You’re probably aware that US highways are packed with trucks; it’s hard to miss. From medium-sized delivery trucks to 18-wheelers, an overwhelming 70% of products arrive at their destination after getting transported via trucks.
With the large number of trucks on US roads, it’s no surprise that truck accidents are not uncommon. As trucks are necessarily large so that they may haul larger loads, they often can do a lot of damage when involved in an accident with a smaller car.
Have you recently found yourself in that exact situation?
If you were in a car accident and injured or damaged property, it’s critical to contact a Holbrook truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
A truck accident lawyer can not only defend your rights, but also assist you in receiving the compensation you deserve. Learn all there is to know about how to deal with a tractor-trailer accident like a champ below
What You Need to Know About Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in Massachusetts
When you buy vehicle insurance, you expect it to cover each and every accident damage you incur. The good news is that if you pay into a policy, you are likely to be compensated. The bad news is that your insurance provider may not provide enough compensation to cover the full scope of your losses.
You pay for PIP insurance if you are a law-abiding citizen. This sort of coverage is mandated by law, therefore it is necessary for every good citizen. Regardless of fault, PIP coverage can assist with medical expenses and missed income after an accident.
However, these policies have limits and don’t always cover the full extent of your losses after an 18 truck accident. If you want additional coverage, consider a personal injury claim.
What You Need to Know About Comparative Negligence in Massachusetts
If you file a personal injury claim, the first thing to understand is that courts will likely assign a percentage of fault to each party.
For example, if it was pouring rain and you hydroplaned into oncoming traffic, the court may find that you are 20% at fault for the accident. The remaining 80% would be placed on the other driver.
What if you are 50% or more at fault?
In this case, you may not be able to recover any damages from the other driver. Any compensation you do receive would likely come from your own insurance company.
This is why it’s so important to understand comparative negligence before filing a personal injury claim.
What You Need to Know About the Statute of Limitations in Massachusetts
If you’re considering a personal injury claim, it’s important to act fast. The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to file a claim after an accident. In Massachusetts, this time limit is three years.
This may seem like a long time, but it’s important to remember that the sooner you file, the better.
If you wait too long, you may lose the opportunity to seek compensation altogether.
Don’t let this happen to you. If you’ve been in a truck accident, contact a truck accident lawyer today.
The Most Common Types of Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents frequently cause far more serious injuries than regular vehicle collisions.
Why? The size of trucks is a big factor. Even without taking into account any cargo the truck may be hauling, these trucks are huge compared to a normal car. Now, consider if there were a thousand pounds of freight in the back! It’s not ideal to have that much weight pounding against a vehicle.
Furthermore, the majority of trucking accidents occur on rural roads. In these situations, it might take longer for authorities to reach the scene. The following are some of the most prevalent types of truck accident injuries:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Crushing injuries
- Broken bones
- Sprains, strains, and fractures
- Internal bleeding
- Burns
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Neck injuries
- Loss of limbs
- Fatal injuries
Don’t make the mistake of neglecting treatment after a truck accident. While you would think severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury, will be apparent, that isn’t always the case. Chemicals like adrenaline are capable of hiding your wounds until later.
The Most Common Types of Truck Accidents
Some common types of truck accident include:
Rear-end collision: This happens when the truck driver fails to notice the vehicle in front of them, or they fail to brake in time.
Rollover accidents: These accidents can be caused by speeding, brake failure, or even a sudden change in weather conditions.
Head-on collisions: Head-on collisions are often the result of distracted driving or driver fatigue.
Side-impact collision: These accidents occur when the truck hits the side of another vehicle. They can be caused by a number of factors, including distracted driving, incorrect lane changes, or even falling asleep at the wheel.
Jackknife accidents: Jackknife accidents happen when the trailer of the truck swings out, forming a 90-degree angle with the cab. These accidents are usually caused by sudden braking or improperly secured cargo.
Truck-pedestrian accidents: These accidents occur when a pedestrian is hit by a truck. They can be caused by distracted driving, speeding, or even poor visibility.
No matter what type of truck accident you’ve been in, it’s important to seek legal help as soon as possible. A truck accident lawyer will be able to help you navigate the complicated legal process and get the compensation you deserve.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Collect for Your Injury?
Truck accident injuries are often severe, and as a result, victims may receive a variety of compensations. The following are some examples of damages that injured drivers might acquire:
- Medical bills: You can recover all the medical costs related to your truck accident injuries, including hospitalization, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medication, and more.
- The cost of future medical care: If you need long-term care or will require future surgeries, you can recover those costs as well.
- Lost wages: You can get compensated for the wages you lost while you were out recovering from your injuries. If you can’t return to work, you might be able to collect disability benefits.
- Loss of future earnings: If your injuries have caused you to become disabled and you can no longer work, you can recover the wages you would have earned over the course of your lifetime.
- Pain and suffering: You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional suffering you experienced because of your truck accident injuries.
- Loss of consortium: If your injuries have strained your relationship with your spouse, you might be able to receive damages.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, a judge might order the at-fault driver to pay punitive damages. These are meant to punish the driver for his or her negligence and to deter future negligent behavior.
- Property damage: You can recover the cost to repair or replace any property that was damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful death: If you lost a loved one in a truck accident, you might be able to file a wrongful death suit. This would allow you to collect damages for your loved one’s death, like medical and funeral expenses.
The amount and kind of compensation you may be able to recover depend on the damages you suffered as a result of your accident. Every trucking accident is unique, therefore you should speak with a lawyer to determine the full extent of your losses. Your personal injury lawsuit is meant to fully reimburse you for any damages you suffered, and you don’t want to end up accepting a settlement that’s less than what you deserve.
How Can a Holbrook Truck Accident Lawyer Help You
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you might be feeling overwhelmed. The legal process can be complex and confusing, and it’s important that you have an experienced lawyer on your side. A truck accident lawyer will know how to navigate the process and will fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Your truck accident lawyer will also be able to investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your claim. This might include things like the truck driver’s logs, the police report, eyewitness testimony, and more.
Your lawyer will also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf and will fight to get you a fair settlement. If necessary, your lawyer will take your case to court and argue on your behalf.
No one should have to go through the legal process alone, especially after suffering a serious injury in a truck accident. Contact The Law Offices Of Gerald J. Noonan today for a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer. We’ll review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Are You Ready to Speak With a Truck Accident Expert?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, we know that you might have a lot of questions. We’re here to answer them. Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers will walk you through the process and help you understand your legal options. We’ll also fight to get you the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get started on your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
