Truck accidents only account for a small fraction of total vehicular accidents on U.S. roadways, but the damage they cause is catastrophic. Unfortunately, they’re also on the rise, and not decreasing. In fact, over the past 20 years, the number of big rig accidents has gone up by a full 20%. Over 130,000 people get hurt in truck accidents every year and suffer life-altering injuries as a result.
The reason truck accidents are so bad is that vehicles like 18-wheelers are massive. Their size and weight can destroy property and change or even end lives. In fact, over 66% of fatalities in trucking accidents are the drivers of other vehicles.
When you get hurt in an accident like this, you deserve compensation. Discover the various truck accident causes, why these cases get complicated, and when you should seek help from an experienced truck accident attorney.
Truck Accident Causes
There are a lot of different potential truck accident causes, which means there are also a lot of different parties that are potentially responsible for the damage that results. As with any vehicular crash, a truck accident can be caused by driver error, whether it’s a distraction, drunk driving, or just being overworked and tired.
Other causes, however, can be things like faulty brakes or tires. They can be cargo that shifts because it wasn’t properly secured. In these cases, a range of people can be responsible, including the trucking company, the truck parts manufacturer, the actual owner of the truck, or even the shipping and loading company responsible for securing the cargo.
Avoiding the Blame Game
The biggest problem is that all the potential parties involved will constantly try to shift blame onto each other. Their insurance companies might even try to shift the blame onto you. It’s all a basic effort to avoid paying the cost of your injuries. In some cases, the trucking company may (illegally) try to claim that since the truck driver was an independent contractor, they’re not responsible.
The right attorney will step in and put a stop to the blame game. They’ll cut through the arguments and remind everyone that the real issue is someone with life-altering injuries who was a victim. They’ll represent your interests and give you the best shot at getting the full compensation you deserve.
Compensation for Truck Accidents
When you get hurt in a truck accident, you can be eligible for compensation for all of your medical bills, for the pain and suffering you have, for your lost wages and potential compensation in the future, for the damage to your quality of life. You can pursue damages for your loss of consortium and loss of relationships and comfort. In the worst cases, you may even be able to collect punitive damages.
Truck Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, you should immediately seek help from a local truck accident attorney. Contact Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys for a free consultation on your case, and get started on your road to recovery today.
