The consequences of an accident can be scary, but a personal injury accident lawyer can help. They can work to get you the compensation you need to recover from the physical, mental, and emotional damages you are experiencing. This guide will look at what you need to know about suing for emotional distress when filing a personal injury claim.
If you, or a loved one, were in a truck accident, you may need the help of a truck accident attorney. The aftermath of a truck accident can be complicated and frustrating. In this article we will look at how an experienced truck accident attorney can help with that frustration by working to hold the responsible parties accountable for the compensation you deserve.
Why Truck Accidents Are Uniquely Dangerous
Accidents involving large trucks—such as semi-trucks, delivery vehicles, and tractor-trailers—can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to their sheer size and weight. The risks become even greater when people step outside their vehicles to change a tire or look under the hood.
The dangers of stepping outside your car
One of the most dangerous scenarios on highways and interstates is when drivers pull over and exit their vehicles. Being outside of your car because of:
- A flat tire
- Engine trouble
- An earlier accident
increases your risk of being hit, especially by passing trucks.
Won’t a truck driver see me?
- Trucks traveling at high speeds may struggle to stop in time if they see someone on the shoulder
- Reduced visibility at night, or during poor weather, makes a person difficult to see
- Distracted, or fatigued, truck drivers may drift toward the shoulder unintentionally
5 Tips to Stop Safely on a Highway Shoulder
There are times when exiting your car while it is on the roadway is unavoidable. When emergencies happen, follow these 5 safety tips to reduce your risk of an accident.
1 – Move as Far Over as Possible
If you must stop, steer your car as far to the right as the shoulder allows. Leave as much space as possible between your vehicle and the traffic lanes.
2 – Turn on Hazard Lights
Immediately activate your hazard lights. This alerts other drivers that you’re stopped. Having your hazards on is especially important in low-visibility conditions and at night.
3 – Stay Inside Your Car
Unless absolutely necessary, remain inside your vehicle with your seatbelt fastened.
4 – Exit the Vehicle Carefully
If you must exit your car, do so on the passenger side, away from traffic. Never stand near the vehicle where passing trucks or cars could drift into you.
5 – Call for Help
Use your phone to call roadside assistance, law enforcement, or a tow truck as soon as possible.
Following these steps can help you stay safe while waiting for help. However, if tragedy strikes a knowledgeable truck accident attorney near you can help you seek justice and compensation.
4 Common Causes of Truck Accidents
The most common causes of truck accidents fall into these 4 categories:
1 – Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face tight schedules. This can lead to exhaustion and reduced reaction times.
2 – Distracted Driving: Drivers can lose focus on the road when they are using:
- Phones
- Radios
- GPS systems
3 – Improper Maintenance:
- Faulty brakes
- Tire blowouts
- Mechanical issues
can lead to danger on the highway.
4 – Speeding or Reckless Driving: Trucks require longer stopping distances and are slower making maneuvers. This makes a speeding truck particularly hazardous.
Each of these factors can be dangerous or even deadly. They can also complicate trying to prove liability for the accident. For example:
- Was an accident caused by maintenance or a mechanical failure?
- Was the truck driver reckless or is the trucking company to blame?
At Spivak & Sakellariou, our CDL licensed lawyers understand the trucking business from the inside out. This helps when trying to uncover the root cause of a trucking accident.
Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases are often more complex than standard car accidents. Multiple parties, including the:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Cargo owners
could be liable for the accident. Here’s how a truck accident injury attorney in Cincinnati can help cut through the complexity. They can:
- Investigate the Accident: Evidence can be used to help determine the cause of the accident. Some useful evidence examples are:
- Driver logs
- Black box data
- Witness statements
- Prove Liability: Truck accident cases often involve multiple defendants. A truck accident attorney will work to hold each party accountable.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies can try to minimize payouts. Your legal team should be prepared to fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Take Your Case to Court: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your truck accident attorney can prepare you for trial.
Your Experienced Truck Accident Attorney in Cincinnati
Truck accidents can be life-changing. But you and your loved ones don’t have to face the impact of the accident alone. The legal team at Spivak & Sakellariou can provide support and advocacy while they fight for the compensation you deserve.
Spivak & Sakellariou have helped many residents of Cincinnati, and the surrounding community, in their recovery from a truck accident. We not only have the knowledge of local trucking laws, we also have lawyers who hold CDLs.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case, and learn how our truck accident attorneys can help you move forward.
