Truck Accidents - An Overview

Call (888) 351-2260 to speak with a car accident attorney.

Truck accidents have been causing injury and death for many years. Of course, cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles are also the cause of many accidents, but the effects of a truck accident can be far more profound simply because of the size and weight of the vehicle. The cargo being carried by commercial trucks can also contribute to the severity of accidents, as some trucks carry dangerous cargo such as toxic or explosive materials. So, why do these truck accidents occur?

About truck accidents

The drivers of trucks are usually people with years of driving experience. Most truck drivers are far more careful about driving than the average car or van driver, and this is because they are fully aware of the dangers. However, accidents can and do happen for a variety of reasons. Truck drivers work long hours and travel long distances, and this can cause immense exhaustion and lack of concentration, which can result in an accident. Trucks are also far bigger, heavier, and more difficult to maneuver than most other vehicles, which can also contribute to injuries and fatalities caused by accidents. In some cases, the accident can be due to other factors such as the driver's negligence or even faulty parts on the truck. One thing is for certain – the results of a truck accident can be catastrophic, and many people have lost their lives to these accidents – this includes other drivers, pedestrians, and the truck drivers themselves.

Of course, it is important to remember that a truck accident may not be the truck driver's fault in some cases – it may be the result of another vehicle driving dangerously. Some of the other causes of truck accidents can include weather conditions, obstructions in the road, and even illness of the truck driver (who could be on medications, which could affect his or her judgment and concentration levels).

The first section of this site provides a range of useful information, facts, and figures relating to truck accidents, what exactly constitutes a truck accident, and what can cause truck accidents.

Types of truck accidents

There are a number of different truck accident types, and these can relate to different types of larger vehicles. Some types of accident include:

Semi truck accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents
Tractor trailer accidents
Tanker truck accidents
Flatbed truck accidents
Fire truck accidents
Delivery truck accidents
Bus/school bus accidents
DUI truck accidents
Jack knife/brake accidents

In the second section of this site you can find out more each of the above types of accidents, what they are, and how they can be caused.

The legal side

All types of truck accidents – whatever type of truck is involved and whatever the cause of the accident – can be catastrophic. If you are involved in a truck accident you could end up with serious injuries, or you could end up losing your life or losing a loved one in the accident. One of the aftermaths of a truck accident is seeking legal advice, especially if you have suffered injury or lost a loved one due to a truck accident. In this case you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Of course, money will not make up for the trauma of being involved in such an accident, particularly if you are filing a lawsuit for the wrongful death of a loved one, but it can go towards paying for medical costs and compensating you for pain, suffering, or grief.

Each and every truck accident case is different and thus settlement values will also differ on a case-to-case basis. There are many factors that will be weighed in any individual truck accident settlement, including the extent of your injuries, the length of time it will take for your injuries to heal, the amount of time you will be absent from work, the strength of your case, the amount of insurance held by the negligent party, and the nature of the accident itself. More than one person can have the same type of injury, though one may suffer much more than the other. The amount one may receive in damages can also vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

One may be able to receive economic damages, which are easy to estimate because they are quantifiable. There is also no cap to the amount of economic damages one may receive. A number that may be included in this is the amount of income one makes and how much they lose because of an accident. Age can also play a factor, as a younger person who suffers from a life long injury is going to be spending more in medical expenses than a person who is older.

Then there are non-economic damages, which include damages for suffering and pain. These can have a limit in some states. Punitive damages which are meant to punish the defendant are included in this.

There are different legal options available to you, but it is essential to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to maximize your chances of a successful claim. The cause and severity of the accident will often determine how much you will receive by way of compensation, and your lawyer will be able to offer further advice on this once he or she has heard the circumstances.

In the third part of this site, you will find out more about addressing the legal issues relating to truck accidents as well as information relating to contacting insurance companies, and finding out about federal laws in connection with truck accidents.

Legal•Info

Legal•Info State Truck Accidents Information

Legal•Info State Resources

Find legal information and lawyers that specialize in Truck Accidents by state: