Courtenay Truck Accident Lawyer
When a tractor-trailer and a smaller vehicle collide, the consequences for the occupants of the car are often devastating. In an instant, your life has changed, and you find yourself facing a long recovery and rehabilitation. Perhaps you will never regain the mobility you had before the crash. Since you cannot work, your financial burdens grow, adding to your stress.
At this difficult point in your life, a compassionate Courtenay truck accident lawyer from our firm can conduct a thorough investigation to determine which parties are at fault, and negotiate on your behalf with the insurance company.
Common truck accident causes
Accidents are most often caused by mechanical failure, improper loading of cargo, and driver error– which may include:
- Distracted driving
- Driving under the influence
- Drowsy driving
- Failure to check mirrors for vehicles
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Following too closely
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
Mechanical failures in large trucks may include tire blowouts. The debris from this may affect many vehicles in the vicinity. Brake failures or loss of steering power are other frequent mechanical contributors. Trucking companies are responsible for the maintenance of their vehicles, and if poor maintenance contributed to the crash, the company might be held liable. The manufacture of the defective part may also prove accountable.
By law, cargo companies must make sure they are not overloading the trucks, and that all freight is properly and safely secured. Failure in either case can result in rollovers or jackknifing, as well as spillage of the cargo onto the highway. Some accidents do not involve colliding with the truck per se, but having cargo hit a passenger vehicle.
Truck accident damages
Damages in a truck accident may include:
- Medical expenses, current and future
- Lost wages
- Lost future earnings
- Lost benefits
- Pain and suffering
As a personal injury law firm we know what is a reasonable settlement for your type of injuries, including your ongoing rehabilitation as well as your future care needs. Never agree to a settlement with an insurance company before obtaining legal advice. Insurance companies want to settle for as little as possible.
When you are seriously injured and worried about your health and financial future, the amount offered by the insurer may sound tempting. However, keep in mind that insurance companies want to settle for as little as possible, and you need legal representation both to assess your situation and ensure you receive the maximum compensation for which you are eligible.
Contact our Preszler team of Courtenay truck accident lawyers
If you or someone who know was seriously injured because of the reckless or negligent actions of a truck driver, contact a personal injury lawyer. You can schedule a complimentary consultation by calling us 24/7 or contacting us online. We have represented victims of accidents since 1959, and have helped many people just like you receive the settlements they deserve. Unless we win, there is no fee.