A Rhode Island truck accident attorney documenting an accident scene as a semi-truck is flipped on its side.

As our world becomes more technology-driven and expecting of instant results, this means online shopping and shipping right to your doorstep have also become more common. This also means, however, that the truck drivers who deliver goods all around the country are spread thin and fatigued or facing deadlines that drive them to violate safety protocols on the road. This may lead to you or a loved one being injured in an accident involving a truck driver.

In the aftermath of a trucking accident, it is important to have an experienced trucking accident lawyer on your side to get you the compensation you deserve for the injuries, inability to work, or other losses you suffered.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. These cases can be complicated due to the various trucking regulations and having an experienced lawyer on your side can make all the difference in your case. There are no legal fees unless you get an award or settlement. Call us toll free 24/7 at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) consultation.

RI Trucking Accident: What You Need to Know

What Is My RI Trucking Accident Case Worth?

The profile of a semi-truck driver.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. The insurance company often try to offer a quick settlement that is lower than what you deserve. Having an experienced trucking accident lawyer on your side can help you get a larger settlement for your injuries and losses. An experienced trucking accident lawyer can evaluate the facts of your case and negotiate with the insurance company to make sure you get the all the compensation you deserve. Read more.

What Does Your Firm Charge for a Trucking Accident Case?

You will not pay anything unless and until our firm secures an award or settlement of your trucking accident claim. If we win your case, then we will receive a fee from your recovery.

What Are Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

Trucking accidents may occur for a number of reasons, including faulty equipment, inattention to the road, driver fatigue, safety violations, and speeding, to name a few. A truck driving at high speed is more likely to cause serious injury than smaller vehicles due to their size and weight. Truck driver fatigue also increases the possibility of a crash on the road, as they may be required to drive for hours on end in order to fulfill job obligations. Studies have shown that, after 8 consecutive hours of driving, a truck driver’s alertness and performance begins to decline significantly. When surveyed, many long-haul truck drivers have even reported falling asleep at the wheel at some point during a 30-day period.

A Rhode Island truck accident attorney documenting the scene of a semi-truck accident. The vehicle's windshield is smashed, and the semi-truck is on the side of the road.

Additionally, large truck accidents may occur if cargo falls off of the vehicle and onto the road. Common examples of material that may become detached from the vehicle include gravel, logs, bricks, lumber, or other building products. Falling cargo may cause the truck driver to lose control of the truck and injure other drivers. There are certain regulations that must be followed when it comes to securing cargo, and if these are not followed, trucking companies can be held responsible for resulting injury.

As with all vehicles on the road, an accident can occur if large trucks are not inspected, repaired, or maintained. For example, a tractor-trailer may not be able to stop suddenly to avoid hitting another car in front of it if the truck’s braking system is not maintained properly. It is also important for the truck’s lighting system to be regularly inspected in order for the driver to have full visibility at all times, for failure to do so could result in an accident with other drivers.

Other Common Causes of Truck Accidents Include:

  • Speeding
  • Tire blow outs
  • Overloaded commercial vehicles
  • Truck rollover
  • Failure to follow safety procedures
  • Unlicensed drivers
  • Cargo that shifts weight
  • Defective auto parts
  • Safety violations
  • Failure to fix broken parts
  • Poor conditions like slick roads or wind causing jackknife

How Is a Trucking Accident Different from a Passenger Car Accident?

Two vehicles and a semi driving down a highway.

Trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger cars and can therefore do far more damage. With car accidents, typically only the driver and their insurance get involved. However, for trucking accidents, a truck driver will likely be a professional driver backed by a team of in-house attorneys, corporate insurance companies, and the company which employs them. This is why having an experienced lawyer to support you in the process and anticipate the tactics used can be very helpful in going up against the entire team backing the truck driver instead of fighting for the compensation you deserve on your own.

Serious Injuries Caused by Trucking Accidents:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Whiplash
  • Neck injury
  • Scarring
  • Concussion
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Facial or bodily burns
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Back injury
  • Amputation 
  • PTSD
  • Death

What Steps Should I Take After a Trucking Accident?

If you are injured, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. For serious injuries, head to the nearest emergency room. Even if your injuries are minor, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Document everything you can about what happened. Get the truck driver’s name, contact information, and insurance information. Take pictures of the scene if you are able and get the names and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the accident. Report the accident and any injuries you sustained to your insurance company. It is also a good idea to consult an experienced trucking accident lawyer who can evaluate the facts of your case and ensure you receive all the compensation you deserve.

Who Is Legally Responsible for My Truck Accident Injuries?

A doctor is speaking with a patient and his wife in the hospital. The patient in the hospital bed will need a Rhode Island truck accident attorney.

Depending on the cause and specifics of your truck accident, various parties can be held legally responsible for your truck accident injuries. You should speak with a truck accident attorney to determine whom you could sue. Generally, the parties who are commonly held liable involve:

  • The person driving the truck
  • The truck driver’s employer
  • The person or company who owns the truck, trailer, or cargo being transported
  • The manufacturer of any part of the truck
  • A third-party who performed maintenance or service on the truck

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Claim?

In Rhode Island, the deadline to file a lawsuit for personal injuries is usually three (3) years from the date of the accident. After this cutoff date, you are no longer able to file a lawsuit to collect compensation for your injuries.

Although you typically have three (3) years to file a lawsuit, you should not wait to start pursuing your options! It is important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible so they have plenty of time to gather evidence, build a strong case, and maximize your compensation.

Should I Contact My Insurance Company?

A semi-truck tipped on its side.

Yes, you should contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the trucking accident and file a claim. Informing your insurance company ASAP helps resolve your claim faster, preserves evidence, and prevents the insurance company from arguing that you took too long to notify them. However, you should consult a lawyer before admitting fault or accepting any settlement offers.

Do I Need to go to Court for My Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Often, truck accident lawsuits settle out of court, so you will probably not need to go to court. We resolve about ninety-five percent (95%) of all our clients’ lawsuits without ever going to court. In the unlikely event that your case does not settle, our experienced attorneys are ready and eager to fight for your rights in the courtroom.

What Type of Evidence is Needed in a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Evidence is crucial in lawsuits. You must prove—using evidence—that the party you are suing caused your injuries. In a truck accident lawsuit, there are common types of valuable evidence, such as:

  • Witness statements
  • Expert testimony
  • Police accident reports
  • Your medical records
  • Photographs or videos depicting the accident
  • Photographs of vehicle damage or bodily injury
  • Repair shop documents noting the damage to your vehicle
  • The truck driver’s logbooks
  • The truck’s electronic control module

Truck Laws in Rhode Island

Rhode Island and the federal government issue laws that apply to commercial trucks and their drivers. Below are a few important laws relating to commercial trucks and their operators:

Contact an Experienced RI Trucking Accident Lawyer Today

A Rhode Island truck accident attorney discusses a case with his two clients.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. We work with experienced trucking accidents lawyers who may be able to file a trucking accident lawsuit on your behalf and charge no fee until you get a settlement or award. Contact us anytime toll free at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free (no obligation) case evaluation.

Source:

  1. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/data-and-statistics/large-truck-and-bus-crash-facts-2016