Frequently Asked Questions When Injured In A Truck Accident - Part 1

 

Accidents involving large commercial trucks can result in serious injuries or even death. Commercial trucks are significantly heavier than passenger cars and SUVs. These commercial trucks often carry hazardous or flammable materials which can be significant contributors to the damage resulting from an accident. Individuals that have been injured in an accident with a commercial truck frequently have questions and don’t always know where to get reliable answers. This is the first part of this series of articles that will not only provide a list of some of those frequently asked questions but will also provide answers you can trust.

 

What exactly is a commercial truck?

 

A commercial truck, often referred to as a "big rig," is a vehicle used in the course of business and/or for the transport of commercial goods. Examples are eighteen-wheeler tractor trailers, tanker trucks, delivery vehicles, and other large freight trucks. Commercial trucks are generally much larger than other trucks on the highway and require a commercial driver's license to operate.

 

Is an accident involving a commercial truck more likely to cause injury than one involving passenger cars?

 

A typical fully-loaded, large commercial truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more compared to an average passenger car which might weigh only 3,000 pounds. Due to this significant size difference, when an accident occurs involving a large commercial truck and a car, there is a very real chance that it will result in serious, even fatal, injuries.

 

What are the most common contributing factors to accidents involving commercial trucks and automobiles?

 

Truck accidents are typically caused by a combination of the performance characteristics of large commercial trucks such as acceleration and braking capabilities as well as limited visibility (also known as blind spots) of objects near them coupled with passenger car drivers' ignorance of those characteristics.

 

If I have been injured in a truck accident where the truck driver was at fault and I am forced to miss work, can I recover my lost wages?

 

The short answer is “Yes”. Your recovery in a personal injury case can include payment for income lost through missed work, plus compensation for any loss of earning capacity resulting from the accident.

 

If I am injured in a truck accident where hazardous material was being transported and then develop additional complications such as respiratory problems, can I sue the manufacturer as well as the truck driver or trucking company?

 

Depending on the specific circumstances, the shipper of such hazardous materials can be held legally responsible if injuries resulted from the truck's cargo, especially if the shipper failed to notify the driver or the trucking company of the hazardous nature of material contained in the freight.

 

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

 

If you've been injured and you believe that someone else is responsible for your injuries, you might want to contact a local Amarillo TX personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options. In order to make sure you don't exceed the time limit for filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to contact an attorney soon after being injured.

 

Call your Amarillo personal injury lawyer right away

 

When the unexpected happens and you need an experienced professional Amarillo personal injury lawyer you know you can count on Bill Cornett.  For well over 47 years, Amarillo attorney William (Bill) Cornett has been there to help in an uncertain time.  If you need him, Bill is there. Car accidents often result in serious physical injury and property damage. If you are involved in a car accident where the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to damages -- financial compensation for physical, emotional, and/or financial losses resulting from the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a car accident, you should consider having an attorney evaluate your claim. There is no obligation, and the consultation could make all the difference in whether you collect on your claim.

 

Your most important action may end up being the phone call that you make to your Amarillo personal injury lawyer.  In the Texas Panhandle that call should be to Amarillo personal injury lawyer Bill Cornett.  Bill has dealt with nearly every type of car accident during his 47+ years in practice.  Be safe and be smart…remember these phone numbers

 (806) 374-9498 or (800) 658-6618.

 

Put Cornett Law Firm’s 47+ years of experience to work for you

 

Bill Cornett, Amarillo Attorney, with Cornett Law Firm offers affordable, qualified services as an experienced personal injury lawyer, probate attorney, family law attorney, criminal law attorney, DWI attorney and divorce attorney. Bill also has experience in estate planning and agriculture law. Sit down with Bill at his office located at 612 S. Van Buren St. in Amarillo TX by calling (806) 374-9498 or (800) 658-6618 TODAY to schedule a free consultation.

 

Bill Cornett recently handled a commercial truck accident case where a rear wheel came off a moving trailer which resulted in a $1,400,000 recovery for his clients.  The case was settled when an expert witness was produced that proved negligence on the part of the defendants.  This was a tragic case that resulted in a large settlement which was deserved by the clients. Let Bill Cornett go to work for you to make sure you get the settlement you deserve.