Truck Accidents

Truck Accident Attorneys

Large Commercial Truck Accidents

Every year, thousands of innocent people are injured or killed in collisions with semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and other large commercial vehicles.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 150,000 people were injured and just under 5,000 were killed in large truck accidents in the United States in 2020. The vast majority of people injured or killed in these collisions were not the truck occupants but, rather, other motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.

We are relentless in our pursuit of compensation and will not back down from even the toughest of fights. Our truck accident attorneys know how to take on powerful trucking companies, insurance providers, manufacturers, and other liable parties—and we have what it takes to win. To date, we have recovered more than $500 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients; find out how our team can help you seek the full, fair compensation you are owed.

After a devastating truck accident, contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm at (888) 302-3669 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

Although they receive extensive training, truck drivers are susceptible to making the same mistakes as any other motorist on the road. Truck driver error or negligence is often revealed to be the cause of a serious or even deadly accident.

Some common examples of truck driver negligence include:

Speeding
Driving too fast for current conditions
Distracted driving, including texting/using a cellphone
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Fatigued driving
Disobeying hours-of-service regulations
Violating traffic laws
Failing to yield the right of way
Running red lights, stop signs, and other traffic control devices
Making unsafe or illegal turns and other driving maneuvers
Stopping suddenly
Following too closely
Violating trucking company policy

However, truck driver negligence is not the only cause of semi-truck, big rig, and other large commercial vehicle accidents. In fact, there are often numerous underlying causes, many of which can be traced back to the trucking company, a vehicle manufacturer, or some other third party.

In addition to truck driver error and negligence, some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Negligent trucking company practices, such as failing to conduct background checks on new drivers, inadequate training, and pressuring drivers to meet strict quotas or deadlines
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo or freight, leading to shifting cargo or freight during transit and loss of vehicle control
Failure to conduct routine truck maintenance or failure to conduct adequate or proper truck maintenance and/or repairs
Defective trucks and truck parts, such as tires that “blowout” while the truck is in motion, brakes that lock up, and engine components that fail

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys carefully evaluate all available evidence to identify the cause(s) of an accident. Our investigations often involve reviewing hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, employment records, and electronic/black box data to obtain a clear and full picture of what occurred. We also work alongside industry experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists and economists, who help us determine exactly what happened, the extent of our client’s injuries and damages, and who is liable.

Seeking Justice for Truck Accident Victims

Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries and property damage, leaving victims and their families facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Our experienced truck accident attorneys at Mike Slocumb Law Firm are dedicated to seeking justice for those who have been injured in truck accidents. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve.

When you choose our firm to represent you, you can expect:

Aggressive advocacy on your behalf
Thorough investigation of the accident
Expert negotiation with insurance companies
Representation in court, if necessary
Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process

Don’t face the aftermath of a truck accident alone. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.

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Commonly Asked Questions

What should I do after a semi-truck accident?

After a semi-truck accident, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and then contact an experienced truck accident attorney to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.

How can I prove liability in a semi-truck accident case?

Proving liability in a semi-truck accident case often involves a thorough investigation, including reviewing hours-of-service logs, maintenance records, and electronic/black box data, as well as working with industry experts to determine the cause of the accident.

What are some common causes of large truck accidents?

Common causes of large truck accidents include truck driver negligence, distracted driving, driving under the influence, as well as negligent trucking company practices, overloaded cargo, and defective trucks or truck parts.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a semi-truck accident?

The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a semi-truck accident can vary from state to state. It’s important to consult with a truck accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure you take the necessary legal action within the specified time frame.

What damages can I recover in a semi-truck accident case?

In a semi-truck accident case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and other related damages. An experienced truck accident attorney can help you seek the full compensation you are owed.

Are there specific laws regulating truck drivers?

Yes, truck drivers and companies must follow federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which include rules on driver qualifications, hours of service, and vehicle maintenance.

What role do truck maintenance records play in accident cases?

Maintenance records can provide evidence of whether a truck was properly maintained and may indicate negligence if routine checks or repairs were neglected, potentially contributing to an accident.

Can passengers in other vehicles seek compensation after a truck accident?

Yes, passengers in vehicles involved in a truck accident may seek compensation for their injuries and damages, depending on the circumstances and who is found liable for the accident.

