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Trucking Accidents

The number of accidents across the United States involving large trucks (10,000 pounds or more) increases every year — there are more large commercial trucks on the road than ever before, delivering the cargo that keeps the American economy moving. Other factors also contribute to the rising number of truck accidents, but no matter what the cause, if you’ve had the misfortune to be hurt in an accident with a big truck, you’re already aware of the devastation that these massive vehicles can cause.

Trucking accident cases are familiar territory for the law firm of Freese & Goss, and we’re prepared to help you get your life back in order after such a traumatic incident. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Complex Lawsuits

A trucking accident is often more complicated than an “ordinary” vehicle accident involving cars or SUVs, because the truck is most likely owned by a corporation or a government agency, operated by an employee, and subject to federal and state trucking regulations. A personal injurylawsuit following a truck can involve many parties:

  • The driver

  • The truck’s owner

  • A cargo transport company

  • A trucking contractor

  • Multiple insurance companies

  • Another driver, or pedestrians

 

In addition, the truck involved in an accident may have been carrying a dangerous load — flammable or hazardous material such as oil or chemicals. Such cargo can cause injuries and damage far beyond what a car accident can do.

Truck Accident Causes

Truck accidents have many of the same causes as auto accidents—including reckless driving, lane cutting, speeding, mechanical malfunctions or failure, bad weather or roads, etc.—but truck accidents can also involve a few causes that are unique to the trucking industry, such as:

  • A driver who does not have the necessary training or qualifications for the truck he or she is operating

  • Driving over the speed limit in order to meet tight deadlines for cargo delivery

  • Driving far too many hours continuously without adequate rest

  • Driving while using stimulants or other drugs that impair the senses and judgment

  • Cargo that is not securely fastened to a truck’s bed

  • Trucks that are loaded beyond their capacity

  • Trucks carrying liquid loads that are at less than maximum capacity, causing the load to slosh around and make the truck difficult to control

  • Outdated, old, or poorly maintained trucks

  • Trucks on the road that don’t meet U.S. standards — often from Mexico

Half a Million Truck Accidents Each Year

Each year, about 500,000 truck accidents occur in the United States. The U.S. Department of Transportation keeps records of all the traffic accidents across the country, and they report that about two-thirds of truck accidents occur in rural areas, with the weekends being the most common time for a truck accident. However, a truck accident can happen on any roadway, in any community, and at any time of the day or night.

Truck Accident Attorneys at Freese & Goss

If a truck accident has caused injuries or a death in your family, you can benefit from the experience and knowledge of the attorneys at Freese & Goss. Contact our firm today to arrange a private consultation, and we will discuss your case at length with you, and advise you of your legal options. You may be eligible for monetary compensation for damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation.

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