Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer

Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer For Injured Clients in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee

If you have been injured or if a loved one has died as the result of a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or other “big rig” accident, it is important to retain an experienced truck accident lawyer. It is also important to understand that truck accident cases are very different from car and non-commercial vehicle accidents in several key aspects:

• Because of their size, semi-truck accidents tend to be much more devastating. Drivers (and their passengers) hit by semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are much more likely to lose their lives than those involved in accidents involving cars or non-commercial vehicles. The weight alone of semis means that they will exert a much greater force at impact than a passenger vehicle, and that the passenger car will absorb most of the impact. The higher profile of semis also means that the bumpers on passenger cars may not properly protect the occupants.
• Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies must comply with numerous federal regulations that do not apply to non-commercial drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has enacted numerous regulations that pertain to truck drivers and trucking companies. Important regulations concern:
  • The number of hours that truckers are limited to driving over certain time periods, and the related “rest requirements” meant to minimize truck driver fatigue
  • Requirements that truck drivers meticulously record various aspects of their driving in a log book (or electronic logbook), including when they started driving each day, their location, and the number of miles driven,
  • Inspection requirements that require truck drivers to carefully inspect their load prior to driving and after a certain number of miles have been driven.
  • Prohibitions on consuming alcohol in the hours before driving, and also from taking “pep” pills.
• Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies are required by federal law to carry higher insurance coverage limits. One tragic aspect of car crashes, especially in the case of severe injury or death, is that many drivers choose to carry only the bare minimum amout of liability insurance. In some states, this may be as low as $20,000. Such amount is woefully inadequate to compensate injured drivers or passengers who have sustained even moderate injuries, let alone to adequately compensate the families who have lost a loved one. Usually, in the case of drivers who carry very little insurance, such drivers also have no meaningful assets from which to obtain an adequate recovery.

Fortunately, federal law requires that commercial truck drivers carry liability insurance of at least $750,000. Large trucking companies often carry substantially more insurance, and more insurance is also required when certain types of cargo are being transported.

While no amount of money will bring back a loved one or remove the pain and suffering resulting from a serious injury, the availability of significant insurance can provide a level of compensation not available in cases of uninsured or underinsured drivers.

• Event Recorders. Today, most semi-trucks (and even newer passenger vehicles) contain event recorders. Event recorders are commonly referred to as “black boxes.” Such recorders record various aspects of driving, such as speed, and when the brakes may have been applied in an accident. Event recorders are critical in many truck accident cases for proving liability provided that they are saved before a truck involved in an accident is destroyed. As a truck accident attorney, I will want to preserve the event recorder evidence for trial.

If You or a Loved One have been Injured in a Semi Truck, 18-Wheeler, Tractor Trailer, or Other “Big Rig” Crash, Please Call For a Free Consultation

I would look forward to having the opportunity to discuss how I and my firm can help you in seeking full compensation for all those responsible for your injuries and damages. There is no fee for my services unless compensation is obtained.

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Ways Commercial Trucking Companies Can Be Responsible For Accidents

When a commercial truck is involved in a crash, the company that owns or operates the vehicle can share responsibility for what happened. Our commercial truck accidents lawyer knows that these businesses have a legal duty to hire qualified drivers, keep their vehicles safe, and follow federal and state trucking regulations. When they fail in these duties, the risk of an accident and serious injuries increases significantly. You may find that an investigation reveals multiple factors pointing back to the trucking company’s actions or inactions. In many cases, a company’s responsibility goes beyond what happens behind the wheel.

As someone affected by a truck accident, you have the right to know how company negligence may have played a role. The Mark Hurt Law Firm has handled cases where trucking company behavior was a key factor in proving liability. We offer free consultations, so don’t hesitate when it comes to getting in touch with us.

Negligent Hiring Practices

Employing drivers without proper screening for qualifications, driving history, or safety records can place unsafe drivers behind the wheel. This can increase the likelihood of an accident.

Inadequate Training

Commercial truck accidents can happen for many reasons. Drivers who are not properly trained in vehicle operation, safety rules, and handling challenging driving conditions are more likely to make dangerous mistakes.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Skipping routine inspections or ignoring known mechanical issues, such as brake problems or worn tires, can lead to dangerous failures while driving.

Hours-Of-Service Violations

Pressuring drivers to exceed federal driving limits or falsify records can result in fatigue, reducing reaction times and increasing the chance of an accident.

Overloading Or Improperly Loading Cargo

Carrying cargo beyond legal weight limits or failing to secure it properly can cause rollovers, loss of control, or debris on the road.

Lack Of Safety Policies And Enforcement

When companies do not set clear safety rules or fail to hold drivers accountable for breaking them, unsafe driving behaviors may continue unchecked.

Negligent Supervision

Failing to monitor driver performance or address repeated safety violations allows risky conduct to persist over time.

Negligent Retention

Keeping drivers employed despite a record of unsafe driving or substance abuse creates ongoing hazards for other road users.

Failure To Comply With FMCSA Regulations

Ignoring federal safety standards on maintenance, weight limits, and driver qualifications can directly contribute to preventable accidents.

Encouraging Unsafe Driving To Meet Deadlines

Setting unrealistic delivery schedules or rewarding speed over safety can lead drivers to take dangerous risks.

Failure To Conduct Required Drug And Alcohol Testing

Allowing drivers to operate without proper testing after hiring, following a truck accident, or at random intervals can put impaired drivers on the road.

Improper Fleet Management

Poor recordkeeping and the use of outdated, unsafe vehicles can increase the likelihood of mechanical failure during operation.

If you or someone you care about has been involved in a collision with a commercial truck, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights. Evidence can be lost over time, and trucking companies often have legal teams working to limit their responsibility. Our team can investigate the cause of the accident, identify every party that may be liable, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. We know that commercial truck accidents can be incredibly dangerous. We answer calls 24/7, so contact us today to discuss how we can assist with your case.