Truck Accidents Are Likely To Cause Serious Injuries
Drivers and passengers traveling on Interstate 80 or I-35 are very familiar with the sight of massive semi trucks. A fully loaded truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. In contrast, a passenger vehicle typically weighs around 2,000 pounds. Due to this disparity in size, semi trucks can cause serious accidents – and injury – when they collide with other vehicles.
Commercial truck drivers have a duty to act competently when operating these heavy vehicles. Trucking companies and other entities involved in loading or maintaining trucks do as well.
Acting negligently results in serious injury or death to others on the roadway.
Help From A Skilled Iowa Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been injured in a tractor-trailer accident, or if you have lost a loved one in a truck accident, it is imperative that you enlist the services of an experienced lawyer with knowledge of helping victims of truck accidents.
I am personal injury attorney Michael Culp. At Culp Law Office P.L.C., in Des Moines, I represent those throughout central Iowa who have been seriously injured as a result of a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle.
Truck Accident Injury Cases Are More Complex
Truck accident cases are very different from automobile accidents for a number of reasons:
Significant Injuries
Those involved in collisions with large trucks often suffer much more serious injuries than collisions with cars of similar size. Since passenger vehicles weigh far less than 18-wheeler trucks, those inside tend to suffer significant injury.
Pushback From Insurance Companies
Most commercial trucks are obligated under federal law to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance coverage. While there will likely be sufficient coverage for your injuries, it is also possible that the trucking companies and their insurance companies will fight tenaciously to minimize the payout on these claims.
Multiple At-Fault Parties
In truck accidents, there are different parties that could potentially be at fault for the accident.
Perhaps the driver is responsible after a determination that they were driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Or, if the trailer was negligently loaded, the entity that owns the trailer may be liable. It could also be the trucking company. Some entities fail to perform adequate maintenance on brakes or engine parts which often contribute to accidents.
Why Is This Important?
Given the complex nature of truck accident injury cases, it is imperative that those injured seek a skilled, experienced attorney who knows this area of law very well.
I have handled truck accident cases for individuals involved in many different scenarios. I will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident and, with the help of investigators and experts, will examine all parties involved to determine the appropriate approach to seeking maximum compensation for your case.
Act Promptly. Evidence Must Be Preserved.
It is important to take action sooner than later, as evidence needs to be preserved, examined and analyzed. Call 515-288-3333 or email my firm to set up a free consultation to discuss your case.
I offer free initial consultations and flexible appointments. I do not charge attorney fees unless I recover compensation for you.
