigue.

Fatigue, in particular, is considered one of the most fatal risks in truck driving. A trucker deprived of adequate rest can easily fall in the same risk category as an intoxicated driver, which can result in fatal accidents. Unfortunately, as found in the Large Truck Crash Causation Study, almost 13% of commercial vehicle drivers were considered fatigued at the time of their crash. This sobering statistic underscores the corporate negligence that pervades the trucking industry, thus necessitating the role of a diligent truck accident attorney in seeking recourse for victims.

Corporate Negligence in Trucking Companies

Corporate negligence doesn’t stop at forcing impaired driving. It often extends to neglecting truck maintenance and hiring unqualified drivers, both of which significantly contribute to the incidence of truck accidents. In an alarming study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), brake problems—a maintenance issue—were cited as a factor in nearly 30% of all truck accidents.

Corporate negligence also manifests in the form of hiring unqualified drivers to save on costs. This can lead to poorly trained drivers operating large and potentially dangerous vehicles, ironically setting the stage for severe accidents. Such reprehensible acts of negligence causes untold suffering to victims and underscores the necessity of engaging a competent truck accident lawyer to demand rightful compensation.

What a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do

A highly qualified truck accident attorney employs a multi-faceted approach to your case. Beyond examining details of the accident and dissecting state traffic laws, these legal professionals negotiate with insurance companies, collect evidence, and fight to ensure you receive the maximum possible compensation. More crucially, they offer moral support during these trying times, providing assurance that your legal battle is in capable hands.

Dealing with insurance companies can often be a convoluted process. With their priority to minimize payouts, insurance providers may attempt to downplay your claim or wrap you in an elaborate labyrinth of paperwork. However, an experienced truck accident lawyer can counteract these maneuvers and negotiate a fair settlement, effectively safeguarding your interests.

Evidence Collection and Black Box

The process of evidence collection is critical to establishing liability in truck accident cases, making it an integral part of the services offered by a truck accident lawyer. From investigating the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, to reviewing police reports, these attorneys leave no stone unturned.

An integral piece of evidence in these scenarios is the black box data from the truck involved in the accident. The black box, also known as an Electronic Control Module, records crucial information, including speed, brake usage, and more that can be used to reconstruct the chain of events leading to the crash. Truck accident attorneys are adept at understanding and leveraging this data in their fight for justice for their clients.

Types of Damages

When it comes to truck accidents, victims often suffer a wide array of damages, extending far beyond simple property damage. Medical costs, including hospital bills and prescription medications, can quickly mount into overwhelming amounts. Understanding the scope of these expenses and proper reimbursement is a key area where a truck accident attorney can prove invaluable.

Furthermore, compensation isn’t limited to quantifiable financial expenses. Pain & suffering and reduced quality of life due to sustained injuries should also be considered. If a truck accident tragically results in the loss of life, the victim’s family is also eligible to claim for wrongful death damages, which may include loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and lost future earnings. A skilled attorney will ensure that all these aspects are factored into the compensation claim, rightfully advocating for the maximum entitled relief.

Legal Costs

One of the most common concerns potential clients have is the cost of hiring a truck accident attorney. Many are under the impression that the cost is prohibitive. However, it’s worth noting that most truck accident attorneys operate on a contingency basis. This means they only get paid when they successfully recover a settlement or win the lawsuit for their clients. This arrangement reduces the financial risk for victims and ensures the attorneys are motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for their clients.

Conclusion

In the daunting aftermath of a truck accident, the last thing victims need is to navigate a complex legal system single-handedly. From understanding insurance claim procedures and damages, to unearthing crucial evidence for their cases, the invaluable role of a truck accident lawyer cannot be overstated.

The JMB Law firm stands as a stalwart ally for victims of truck accidents in Tennessee and Mississippi. Armed with extensive experience in personal injury litigation and a deep understanding of the intricacies of truck accident cases, their attorneys work relentlessly to ensure accident victims get the justice they deserve. With a spotlight on the rights and welfare of their clients, JMB Law stands out as a firm that genuinely cares about the people it represents.

At the end of the day, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of a truck accident on your own. Reach out to a dedicated truck accident attorney to discuss your case and explore your legal options. With the right legal representation, you can focus on recovery while they tirelessly work towards securing the compensation you deserve. With JMB Law, justice is only a phone call away.