When you get in the car to go anywhere, you expect to reach your destination and return home safely. Most of the time, that is exactly what happens.
However, even for the safest drivers, there is no guarantee that an accident will not occur. Sometimes, a negligent driver on the roadways will end up creating a dangerous situation for you, causing an accident. If that negligent driver is operating a semi-truck, the resulting injuries to those riding in your vehicle could be catastrophic.
If a truck driver caused your injuries, consider hiring a truck accident attorney to defend your right to receive compensation. The Morris Bart law firm knows how to defend the rights of victims in personal injury cases. We take pride in helping our clients pursue settlement for injuries, pain, and suffering. Contact us today at (501) 588-3304 for a free case review.
The Frequency of Truck Accidents
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), more than 12.2 million large trucks were registered in the United States in 2017, representing about 4.5% of all vehicles registered. However, those large trucks account for 9.3% of all miles driven on American roads.
This shows that drivers of passenger cars are sure to encounter large trucks regularly on all roadways, including those in Arkansas, as truck drivers put a lot of miles on their big rigs.
Because of the large number of miles truckers navigate annually, large trucks are involved in a significant number of accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also states that 13% of the 34,247 fatal crashes in the United States in 2017 involved a large truck or bus.
If you are driving a passenger car that gets hit by a semi-truck, you and your passengers could end up with significant bodily injuries, including the possibility of fatalities.
Large Trucks Create Significant Damage in Accidents
In the state of Arkansas, the gross weight of a semi-truck on the highways is limited to 80,000 pounds, according to the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT). Compared to the average weight of a passenger car of 3,000 to 4,000 pounds, the heavy truck almost certainly will do significant damage to the car.
Truck accident injuries could lead to a long hospitalization, resulting in massive medical bills. Sometimes, the person injured after being struck by a semi-truck may never recover fully, resulting in a permanent disability.
If the trucker’s actions led to your injuries and could have been prevented, you and your Little Rock truck accident lawyer can attempt to seek damages and reimbursement for your injuries. The team at the Morris Bart law firm is ready to work hard on your behalf. Call us for a free case consultation at (501) 588-3304.
For a free legal consultation with a Truck Accident lawyer serving Little Rock, call 800-537-8185
How a Truck Accident Attorney Can Help Your Case
When you hire legal representation after being hit by a truck, you will receive several potential benefits.
- Studying the case: Reviewing police and medical reports in your case to determine exactly what happened and which parties should be held responsible for your injuries.
- Interviewing doctors: Speaking with medical personnel who are treating you, attempting to determine both the long-term and short-term prognosis for your health, so we can determine a fair settlement amount.
- Negotiating with the insurer: Negotiate with the insurance company, leaving you more time to focus on your recovery.
- Meeting deadlines: Filing your personal injury case against those who were responsible for your accident in accordance with all of Arkansas’s state laws for deadlines.
Pursuing Compensation from the Liable Parties
When a semi-truck strikes your vehicle and causes injuries, the determination of which parties should be held liable in a personal injury claim differs from a car accident.
In a car crash, it is common to pinpoint the other driver as the only negligent party. In a truck crash, though, multiple entities could be found negligent, including:
- Truck driver
- The company that employed the truck driver
- Owner of the truck
- The company that repaired or maintained the truck
- The company that loaded the truck’s cargo
- Manufacturer of the truck
Determining Who Is Liable for Your Truck Accident
Determining whether one or more parties should be held liable in your truck crash will depend on the facts that you and your attorney uncover while reviewing your case, including:
- Incomplete driver training: where the truck owner or employer did not give the truck driver the proper training to operate the truck safely or did not ensure the driver had the proper CDL, as the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA)
- Improper truck maintenance: where the truck owner or the repair company allowed the truck to be put into operation with failing safety lights or balding tires, for example.
- Improper cargo loading: where those who loaded the trailer did so improperly, leading to a cargo shift when the truck turns a corner sharply, causing a loss of control.
Click to contact our Little Rock Personal Injury Lawyers today
Get Help from a Little Rock Truck Accident Lawyer
After your accident with a semi, you may hear from the insurance company for the negligent party. The insurer may even offer you a settlement amount.
You do not have to accept this offer, though, as it may not truly reflect the damages you have suffered. You have the right to attempt to negotiate a different settlement amount, or you have the right to take your case to court. You may want some help in negotiating with the insurer or in determining whether the settlement amount is fair. A truck accident attorney can help you with your case.
If you choose to hire the team at the Morris Bart law firm, we will be ready to begin working on your behalf immediately. If the insurer refuses to commit to a fair settlement, we will stand by your side in a court case. Call us at (501) 588-3304 as soon as possible for a free case consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
