Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries and damages to other motorists, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Fortunately, victims may be eligible for compensation.
If you suffered injuries due to a negligent truck driver, you might be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit against them. However, insurance companies representing these truck drivers and trucking companies may try and offer as little money as possible to settle your claim.
For this reason, you want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side representing your interests. A New Port Richey truck accident attorney has the knowledge and expertise needed to take on the insurance company and can do everything possible to maximize your case’s monetary value.
Truck Driver Negligence
Truckers must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a large truck. Additionally, drivers must ordinarily have a minimum of two years’ experience before they are eligible to operate a big rig or a tractor-trailer.
Trucking companies entrust professional truck drivers with operating very large, dangerous vehicles. Trucks have much longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles, and they might also be top-heavy. Consequently, the law holds commercial truck drivers to a higher standard of care than ordinary motorists.
Drivers of large trucks are responsible for following all applicable rules of the road, as well as state and federal motor carrier regulations. When they fail to do so, an accident victim might be able to file a personal injury claim. Common types of truck driver negligence that could lead to a lawsuit include:
- Breaking the speed limit
- Fatigued driving
- Intoxicated or impaired driving
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Unbalanced loads
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Failing to utilize turn signal while driving
- Illegal maneuvers
A New Port Richey truck accident attorney could investigate an accident and determine if the truck driver was negligent under the circumstances.
Recoverable Damages in an 18-Wheeler Crash
Tractor-trailer collisions can result in serious and permanent injuries, including broken bones, paralysis, and traumatic brain injuries. The accident victim might be able to make a claim against the truck driver (and sometimes against the trucking company as well) for money damages, including compensation for medical bills, lost earnings, mental anguish, pain, and suffering.
If the accident victim dies, their loved ones could pursue a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, medical expenses up to the time of the decedent’s death, and lost income into the future.
A New Port Richey truck accident attorney could help victims calculate a fair value for their damages and hold the responsible party accountable for all of their losses.
Speak with a New Port Richey Truck Accident Attorney
Investigating a truck accident and pursuing an injury claim can be difficult. Fortunately, a New Port Richey truck accident lawyer has the knowledge and experience needed to guide you through the process and fight for damages on your behalf. For more information about how an experienced attorney might be able to help, call today.