Trucking Accidents
Washington County Trucking Accident Lawyer
Crashes involving tractor-trailers are the most dangerous type of motor vehicle accident, especially with smaller vehicles. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh nearly 100,000 pounds and, together with size and speed, create a deadly force of impact that only a mere three percent survive during a collision. Survivors often suffer catastrophic, traumatic, and life-altering injuries.
Wilmoth Law Firm understands the financial and emotional devastation caused by tractor-trailer crashes. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you need the experience and dedication of a lawyer to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Are the Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Washington County, Arkansas?
Trucking accidents can manifest in dangerous forms, presenting unique hazards and challenges. The most common types of trucking accidents include:
- Blind Spot Accidents: Collisions with smaller vehicles during turns or lane changes when other motorists travel in the truck’s blind spots.
- Jackknife Accidents: Occurs when the trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle from the cab, often caused by sudden braking or slippery roads.
- Overloaded Accidents: Loads exceeding weight limits can have trouble stopping and controlling the trailer and load.
- Rear-End Collisions: These are caused by truck drivers following too closely or being cut off by other drivers and being unable to stop in time.
- Rollover Accidents: A truck overturns due to sharp turns, uneven loads, or loss of control.
- Tire Blowouts: Sudden tire failure can cause loss of control, especially at high speeds.
- Underride Accidents: These typically occur during rear-end or T-bone collisions, when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer during impact, usually with fatal results.
Trucking accidents frequently result in catastrophic or fatal injuries due to the truck’s size and weight. Some of the most common injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries. The severity of these accidents can result in long-term or permanent disabilities, and in many cases, the injuries are life-altering.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Washington County?
Trucking accidents can happen for a number of reasons and, in many cases involving trucks, multiple contributing factors may contribute, including:
- Distracted Driving: Truck drivers may be distracted by phones, GPS devices, or other in-cab technology, leading to accidents.
- Drowsy Driving: Truck drivers often push themselves past their limits, impairing their judgment and reaction time due to fatigue.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can severely impair a truck driver’s ability to operate the vehicle safely.
- Maintenance: Failure to properly maintain a truck, including brakes, tires, and lights, can lead to mechanical failures and accidents.
- Overloaded Trucks: Exceeding weight limits strains brakes, tires, and suspension, making it harder to control the vehicle.
- Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces can cause a truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.
- Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, or ignoring traffic laws can lead to dangerous accidents involving trucks.
- Weather: Severe weather conditions, like rain, can reduce visibility and road traction, increasing the risk of accidents.
Who Is Liable for a Trucking Accident in Arkansas?
Determining liability in a trucking accident is not always straightforward. Several parties may be at fault, depending on the circumstances, such as:
- Driver: If the driver was speeding, driving under the influence, or engaging in other unsafe behaviors, they could be held accountable for the accident.
- Trucking Company: If the trucking company failed to properly train its drivers, pressured them to drive beyond their limits, or did not maintain the truck, it could be held liable for the crash.
- Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck caused the accident, the manufacturer of the truck or its parts could be responsible.
- Maintenance Company: If a third-party company was responsible for maintaining the truck and failed to do so properly, they could be held accountable for any resulting accidents.
- Other Drivers: If another driver caused the accident, such as cutting off the truck or failing to yield, causing a collision, that driver could be at fault.
How Can I Prove Liability in a Trucking Accident?
Proving liability in a trucking accident can be complex, given the level of destruction these massive machines cause in a collision and the number of players potentially involved. Establishing liability often requires gathering substantial evidence, such as:
- Police Report: An official account of the accident, including traffic law violations and issued citations.
- Truck Data: Electronic control modules in trucks record data such as speed, braking patterns, and engine performance, demonstrating whether the driver was operating safely.
- Maintenance Records: The truck’s maintenance records can help establish the company’s negligence.
- Witness Testimony: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident can provide statements supporting your version of events.
- Expert Witnesses: Accident reconstruction experts can testify about the accident’s cause and how it could have been prevented.
What Compensation Can I Seek for My Truck Accident Injuries?
Compensation for truck accidents is typically significant, given the severity of injuries. Medical expenses alone are often staggering. In Arkansas, you may be entitled to compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Medical and assistive devices, along with home and vehicle modifications, to be handicapped accessible.
- Lost wages during recovery if your injuries prevent you from working.
- Pain and suffering for physical pain, emotional distress, and the overall impact the accident has had on your quality of life.
- Property damage for repairing or replacing your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the accident.
How Can a Washington County Trucking Accident Lawyer Help Me?
A trucking accident can leave you facing serious injuries, medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. Having an experienced Washington County trucking accident lawyer to handle the legal process on your behalf provides peace of mind and allows you to focus on healing. This includes investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and determining who is responsible. Your lawyer can sort through the complex details and build a strong and compelling case for justice.
Dealing with insurance companies after a truck accident can be frustrating and overwhelming. They may try to offer a quick settlement that does not fully cover your losses. Your lawyer can negotiate for compensation that accounts for your full medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term care you may need and take the fight to court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Your Washington County Trucking Accident Lawyer at Wilmoth Law Firm Holds Negligent Trucking Companies Accountable
Trucking accidents can cause devastating injuries and significant financial expenses. If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, a Washington County trucking accident lawyer at Wilmoth Law Firm can help you hold negligent parties accountable and seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Call 479-443-8080 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, we serve clients in the surrounding areas.