Whether you are driving on I-79, I-376 or the Turnpike, you know that Western Pennsylvania highways do not have a shortage of tractor-trailers on them. Unfortunately, these behemoths are still causing far too many accidents in our region. Many of these accidents result in catastrophic injuries or even death to innocent drivers and passengers.
After you or a loved one is in an accident with a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle, one of the most important things you can do is talk to an attorney. Do not accept a quick settlement offer from the trucking company’s insurance company before talking to an attorney first.
Determining fault
There are many causes of trucking accidents, and a personal injury lawyer will be able to act quickly to investigate the cause of your accident. Some typical causes of tractor-trailer accidents include:
- Truck driver fatigue from violating federal regulations about hours of service
- Improper maintenance on the truck that causes tire blowouts, brake failure or other issues
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs, such as stimulants to stay awake and stay on the road longer
- Improper driver training
- A loading error that causes a spill
Trucking companies will not leave evidence sitting around forever. They will demolish trucks or repair them quickly after an accident. Your attorney will be able to preserve this crucial evidence to determine who is at fault.
Pursuing additional compensation
Trucking accident cases are different from other motor vehicle accident claims because there is often more compensation available to the victim, if they know where to look for it. Trucking companies will often hold separate insurance policies on both the truck and the trailer. Additionally, if a loading company was partially responsible for the accident, they likely also have an insurance policy as well.
Your lawyer will be able to look into every possible source of compensation that could be available to you through a lawsuit. However, if you accept a quick settlement offer, you will likely close the door on being able to recover any additional damages. This additional compensation could make the difference in being able to weather the financial storm that may come with your injuries or the loss of a loved one. Contacting an attorney as quickly as possible after you or your family member’s accident is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your rights and options.
