Commercial Truck Accident Lawyer for Semi, Tractor Trailer, and “Big Rig” Truck Accidents

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.

Client Review

Mark took over my car accident case from another attorney that I fired. Mark worked hard on the case for several months to get ready for trial. Shortly before trial he got a settlement that was six times more than the offer my first lawyer tried to get me to take.

Jerry C.

 

CLICK HERE to view our case results.

 

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
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