We all must take precautions to stay safe when on the road. An accident can occur at any time.
And while all car accidents can be serious, they are especially dangerous when a truck is involved. Not only are tractor trailers large and heavy, but they are also difficult to control and are often carrying heavy and even hazardous loads.
If you have been injured in a trucking accident, it’s important to get the help of a reliable Lancaster trucking accident lawyer.
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No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
Why Do Trucking Accidents Occur?
Trucking accidents can occur for many reasons. Here are some common causes:
Fatigue: Truck drivers drive for extended hours and many suffer from fatigue that can make them fall asleep at the wheel or not be able to pay full attention while they are on the road.
Speeding: It’s always dangerous to speed when you are driving but this can be especially hazardous for truck drivers who are not able to stop as quickly due to the excessive weight of their vehicles.
Unbalanced Loads: Truck drivers are often hauling heavy loads. If these loads are not balanced, vehicles can tip to one side resulting in driver injuries and unsafe conditions for other drivers on the road.
Jackknife Accidents: These occur when a trailer slides out to the side of the tractor, potentially causing injury to motorists in the path of the jackknifed vehicle.
Mechanical Failure and Vehicle Defects: It is important that trucks have no defects and are properly maintained to be safe on the road. If there are any issues with the way the truck is operating, it can malfunction on the road and cause an accident.
Blind Spots: Because trucks are so large, drivers deal with many blind spots. Cars and trucks on the road should be aware that blind spots can be an issue for tractor trailer drivers.
Poor Driver Training: Although truck drivers should be well trained before they get on the road, this is not always the case. Many trucking companies are short staffed and put drivers on the road who are not as well trained and qualified as they should be.
Finding the Responsible Party
If you are injured in a trucking accident, it is important to get the legal aid you need to see to it that justice is done. A qualified Lancaster trucking accident lawyer will see to it that you get the compensation you deserve.
The first thing he or she will do is determine who is responsible for the accident. This may seem like an easy process, but it can get quite complicated and things aren’t always so cut and dried.
If an accident is caused by a negligent driver, it may be that the driver is at fault. In some cases, the company that hired the driver may take responsibility for their employee.
If faulty equipment was involved, it may be that the manufacturer of the equipment is to blame. If proper maintenance wasn’t performed on the vehicle, the at-fault party will be whoever is responsible for the maintenance.
Collecting Evidence
After a trucking accident occurs, it is important to collect evidence to build a strong case. If you are injured during an accident, you may be unable to collect this evidence at the scene. That’s why it’s important to contact a Lancaster Trucking Accident lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will work to collect the evidence you need to build your case including medical records, photographs, accident reports, FR-10 reports and more.
Getting Compensation for Your Trucking Accident
If you are involved in a trucking accident, there are many types of compensation that may be owed to you. These include:
Medical Expenses: When you are involved in a trucking accident, it is likely you’ve sustained some type of injuries. These can vary in severity and can be life-altering in some cases. The compensation you get for a trucking accident related injury should cover not only the treatment you receive immediately after your accident but whatever is needed as far as ongoing care is concerned.
Lost Wages: If you become injured in a trucking accident, you will probably have to be treated for injuries that will keep you out of work for a while. In some cases, you will not be able to return to the job you worked at previously or you may not be able to return to work at all. The at-fault party should be responsible for any loss of income due to the injuries incurred.
Pain and Suffering: A truck accident is a traumatic event that can cause some amount of emotional and physical pain. A Lancaster Trucking Accident lawyer can see to it that you receive compensation for your suffering.
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No upfront costs to you or your family. We strive to recover the maximum possible compensation allowed under the law for our clients.
Finding the Right Lancaster Trucking Accident Lawyer
If you are involved in a trucking accident, it is important to find the right Lancaster Trucking Accident lawyer to represent you. He or she should show the right level of compassion and have the experience to find the at-fault parties, gather the necessary evidence and get you the compensation you need to cover your expenses.
The Elrod Pope Law Firm has a staff of caring experts with years of experience representing trucking accident victims. Their dedicated attorneys will fight to make sure you get the compensation you deserve and see that justice is done. Trust them to help you take the steps that are necessary for helping you move on during this difficult time. Contact us today!
