A trucking accident can change your life in an instant. You may be left with serious injuries, growing medical bills, and more questions than answers. Who’s at fault? How will you pay for your recovery? What can you do if the insurance company won’t cooperate?
Unlike car accidents, trucking collisions can be very complex. There are liability concerns, federal regulations, and powerful companies that are focused on minimizing payouts. Trying to handle everything on your own can be overwhelming.
This is where a trucking accident attorney becomes helpful. They can protect your rights, gather the evidence you need, and fight for fair compensation. Let’s explore what makes trucking accidents unique and how legal representation can make all the difference.
Why Trucking Accidents Are Different
Severe Injuries and Higher Stakes
A collision with an 80,000-pound truck is life-altering. Victims may suffer from broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries. These injuries require lots of medical care and long-term rehabilitation. This can leave you with tons of expenses and less earning potential.
The costs add up quickly. Hospital bills, therapy, and lost wages can leave you struggling to make ends meet. The emotional toll is just as hard. You may worry about your future or feel anxious about the accident.
Complex Liability
In trucking accidents, responsibility often extends beyond the driver. Was the trucking company pushing impossible deadlines? Did a maintenance team miss critical repairs? Was a defective part to blame? Determining liability in these cases requires thorough investigation.
Unlike car accidents, trucking claims often involve multiple parties. Identifying each one is essential to recovering full compensation. A skilled attorney knows how to uncover the necessary information, whether it’s evidence of a trucking company’s negligence or proof that faulty equipment contributed to the crash.
Specialized Regulations
The trucking industry has strict rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). There are hours-of-service limits for drivers to maintain safety standards. These rules cover driver rest breaks, truck weight limits, and maintenance standards. Breaking these rules can lead to accidents.
An experienced trucking attorney knows these regulations inside and out. They know how to identify violations—such as falsified driver logs or overloaded trucks—that strengthen your case.
Key Ways a Trucking Accident Attorney Helps
1. Gathering and Preserving Critical Evidence
Evidence is key to proving your case. But in trucking accidents, this evidence can disappear quickly. An attorney works fast to secure:
- Black Box Data: This records crucial details like speed, braking patterns, and engine performance at the time of the accident.
- Driver Logs: Diver logs help prove if the driver went over the hours-of-service limits.
- Maintenance Records: Neglected repairs or poor vehicle upkeep often contribute to accidents, and these records can expose a company’s negligence.
By gathering this evidence, your attorney strengthens your case and prevents trucking companies from dodging accountability.
2. Identifying All Liable Parties
Many people may share the blame for a trucking accident. Your lawyer will investigate to find out who is responsible, including:
- Truck Drivers: Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or impaired?
- Trucking Companies: Did the company push unsafe deadlines, fail to maintain its fleet, or hire unqualified drivers?
- Maintenance Providers: Were critical repairs overlooked or ignored?
- Manufacturers: Did defective equipment or parts contribute to the crash?
Finding each liable party allows for compensation and makes sure all parties are held responsible.
3. Calculating Full Compensation
Insurance companies will try to minimize payouts, but an experienced attorney ensures every aspect of your losses is addressed. This includes:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of ongoing care.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for pain, suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence—like falsified driver logs or drunk driving—punitive damages may be awarded to deter similar conduct in the future.
This ensures your claim covers all your losses, not just the obvious ones.
4. Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are looking out for their bottom line—not yours. Without representation, you may feel pressured into accepting a lowball settlement. An attorney will take on these negotiations by:
- Building a Strong Case: Attorneys present clear, evidence-backed demands that leave no room for insurers to argue.
- Preparing for Trial: Going to court often motivates insurers to offer better settlements.
With an attorney managing the legal battle, you can focus on recovery while they focus on securing your future.
Why Choose Strickland & Kendall?
Trucking accident claims are challenging, but you don’t have to face them alone. We specialize in working through complexities of these cases. Our team knows how to find hidden evidence, hold multiple parties accountable, and secure maximum compensation for our clients.
A Client-First Approach
At Strickland & Kendall, your needs come first. We offer compassionate guidance, clear communication, and relentless advocacy. You’re not just another case to us—you’re our priority.
Conclusion
A trucking accident can take a hold of your life, but the right legal representation can help you take it back. By hiring an experienced trucking accident attorney, you ensure that your case is handled with care and expertise, giving you the best chance at a fair outcome. Don’t wait—every moment counts when building your case. At Strickland & Kendall, we fight tirelessly for our clients, securing the compensation they need to heal and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice you deserve.