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Trucking/Tractor Trailer Accidents

For all of the safety advances that have been made in automobiles over the past few years, the sheer size and weight of a tractor trailer or large truck may as well render them useless. Trucking accidents have a tendency to be catastrophic, with severe injuries or fatalities being the rule as opposed to the exception.

When the drivers of two cars have a collision, sorting out insurance concerns is usually a straightforward affair. This is not the case when a tractor trailer/trucking company is involved in a wreck. Due to the many liability, underinsurance and separate insurance policies involved in any trucking business, tracking down the insurance sources or proper trucking company that may be responsible can be an overwhelming burden. The tractor, the trailer, and the truck operator, may all have separate available insurance policies, and often we must also analyze our own client’s other insurance sources as well. Attempting to do so while caring for a critically injured loved one can seem impossible.

Trucking companies don’t make it easy.

They often don’t provide the actual operator's name, or what company has the primary insurance. Established trucking companies often send an investigator to the scene immediately to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and to be sure that the trucking company drivers "clam up" fast, and they do this in order to effectively minimize their liability. The commercial nature of trucking means that those who are involved in an accident with their drivers are not simply dealing with a driver and his insurance company. They are dealing with a profit-minded business that wants to minimize any loss of revenue, and if that means making the claims process as difficult as possible, then so be it.

Facing a case of this magnitude can be an uphill battle unless you have legal counsel that understands the difference between car accidents and wrecks that involve commercial trucks. Retaining a good lawyer and analyzing all evidence early on in the process can be the difference between a fair and just settlement and having you needs utterly discarded. There are many actions that must be taken almost immediately, with the first step being the collection of any and all forensic evidence. Skid marks, debris, vehicle or tire damage, and data systems on the truck are the physical evidence of the accident, and they can be used to great effect by forensic experts that are knowledgeable about big rig accidents and accident reconstruction. An equally important step is getting through the web of liability and locating all available responsible parties and relevant insurance that may be available to you or a family member.

It is also crucial to obtain legal counsel that has a thorough and complete understanding of state and federal regulations that apply to trucking companies. It’s important to understand that tractor trailers can be considered moving, portable businesses, and there are commercial regulations that demand that they be operated responsibly and safely. Attorneys with experience in trucking accidents can determine whether or not these regulations were being followed, and can apply that information to your case.

The Law Firm of Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton have a team of experienced attorneys and investigators that understand the complexities of a truck accident case. Unlike many personal injury attorneys, we have gained this understanding through years of taking injury cases all the way to a jury trial, using multiple experts, and we have handled such trials in multiple states. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident involving a truck or tractor trailer, contact our offices for a free legal consultation today.

Library for Trucking/Tractor Trailer Accidents:

Tire Failure Can Cause Serious Personal Injury
Description: Most of us take the safety and reliability of cars for granted. However, if you stop and think about it, motor vehicle tires withstand extreme forces of pressure and heat. When one of these tires fails, it can cause serious personal injuries such as closed head injuries, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis and many other serious personal injuries
Large passenger vans pose rollover risk
Description: According to a study of vehicle safety published on the website for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration there is a big risk involved with 15 passenger vans.
Norfolk, Virginia (VA) teenagers killed by an out of control truck.
Description: Two families in my home town of Norfolk, Virginia (VA) are grieving at the recent loss of their children when a tractor trailer truck lost control, crossed the median, and wrecked into the Volkswagon Jetta that the teenagers were riding in.
Basics about auto and car accidents-frequently asked questions by our clients.
Description: This article explores the frequently asked questions about personal injury auto or car accident claims/cases, including medical bills, lost wages, fee agreements, contributory fault/negligence.
Safety Expert Testimony
Description: An excerpt of trial testimony of a traffic safety expert in an injury case.

Case Results for Trucking/Tractor Trailer Accidents:

Collision Between Two Big Rigs Creates Fireball - Case settled at mediation for $450,000.00, from the parked truck’s insurance, plus additional monies and concessions from the client’s workers’ compensation insurer
Automobile Accident Causing Coma and Paralysis - Counsel settled with the motorist's insurer, and then with two additional underinsurance carriers for a total settlement of $600,000 which constituted all available insurance.
Virginia Automobile Accident - The case was settled for $350,000.00 without the necessity of a trial.
MACK truck wreck causes leg fractures - The jury returned a verdict for $650,000.00 plus interest
Automobile wreck with drunk driver causes connective tissue injury - Settled for $19,000.00 before trial.
TRACTOR-TRAILER/CAR WRECK WRONGFUL DEATH SETTLEMENT - $2.4 Million Car/Truck/Tractor Trailer Wrongful Death Settlement

Web Resources for Trucking/Tractor Trailer Accidents:

Denver Personal Injury Attorneys
Description: Denver Personal Injury Attorneys
InjuryBoard.com
Description: Tracor-trailer accident information
Tractor Trailer Accident Guide
Description: Your starting point for the best trailor information.
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety
Description: Unsafe Driver Actions That Lead To Fatal Car-Truck Crashes
FindLaw-Common Causes of Commercial Trucking Accidents
Description: FindLaw article
Commericial Vehicle Safety Alliance
Description: Promoting commercial motor vehicle safety and security.

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Shapiro, Cooper Lewis & Appleton, P.C.
1294 Diamond Springs Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455

Toll Free: (800) 752.0042
Phone: (757) 460-7776
Fax: (757) 460.3428

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