The design of commercial trucks enables them to withstand long hours and heavy cargo, making them much larger than standard passenger cars. This large size difference results in significant damage to a smaller vehicle if they collide, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries for the car’s driver and passengers.
A Springfield truck accident lawyer from Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. could provide you with support and guidance while you recover from your injuries. Our dedicated injury attorneys have decades of experience helping injured drivers understand their legal options so they can focus on restoring their lives.
Semi-trailers require more skill and awareness to operate safely than the average vehicle. Commercial truck drivers must go through a rigorous licensing process and follow federal regulations. Despite this, operator errors cause many trucking accidents. These errors could be any kind of behavior or practice that affects the driver’s ability to maintain control of their vehicle:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has issued several rules to try to prevent some of these errors. For example, commercial truck drivers may only work for a set number of hours per day so they can take a break and get some rest. Truckers are also prohibited from using a mobile device while driving.
Besides the driver, the trucking companies could also bear some responsibility for causing a crash. The company owns the 18-wheeler and is responsible for maintaining it, which means ensuring that it is in proper working condition and conducting repairs if necessary. The company could be held liable if your crash was due to a mechanical failure.
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring properly qualified drivers and providing necessary training. Federal regulations require employers to provide adequate rest schedules for their employees and prohibit them from allowing drivers to operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol.
A skilled attorney could help you determine responsibility for a semi-truck crash in Springfield due to the many causes and the number of parties involved. An attorney could thoroughly review the situation and develop a legal strategy to assist you with your case.
The sheer amount of force behind a large truck could leave victims with devastating physical and mental injuries after a collision. These injuries could require weeks or months of treatment, with no guarantee of a full recovery. As such, injured drivers and passengers may be entitled to compensatory damages to cover their medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Regardless of who was ultimately responsible for causing the collision, insurance companies have a significant interest in settling the matter quickly and at the lowest cost. Often, these companies pressure victims into accepting offers well below what they deserve for their pain and suffering. That is why it is crucial for victims injured in Springfield to have a dedicated lawyer to advocate for their interests after a semi-truck collision and strive toward obtaining a fair outcome.
If you suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler collision, whether as the driver or a passenger, speak with a Springfield truck accident lawyer at Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. Having an attorney representing your interests could help ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.
If you need help negotiating a fair settlement with the insurance company or advocating for you in court, our team could be there for you from start to finish. Contact our firm today to discuss your case with a member of our team.
Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley
N/a 