Trucking Company Negligence
On this page, we examine the role of trucking company negligence in causing collisions. We also discuss the types of compensation that truck collision victims can hope to recover.
Large cargo trucks are a common sight on the highways in many U.S. states. Because of the ubiquity of these enormous vehicles, truck accidents are unfortunately common.
Commercial truck accidents typically result in significant property and vehicular damage. In many cases, these collisions also cause victims to sustain severe physical injuries.
Most accident victims assume their injuries are a result of the truck driver’s negligence. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, the relevant freight company is at fault. When trucking company negligence results in an accident or injury, the victim has the right to seek financial compensation.
If you have sustained property damage or an injury from trucking company negligence, reach out to the skilled attorneys at Lanier Law. We proudly serve trucking accident victims in New York, Los Angeles, and Houston.
Our sympathetic tort lawyers understand the financial difficulties that injury victims experience. Because of this, we will work tirelessly to secure the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.
Commercial Truck Accidents in the U.S.
Accidents involving large cargo trucks are all too common. According to research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, more than 4,000 people were fatally injured in commercial truck accidents in 2020.
This is a drastic increase in trucking accident deaths over the past decade. Even more people were injured in crashes involving large trucks.
Most of the fatal injuries from truck accidents are suffered by victims in the opposing car. In 2019, 71 percent of truck collision fatalities were passengers of other motor vehicles.
Even the most minor truck accidents can result in severe injuries. If you have been harmed as a result of trucking company negligence, contact a skilled legal professional right away.
What can a personal injury attorney do?
A personal injury attorney will carefully review the facts of your trucking company negligence claim to help you determine the best path forward. Most collision victims are uncertain about how to pursue the compensation they are rightfully owed.
The accomplished attorneys at Lanier Law will handle every element of your truck accident case, including:
- Gathering important evidence to bolster your claim
- Speaking with witnesses of the crash
- Reviewing related state statutes and laws
- Determining which trucking company is legally liable
- Leveraging information to prove trucking company negligence
- Accurately calculating appropriate financial damages
- Speaking with expert witnesses if needed
- Negotiating forcefully with insurance providers
- Filing a truck accident lawsuit if negotiations break down
When you have been injured in a commercial truck collision, you should not have to manage the many requirements of a legal claim. Instead, your priority should be your health and recovery.
The friendly team at Lanier Law knows how overwhelmed accident victims often feel. We will happily guide you through the entire legal claims process.
Our track record speaks for itself. Our firm’s legal team has a long history of successfully representing victims of trucking company negligence in Los Angeles, Houston, and New York.
Statute of Limitations
State laws determine how long victims have to file suits for different types of tort claims. This legal time limit is referred to as the “statute of limitations.”
If you attempt to file a lawsuit for trucking company negligence after the statute of limitations has expired, your case will probably be dismissed. Because of the time limit on your claim, make sure to speak with a seasoned commercial truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
In the state of California, personal injury victims are required to file a lawsuit for damages within two years of the initial incident. The Texas legislature has also passed a two-year time limit for personal injury claims.
New York residents have a bit longer to pursue financial compensation. The state of New York places a three-year statute of limitations on car accident claims.
In some instances, there are exceptions to these statutes of limitations. The circumstances of your trucking company negligence case may influence how long you have to file.
For questions regarding the statute of limitations in your potential claim, reach out to the knowledgeable team at Lanier Law. We will assess your case and ensure that your lawsuit is filed within the legal time limit.
Types of Compensation in Truck Accident Cases
Most people are unaware of the many negative consequences that can result from a commercial truck collision. Because of this, you may not know what level of compensation you can hope to recover following your accident.
Like most civil claims, truck accident cases usually involve two categories of financial payment for victims. “Damages” are the financial disbursements intended to compensate victims for their injuries.
The two most common categories of damages are “economic” and “noneconomic.” Economic damages are payments intended to compensate for the loss of money resulting from the accident.
Some of the most common examples of economic damages in tort claims cover:
- Property and vehicular repair or replacement
- Lost wages from missing work
- Medical bills and expenses
- Expected costs of future medical care
- Long-term loss of earning capacity
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
Noneconomic damages compensate the truck accident victim for intangible losses. Some typical examples of noneconomic damages in commercial truck collision claims include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and distress
- Panic and anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of quality of life
- Disfigurement or scarring
- Temporary or permanent disability
Most victims are uncertain about how to calculate noneconomic damages following an accident. Speak with an attorney to ensure that you pursue all of the money that is rightfully yours.
Speaking with the attorneys at Lanier Law will give you the best chance of recovering maximum compensation in your case. You should never accept an insurance provider’s first settlement offer without consulting a skilled lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for the correct loading of a truck? After an accident, who may be liable?
Many commercial truck accidents are the result of driver mistakes or carelessness. But other circumstances resulting in collisions may leave trucking companies liable.
Trucking companies are regulated to promote the safety of other drivers on the road. If a company incentivizes its drivers to violate regulations, it can be held accountable.
For instance, if a motor carrier requires its employees to work too many hours, this could result in fatigued driving, which is a leading cause of collisions.
Are truck drivers responsible for their cargo? Who is responsible for securing loads on trucks?
When to Contact a Lawyer
If you have been involved in a commercial trucking accident, contact an attorney immediately. Insurance providers often attempt to offer victims a quick but inadequate settlement amount.
Do not let this happen to you. One of the seasoned tort attorneys at Lanier Law will carefully assess your situation and help you recover the money you deserve.
Cost of a Lawyer
Most reliable civil attorneys are paid using a contingency fee. This means that attorneys’ fees are covered by the winnings from the case.
When you hire a reputable tort lawyer, you should not be expected to pay upfront legal fees. The compassionate team at Lanier Law gets paid only if you get paid. You will not owe any attorneys’ fees unless we recover compensation for you.
What makes Lanier Law the best choice?
Lanier Law has a strong track record of securing victories for our clients. Since the firm’s founding in 1990, our attorneys have taken on many large corporations.
Our founder, Mark Lanier, is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in personal injury trial law. When you contact our firm, you can rest assured that the negligent trucking company that caused your accident will be held responsible.
The legal team at Lanier Law is committed to serving the victims of truck accidents and injuries. We have a firm belief that all victims of negligence deserve to seek justice.
Contact Lanier Law for Premier Legal Representation
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident involving a commercial truck, do not hesitate. It is vital to seek legal representation as soon as possible following your collision.
Victims often experience skyrocketing medical bills, lost wages, and property damage costs. You should not be responsible for the financial burdens resulting from an incident caused by a negligent trucking corporation.
Our friendly staff is ready to review the elements of your truck accident case. Contact us today to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation case evaluation. Let Lanier Law fight diligently on your behalf!
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