Need an Injury Attorney for Your Massachusetts Trucking Accident?
Truck accidents are not as prevalent as other vehicle accidents in Massachusetts. From 2004 to 2011, large trucks represented 5% of vehicles involved in fatal crashes. Driver distractions were cited in almost all of these accidents. The problem with truck accidents is that the injuries that stem from them can be extremely serious and cause long-lasting pain and disability depending on how you are injured. How can you recover damages if you have been injured in a truck accident?
Common Reasons for Massachusetts Truck Accidents
Some trucking accidents are more common than others. The issue with truck accidents is that, when they occur, they are bound to bring more damage than passenger vehicle accidents. This is because of the sheer size of commercial trucks, which makes them inherently dangerous on our roadways if they are involved in a serious accident. Even the smallest error from a driver can lead to the most catastrophic accident with devastating consequences, like injuries or fatalities. Here are some of the main reasons for truck accidents:
Equipment Failure: Trucks are composed of many operating systems. This means that, when certain parts of your truck break down such as brakes that aren’t working correctly or tires that come loose, you could end up involved in a serious accident in the blink of an eye. Without all mechanisms working together, a truck driver could lose total control of a vehicle that is tens of thousands of pounds. This means that, not only could a driver be responsible for the accident, but also manufacturers, installer mechanics, or trucking companies.
Driving Errors: Drivers can be held liable for their actions as well, especially because there are many different ways that a truck driver can act negligently when operating their vehicle. This happens commonly in accidents relating to driver fatigue, distracted driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or not following safety guidelines.
Truck drivers and the companies that employ them must abide by many regulations put in place for them. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for devising these regulations for trucks across America. Some of these regulations cover very important manners like how many hours a truck driver is permitted to drive on the roads without taking a break, licensing requirements that must be met, and the rules that dictate hiring truck drivers. When these laws are broken, various parties could be held liable.
Holding a Party Liable for Damages
When you are involved in a truck accident, it is very rare to have simple injuries. You may suffer tremendous losses, such as medical bills that pile up over time, lost income when you can’t return to work, permanent disability, future treatment if your injuries are lasting, or pain and suffering when you have mental anguish as a result of what you experienced in the accident. Many accidents are caused by the negligence of one of many parties, and these claims can sometimes become very complicated.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, you may need help gaining the compensation you deserve in your time of need. Gathering evidence and documentation related to your accident can sometimes be a complex feat, which is why you should have legal help on your side through it all. Speak to an experienced attorney as soon as possible after you have been injured.