In order to safely operate a commercial vehicle the driver needs to be properly trained, traffic laws need to be followed, and the vehicle needs to be maintained. When any of those elements aren’t present, the possibility of an accident increases. Crashes involving semis are among the most dangerous and deadly. If you or someone you know has been in a wreck, a Parkersburg truck accident lawyer is here to ensure recovery is made as easy as possible.
After a tractor-trailer accident, the victim has the right to seek compensation for their losses and hold the negligent party accountable. Whether the truck, trucking company, or manufacturer is at fault, our attorneys have the skills to investigate your accident and prove you were wronged. Part of a strong claim includes identifying the type of truck accident you were in.
Types of Truck Accidents
Determining the type of crash you were in plays a role in figuring out why and how the incident happened. Some of the most common tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Blind Spot Crashes. Tractor-trailers have a number of large blind spots. In the event a car is traveling in one on the left or right when the truck tries to merge, the smaller vehicle could get sideswiped. It’s even more dangerous to drive in the blind spots behind and in front of a truck.
- Override and Underride Collisions. Override and underride accidents are among the most fatal. An override happens when the truck drives over the top of the smaller vehicle. With an underride collision, a car crashes into the back of a truck.
- Head-on Accidents. Head-on collisions are almost always fatal. They are typically the result of distracted or drunk driving.
- Jackknifing. When a trucker brakes too hard or takes a corner too quickly, there’s a chance for the trailer to swing out past the cab. When a 90-degree angle is formed, this is considered a jackknife.
- Rollovers. Because of their size, big rigs are more at risk for rolling over. This is especially true if the trailer is improperly loaded.
Common Tractor-Trailer Wreck Injuries
On average, commercial vehicles weigh ten times more than the standard passenger vehicles. When an accident occurs, the significant difference in size means the smaller vehicle’s occupants are more likely to end up with serious, catastrophic, or fatal injuries.
Serious injuries include back and neck injuries, broken bones, and lacerations. Injuries like vertebra dislocations or whiplash are often treated with immobility and rest. With many broken bones the patient only requires a cast, but surgery and physical therapy are sometimes necessary. While serious injuries can result in a long recovery process, it’s likely the patient will make a full recovery.
When an injury is labeled catastrophic, it means that it’s unlikely the person will be able to return to work in any capacity. Traumatic brain injuries that limit cognitive function or spinal cord injuries that result in paralysis often fall into this category. Losing a limb is also considered catastrophic.
Fatal injuries, whether they’re internal or external, result in devastating grief and loss for the surviving family. A representative of the family has the right to file a wrongful death claim to seek justice for their loved one’s passing.
What to Do After a Crash in Parkersburg
If you’re involved in a truck accident, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself and your interests. The first step is always to stop. Never leave the scene of an accident, as it’s illegal and it could look like an admission of fault. Assess the scene. It’s likely that medical attention is needed, so call 911 and they’ll send the proper authorities and responders.
If you can, take photographs of the accident scene. Capturing images of the damage to the vehicles, the surrounding area, and the weather conditions will help you later with your claim. When the police arrive tell them exactly what happened, but do not guess or speculate. Only reiterate the facts. If you can’t remember something, tell them that. You’ll also need to exchange information with the other drivers involved in the car. You’ll want to get their drivers’ license and insurance information.
Once you’ve been treated by a medical professional and things have settled a bit, get in touch with an attorney. We’ll protect your rights and secure important evidence from the accident, so the settlement offer you receive is full and fair.
A Law Firm You Can Count On
If you’re ready to take legal action and seek compensation for your accident-related losses, get in touch with a Parkersburg truck accident lawyer. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we understand how challenging it can be to file a claim and work on building a case that proves you were wronged while dealing with serious injuries. That’s why we’re here to handle all litigation matters for you. While we’ll keep you updated at all stages of the process, you won’t have to worry about filing paperwork or having difficult conversations with insurance adjusters.
Your filing time is limited, so it’s crucial to get your claim submitted as soon as possible after the crash. When you work with us, we’ll begin by evaluating your situation and determining the validity of your claim. Contact our office today to schedule a meeting.
