If you’ve been in a tractor-trailer crash, you know just how devastating the consequences can be. It’s likely you’re suffering from severe physical injuries and mental trauma. In addition to that, you may be dealing with financial stress from medical bills and time away from work. Fortunately, you have the option of filing a personal injury claim with a Huntington truck accident lawyer. With help from DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, you’ll be able to get your life back in order and hold the negligent party accountable for what happened.
Types of Tractor-Trailer Wrecks in Huntington
The size and weight of commercial trucks cause serious destruction when an accident occurs. If you’ve been in a crash, your lawyer will need to identify the type of wreck you were in, as it will help them build your personal injury claim. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Left-turn accidents. Left-turn crashes happen most often at intersections. This can happen if a smaller vehicle gets trapped in between a truck and a fixed object, if a tractor-trailer doesn’t see a motorcyclist, or if the trailer swings wider than other vehicles are expecting it to.
- Rollovers. When a truck rotates 90 degrees or more, it’s considered a rollover accident. This is incredibly dangerous because of the risk of the trailer falling onto other vehicles. These crashes are more likely to happen when a trucker takes curves too fast or when a load is not properly secured.
- Underride and override collisions. An underride happens when a smaller vehicle crashes into the back of a semi. With an override, the truck drives overtop the car in front of them. Both instances are likely to result in fatalities.
- T-bone crashes. Side impacts with big rigs often happen at intersections. They are typically the deadliest type of tractor-trailer wreck.
- Head-on accident. While rare, head-on accidents often result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries.
- When the trailer of a truck swings out past it to a sharp angle, a jackknife occurs. This tends to happen when truckers stop suddenly. As a result, the cab skids or the brakes lock up.
- Spilled Cargo. Some commercial vehicles carry hazardous materials. When a semi carrying dangerous gases, liquids, or solids crashes, the injuries are likely to be worse.
Determining Fault After a Semi Crash
It’s not always clear who bears legal responsibility for a truck wreck. There could be multiple parties involved in causing your accident. Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is at fault.
In most cases, the truck driver is initially suspected to be the negligent party. The driver’s behaviors at the time of the accident should be considered. If they were fatigued, distracted, or intoxicated, it’s likely they are responsible for the crash. Your lawyer will also determine if they disobeyed any traffic laws.
If the truck driver wasn’t at fault for the accident, it’s possible the trucking company is to blame. Companies are required to ensure the drivers they hire are appropriate for the job. If they own the truck their employees use, they’re also supposed to ensure maintenance is regularly conducted. If they fail to uphold their obligations, they could be held accountable for the crash.
If your attorney discovers any part of the semi was defective, the manufacturer may be liable. Common defects result in steering system failure, brake failure, and tire blowouts.
Because there’s the chance that multiple parties are liable for your accident, it’s important to have clear evidence. Your lawyer will be able to collect evidence from the truck’s black box and camera, the company’s employee records, eyewitness reports, your medical records, and physical evidence at the scene.
How Long Do Truck Accident Claims Take to Resolve?
One of the most frequently asked questions regarding truck accident claims is how long it will take to reach a settlement agreement. While there’s no set time, there are factors that affect the time it takes to resolve your claim and reach a fair settlement.
The first factor that impacts the length of your claim is the investigation. Some accidents are more complicated than others, but it’s important for your attorney to take the time to be thorough. This will ensure your case has a strong foundation.
The extent of your injuries also plays a role. This is because it’s often best to seek compensation after you’ve healed so you fully understand what the injuries cost you. Insurance companies may try to offer you a settlement that’s less than you deserve. We’ll make sure your losses are totaled correctly, so you don’t agree to unfair compensation.
While most personal injury claims settle outside of court, there’s always the chance your case could proceed to trial.
Contact DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC Today
If you’re dealing with debilitating injuries after a crash, filing a claim might seem like too much stress. Fortunately, a Huntington truck accident lawyer can handle your case for you. We have years of experience representing accident victims. We know how to build a strong claim on your behalf, so you receive the compensation you need to recover as fully as possible.
Your settlement offer will be based on your economic and noneconomic losses related to the collision. We’ll fight to ensure your medical expenses and lost wages are taken care of. We can also seek monetary awards for the pain and suffering you endured.
To learn more about your rights and options after a truck accident, get in touch with our office today. We’ll begin by evaluating your claim and helping you determine how best to proceed based on your unique circumstances.
