Fatal Truck Accident Lawyer

For severe injury or death resulting from a truck accident, it is crucial to get the guidance of an experienced fatal truck accident lawyer. Our lawyers specialize in assisting victims' families affected by tragic injuries and wrongful death cases. We understand the regulations that govern commercial vehicles and can assist you in learning your rights and options for pursuing justice and compensation. Contact us today for a FREE case evaluation.

Who Can File a Lawsuit After a Fatal Truck Crash?

A surviving spouse, child, or parent has the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit in cases involving negligence by a truck driver, trucking company, or other parties. A spouse includes married and common-law spouses and those legally separated. Contact our law firm today to seek compensation against the responsible party for the crash.

What Types of Compensation Are Available After Fatal Semi-Truck Accidents?

In the case of wrongful death claims in connection to fatal truck crashes, spouses, parents, or children may pursue personal injury claims from the trucking company (or third parties) for various losses, such as:

• Financial losses, like your loved one's burial and medical expenses
• Loss of the ability to earn an income, provide services, and support from the deceased person
• The absence of parental wisdom, direction, and teaching that a parent would naturally offer to their child
• Medical costs for any surviving but injured passengers
• Pain and suffering

Who Is Liable After a Truck Accident?

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, several parties may be liable after a truck accident. This includes the truck driver, their employer, the cargo owner, and sometimes even the manufacturer. In addition, if another driver caused an accident with a big-rig truck, they can also be held liable for any damages. There are federal regulations for commercial drivers and trucks; if they are not followed, they can be held liable for damages through compensation.

How Much Do Truck Accident Attorneys Cost?

We work on a contingency for fatal truck accidents. Contingency means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

• Personal injury lawyer
• Truck accident Lawyer
• Car accident lawyer
• Motorcycle accident lawyer
• and more

Why You Need a Truck Accident Attorney from Heintz Law

Accidents involving trucks differ from those with other vehicles. Semi-truck collisions typically result in more severe injuries and fatalities, meaning the insurance companies or policies you'll receive compensation from will vary. You need a compassionate truck accident lawyer who understands the obstacles and has sufficient resources to go against large companies.

When Should I Get a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Whatever you do, do not talk to the truck company's insurance or legal departments. The adjuster wants you to accept a settlement before the situation is resolved to anticipate potential disputes. Calling an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as you can will help ensure you get the compensation you and your family deserve. A wrongful death claim is big; let us fight for your maximum compensation.

Personal injury lawyers:

• determine if a lawsuit is necessary
• advocate for their clients in court with evidence of damages
• negotiate with the liable party or insurance company for compensation
• gather evidence and proof to support the case, research laws relevant to it
• and represent their clients throughout the entire process.

4 Things to Know About Commercial Vehicle Accident Cases

Our lawyers are well-versed in cases concerning trucking companies. We've gathered some helpful information to explain your claim's legal implications better.

1. You have the burden to prove your case. Upon determining that the trucking company is liable, you (the plaintiff) must provide evidence.
2. To prove your compensation case, you must show that the truck driver's negligence caused the crash and the fatal injuries.
3. Professional opinions from doctors and witnesses may be essential to verify the link between the crash and injuries.
4. Understand that trucking companies and their insurance providers have a lot of experience dealing with claims similar to yours

Common Causes of Fatal Truck Accidents

There are common causes of accidents with fatal injuries. Let's review some of the most common.

Jackknife

A jackknife accident occurs when a truck trailer folds over against its cabin, making it resemble a folding knife in shape. Jackknife accidents typically happen due to brake failure or when the wheels on the front or back of the truck lose traction. Most truck jackknifes are caused by driver mistakes, faulty truck loading, or improper equipment maintenance.

A Bobtail Truck

A bobtail truck is a vehicle lacking its trailer. Bobtail trucks pose a greater risk of wrecks with injuries or death than trucks without trailers. The cabin of a truck is specifically made to tow heavy loads. The front wheels of a truck's cabin aren't supposed to manage the vehicle's weight. However, when a truck is empty, or "bobtailing," the load is only supported by the front wheels, which affects its handling.

