Attorneys for Passengers Injured in Truck Accidents

What happens if you were a passenger riding in a commercial truck when the driver of the truck acted negligently or recklessly, causing an accident? If you are an injured truck passenger, you may be wondering how you can recover compensation. You may be entitled to damages for your injuries and your related expenses from the truck accident. The truck accident attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, have represented many truck accident victims who become seriously injured. We have a proven track record of holding the at-fault driver responsible so victims can recover the damages they deserve.

Common Causes of Large Truck Accidents

There are many possible causes of significant truck accidents. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, here are some of the most common causes of significant truck accidents:

• Distracted driving is one of the most common causes of all types of motor accidents. When truck drivers talk on the phone, watch videos, eat, send text messages, or are otherwise distracted while driving, their reaction time is much slower. They may overlook hazards on the road and may not be able to avoid them in time.
• Driving a large semi-truck is complex and requires experience. When drivers are not adequately trained or do not have the experience to operate large semi-trucks, they are more prone to make errors while backing up, changing lanes, or trying to park, resulting in catastrophic accidents.
• In other cases, drivers will drive while intoxicated by alcohol. They may also drive after taking uppers to try to stay awake for long distances. Any controlled substances can make it difficult for the truck driver to make smart decisions and react promptly. If a truck driver’s use of a controlled substance caused an accident, the truck driver might be liable for your injuries.
• Sometimes, the accident is caused by an improperly maintained vehicle. Even though federal regulations require truck drivers to maintain their trucks adequately, many trucking companies skip routine maintenance to save money. Failure to repair or inspect vehicles regularly can cause equipment failure. The truck driver may be powerless to prevent an accident when their brakes fail, or another crucial component fails to work.

Recovering Compensation as a Passenger

If you were the passenger in a truck accident or any other type of motor vehicle accident, you need to meet specific criteria to qualify for compensation. Usually, you will need to prove that another person or people caused the truck accident through their negligence or their intentional actions. You will also need to show that the at-fault driver’s actions caused your injuries. In many cases, you cannot be the live-in family member of the at-fault party, and you cannot be at fault or partially at fault for the truck accident yourself.

If you were a member of the same household as the driver who caused your injuries, you might not be able to claim damages through a personal injury lawsuit. You may be one of the people covered by the driver's insurance policy. In that case, your compensation will be limited by the policy’s parameters. However, if the other party is partially at fault for the accident, you may have the right to seek damages from that individual’s insurance company.

Determining the Value of Your Truck Accident Case

Just as many different variables come into play when determining the cause of a truck accident, an equal number of variables can be used to determine the appropriate amount of compensation. If you are wondering how much your personal injury lawsuit is worth, the best thing you can do is discuss your case with one of the experienced attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC. We will carefully review your case and consider the cost of your past and future medical bills, the value of your lost income, your pain and suffering, and any punitive damages that might apply.

Contact a Charlotte Truck Accident Attorney Today

Have you or your loved one been seriously injured as a passenger in a truck accident? If so, the skilled personal injury attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are here to help. We provide effective and experienced legal representation and have a proven track record of success. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.

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