Pittston Truck Accident Lawyer
Of the many types of vehicle collisions in which a person can be involved, truck accidents tend to have some of the most devastating consequences. While it is possible to recover damages compensating injured parties for accidents resulting from a driver or trucking company’s negligence, doing so can be difficult, especially for those who are suffering from severe or catastrophic injuries, so if you were recently injured in a truck accident, it is important to contact an experienced Pittston truck accident lawyer who can explain your legal options.
Driver Error
Truck accidents, like any other type of vehicle collision, can occur at just about any time and for a variety of reasons. There are certain causes, however, that have been linked specifically to truck accidents on numerous occasions, the most common of which is truck driver error. Whether the result of a lack of training, falling asleep at the wheel, or just plain carelessness, errors on the part of a truck driver can have devastating consequences, especially if a vehicle is carrying dangerous cargo.
Although there are a number of ways that a truck driver’s error can lead to an accident, the most common mistakes include:
- Taking turns too quickly;
- Speeding;
- Following too closely;
- Failing to brake properly; and
- Failing to check blind spots.
All of these mistakes have resulted in serious truck accidents and can usually be linked to one of the following causes:
- Driving while drowsy, which can slow reaction times and diminish decision making abilities;
- Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which also diminishes driving skills and reduces reaction time;
- Inexperience and lack of training; and
- Driving in poor weather conditions.
Trucking Company Negligence
In some cases, however, truck accidents are not the result of a driver’s error, but of a trucking company’s negligence, such as:
- Transporting an improperly distributed load;
- Adjusting or depowering the front brakes to reduce wear and tear, or otherwise failing to properly maintain or repair the brake system;
- Failing to ensure that applicants are qualified or licensed;
- Forcing their drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines;
- Failing to keep accurate records, including log books; and
- Failing to ensure that their vehicles are inspected regularly and are properly maintained.
Trucking companies, like their drivers can be held liable for this type of negligence, as they are required to comply with specific federal regulations regarding proper maintenance, loading procedures, driver qualifications and training, proper record keeping, and hours of service limits.
Potential Damages
Successful plaintiffs who can prove that the negligent behavior of a driver, trucking company, manufacturer, or other party led to an accident could be entitled to damages compensating them for crash-related losses, including:
- Past and future medical expenses;
- Lost wages;
- Property damage;
- Pain and suffering; and
- Emotional distress.
To learn more about what you could be required to prove in your own truck accident case in order to recover damages, please contact our legal team today.
Call the O’Donnell Law Offices Today
If you were injured in a collision with a truck and have questions about your legal options, please contact the dedicated truck accident attorneys at O’Donnell Law Offices today by calling 570-821-5717 or by completing one of our online contact forms.