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Common Mistakes People Make After a Truck Accident

In the aftermath of a truck accident, the decisions you make can significantly impact your ability to recover fair compensation. Unfortunately, many individuals unknowingly make mistakes that can jeopardize their claims. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make after a truck accident and how an attorney can help you avoid them:

Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention: One of the most critical errors is failing to seek medical care immediately after an accident. Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms may take time to manifest. A medical evaluation not only ensures your health is prioritized but also provides essential documentation for your claim.
Failing to Gather Evidence: After a truck accident, collecting evidence is crucial. This includes taking photographs of the accident scene, gathering contact information from witnesses, and obtaining a copy of the police report. Many people overlook this step, which can weaken their claim.
Admitting Fault or Apologizing: It’s natural to feel apologetic after an accident, but admitting fault or apologizing can be used against you in a claim. Avoid making any statements that may imply responsibility until all evidence is reviewed.
Not Reporting the Accident: Failing to report the accident to the authorities can lead to complications later. A police report is a valuable piece of evidence that can support your version of events and help establish liability.
Accepting a Quick Settlement: Insurance companies often attempt to settle claims quickly for less than their full value. Accepting a quick settlement without consulting an attorney can result in inadequate compensation that doesn’t cover all your damages.

How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You Avoid These Mistakes

Hiring a truck accident attorney as soon as possible after an accident can make a significant difference in your case. Here’s how an experienced lawyer from Mike Slocumb Law Firm can help you avoid these common mistakes and protect your rights:

Ensuring Proper Documentation: Your attorney can make sure that all necessary reports, medical records, and evidence are gathered to strengthen your case.
Guiding You on What to Say: An attorney will advise you on what to say—and what not to say—to the other party’s insurance company to avoid any admissions that may harm your case.
Handling Communication with Insurance Companies: Trucking companies and insurers have experienced teams working to minimize payouts. Your attorney can handle all communications, protect your rights, and negotiate on your behalf.
Evaluating and Negotiating Settlement Offers: Accepting a settlement offer too quickly can result in lower compensation. Your lawyer will evaluate any offers and negotiate for a fair amount that reflects your true losses and needs.
Providing Legal Representation and Advocacy: If your case requires litigation, an attorney will prepare a solid case and represent you in court. With a strong legal advocate on your side, you are better positioned to achieve a favorable outcome.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, our truck accident attorneys are dedicated to guiding you through the legal process, helping you avoid common mistakes, and fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can assist you in navigating the aftermath of a truck accident.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?

As in most personal injury matters, identifying the liable party after a truck accident is a critical component of your claim. The liable person or entity is the one responsible for paying for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. However, in contrast to many auto accident cases, determining who is liable for a truck accident can be extremely complicated.

Because truck drivers are operating these vehicles on behalf of another party—the trucking company—they may not be directly responsible for an accident, even if they were clearly negligent. Instead, the trucking company (or another employer) could be liable for the truck driver’s error, negligence, or misconduct. This is generally true when a truck driver is classified as an “employee,” but it does not typically apply when a truck driver is considered to be an “independent contractor.”

To make matters more complex, there could be multiple underlying causes behind a truck accident. As a result, there could be multiple liable parties. For example, if a trucking company failed to comply with required truck inspections, causing it to fail to identify and correct a truck defect, both the trucking company and the manufacturer of the defect could be partially responsible for the resulting accident.

Generally speaking, any of the following parties could be partially or entirely liable for your truck accident:

The truck driver
The truck driver’s employer
The trucking company
The company that owns or leases the truck
The person or party responsible for conducting truck inspections and maintenance
The company or entity responsible for carrying out truck repairs
The person or party that loaded the truck’s cargo/freight
Another motorist who behaved negligently or wrongfully

With multiple liable parties, there may also be multiple insurance companies involved. It is incredibly important that you work with a skilled and experienced truck accident attorney who can effectively protect your right to maximum compensation.

At Mike Slocumb Law Firm, we know how to not only identify the liable party or parties but also how to bring the most powerful possible case against them. Our aggressive approach has helped us recover numerous life-changing settlements and verdicts for our clients. Most importantly, it has allowed us to secure the justice these individuals and families needed to heal and move forward with their lives.

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Why Hire a Truck Accident Attorney?

Trucking companies and their insurance providers are large, powerful entities with teams of defense attorneys on their side. You need someone equally as powerful fighting for you and the full, fair compensation you are owed.

All too often, insurance companies do everything they can to dispute accident claims. This is especially true in large truck accident cases, in which damages tend to be much higher. Even when the insurance company does accept your claim, it will likely drag its feet when it comes to paying you what you are owed. When you work with the team at Mike Slocumb Law Firm, you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery while we communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. We know how to make insurance companies pay, and we are ready to use all of our resources, experience, and skill to fight for the full amount you deserve.

We are aggressive when it comes to negotiating fair settlements for our clients, and we are always ready to take cases to court. As a client, you can expect to receive a high level of personalized attention from your legal team throughout the entire process. We are always happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and provide continual updates on the status of your case.

If you or someone you love was involved in a crash with a large commercial vehicle, contact our truck accident attorneys at (888) 302-3669 to find out how we can help. Hablamos español.

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