The Truck Accident Law Firm Blog

Large trucks, such as 18 wheelers, often referred to as tractor-trailers, are an integral part of interstate commerce. They are, however, very large vehicles traveling on the same highways as the much smaller, much lighter, passenger vehicles. Both the truck drivers as well as the automobile drivers need to be aware of the special circumstances created by such large vehicles on the roads.

Truck accidents are almost always catastrophic simply due to their size. The limits set by the Department of Transportation are as follows: 102 inches wide; 13.5 feet in height; and 80,000 pounds. Compare this, for example, to the weight of a large car, which is 120 pounds. The difference is astonishing and makes it easy to understand why the collision of a truck with a passenger vehicle is so catastrophic.

Truck accidents have resulted in numerous injuries, including:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Loss of arms or legs
• Death

In some states, you may be entitled to receive compensation after being involved in a truck accident even if you are partly at fault. In order to determine whether or not you have a valid legal claim and are entitled to receive compensation, it is important that you contact an attorney.

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a truck accident, please contact an experienced truck accident attorney in your area today to schedule a no-cost, confidential consultation.

One thing you have to know is that you are not negotiating on level ground when dealing with a trucking company following a truck accident. Most trucking companies are highly skilled at truck accident investigation and claims practice. These insurance company adjusters represent the truck company, not you. You should not give any type of statement or sign any releases for medical records or employment records. Often the medical release allows the adjuster to talk to your doctors without you or anyone being present. Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. You should do nothing, except get medical attention, following your truck accident.

Truck companies have accident investigators that are on-call and dispatched to the scene of the accident as soon as the trucking company learns there has been an accident. While the families of the accident victims are tending to medical and hospital care and funeral arrangements, the trucking company is investigating the truck accident and setting up their legal defense. This is why the victims of big trucking accidents also need to have a team of investigators and truck accident attorneys on their side, fighting for their rights.

Only an experienced truck accident attorney can advise you of your rights following a truck accident. Please contact an experienced personal injury attorney in your area today to schedule a confidential, no-cost consultation.