Injured by a Truck Accident?

If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, you may want to speak with an attorney who is experienced in such claims.

Trucks often overpower other vehicles in size, weight and power. For that reason, truck accidents are very serious and can be fatal. About 98% of fatalities caused by truck accidents are the occupants of the other vehicle. Truck accidents occur when an eighteen-wheeler, semi, semi-truck, tractor-trailer or rig hits another vehicle. Truck accidents are more complex than car accidents because of the amount of federal involvement. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates trucking companies and federal law requires them to have insurance. Federal law also regulates licensing, training and safety of the trucking industry.

Truck accidents are complicated because there can be a large number of responsible parties, including the trick driver, trucking company, owner of the trailer, shipper of the cargo and the truck manufacturer. Further complications can occur if there is an accident and the cargo then dislodged or spills out. Common causes of trucking accidents include:

• Poorly maintained vehicles
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding
• Equipment defects
• Aggressive driving
• Unsafe brakes, lights and other safety systems
• Overloading or improper loading of cargo
• Driver fatigue

Truck accidents are especially severe due to the sheer size of trucks and the cargo, which they carry. Injuries from truck accidents can be worsened by the cargo or freight the truck carries. Trucks haul toxic or flammable cargo that causes additional damage when there is a truck accident. Injuries include:

• Permanent disability
• Brain injury
• Spinal cord injury
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Death

Although Rhode Island and Massachusetts are among the states with the fewest number of truck related fatalities, accidents do happen. As a victim of truck accident, you can recover medical wages, lost wages and pain and suffering. If you have been injured in a truck accident, the Law Offices of d’Oliveira and Associates, P.C., can help you receive all of the compensation you deserve. Give us a call for a free consultation and remember you pay no legal fees unless a settlement is made on your behalf. For a free consultation CLICK HERE.