Truck Driver Fatigue

Truck driver fatigue is a state of physical and mental exhaustion that hinders a truck driver from driving safely. It can be caused by extended hours of driving, lack of rest, and stress. Common signs of fatigue include:

• slowed reaction times
• drowsy driving
• difficulty concentrating.

To reduce the risk of truck driver fatigue-related accidents, drivers must get adequate rest and follow regulations.

Speeding

Speeding is one of the leading causes of truck accidents that cause injuries or death due to their large size and weight. When a truck travels too fast, it can be difficult for the driver to maneuver around obstacles or react quickly to sudden changes in traffic. The increased speed also reduces the time available for other drivers on the road to adjust their speed accordingly, which increases the risk of collision.

Uneven Loads

Uneven loads in a truck can cause truck accidents due to several different reasons. First, an uneven load will likely create an accelerating and decelerating force on the truck, leading to loss of control. Additionally, drivers may find themselves having to maneuver around other vehicles more often because of the lack of stability the uneven load creates. Lastly, the weight shifting caused by an asymmetrical load can lead to rollovers or jackknifing of trailers.

Failure To Follow Trucking Regulations

Failure to follow trucking regulations can lead to severe consequences. Truckers must take the time to learn all federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSRs). Adherence to hours-of-service rules, vehicle maintenance standards, and other driver regulations are essential. Staying in compliance with these regulations is necessary for the safety of everyone on the road.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Poor truck maintenance practices can lead to severe accidents. Examples of poor truck maintenance may include:

• faulty brakes
• engine problems
• axle or wheel bearing errors
• lighting malfunctions
• and tire underinflation.

Inadequate truck maintenance leads to trucks becoming more prone to skidding or jackknifing. The damages in these wrecks are often catastrophic to passengers in the hit cars.

Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents

When you are a survivor of a fatal truck accident, you still might have severe injuries that deserve compensation. Here are some of the most common injuries from serious truck wrecks.

Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in trucking accidents. It is caused when a sudden force, such as an impact from another vehicle or an impact from uneven highway pavement, stretches and jerks the head and neck of the driver. Symptoms associated with whiplash include:

• neck stiffness
• muscle spasms
• dizziness
• difficulty concentrating
• headaches
• and arm pain.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from mild concussion to severe permanent damage to the brain. This injury often results from the head forcefully hitting something inside the cab during a high-speed accident or after an object penetrates through the window. Symptoms associated with TBI can vary drastically depending on the severity. However, symptoms include:

• persistent headache
• confusion/memory issues
• loss of balance/coordination
• sensitivity to light/sound
• blurry vision
• and nausea/vomiting.

Fractures & Dislocations

Fractures and dislocations are common types of bodily injuries that occur when there is forceful trauma to bones or joints due to a collision happening at high speed. Possible fractures include:

• broken hands
• arms and legs

Possible dislocations involve shoulders and hips, which could cause extreme physical pain and swelling.

Emotional Trauma & PTSD

Studies show that around 6 out of 10 people involved in major collisions experience some form of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are serious because they could be tough to detect right away. They go undiagnosed and untreated for prolonged periods leading to consequences like organ malfunction.

Chest Injuries

Chest injuries are usually seen after being struck by the steering wheel, dashboard components, or passenger seat during a collision.

Spinal Cord Injury

A spinal cord injury is an injury to the vertebral column that results in a change or loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic function. The damage can be caused by direct trauma, compression, or stretch to the spinal cord.

Death

In many cases, death can happen from a semi-truck accident. In these cases, hiring a lawyer for a truck accident lawsuit will ensure you and your family are taken care of after such a huge loss.

Contact Heintz Law Today

If you or a loved one have been involved in a truck accident, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer from Heintz Law Firm. Call: 941-238-0093