Over 70 million people work in the trucking industry today in the United States. Therefore, with millions of trucks on the U.S. roads every day, there is always a moderate chance an accident will occur.
Also, note that these enormous vehicles weigh up to 80,000lbs and are often difficult to drive. They are much harder to maneuver (especially in an emergency), need longer distances to stop, and have multiple blind spots. If your car, small van, or SUV is struck by this 80,0000lb mass going 60-80 mph, the physics involved is massive and usually causes catastrophic damage to your vehicle, you, and passengers.
Your injuries and those of your passengers usually are severe, and the medical treatment needed for your recovery and your loss of income may add up to 6 figures and months or even years of recovery time. Of course, it’s always best to avoid any accident before it happens, but that is not always a possibility. You should, at the least, know which is the primary cause of truck vs. car accidents in Massachusetts to avoid certain disastrous situations.
As with car accidents, the most common situation causing most Massachusetts truck accidents is driver negligence. The significant difference is that regardless of who is at fault, it’s always the case that you (as the driver of the much smaller vehicle), not the truck driver, who is most seriously injured or even killed.
In most areas of Massachusetts, including Boston, the seven most common types of truck accidents are:
- Truck Rollovers – These truck rollover accidents are one of the most catastrophic and terrifying wrecks.
- Rear-End Collisions – Causing the occupants of the car, etc., severe injuries.
- Head-On Collisions – Another disastrous type of accident.
- Jackknife Accidents.
- T-Bone Accidents.
- Sideswipe Accidents.
- Wide Turn Accidents.
Any type of auto vs. truck accident commonly has disastrous consequences, but these listed above typically inflict the worst physical harm on you, your vehicle, and your passengers.
What Other Types of Conditions or Situations Can Cause Truck Accidents?
We have always been a society that likes our conveniences, but recently more of the goods we use are delivered to us rather than going to purchase them. So, you may already have noticed that there are many more trucks on the road than there used to be, which, of course, increases the chance that you could be involved in a car-truck accident.
Some other reasons these accidents frequently happen are:
- Distracted driving by the truck operator.
- Driving while exhausted and overworked.
- The driver failed to adjust their driving to road and weather conditions.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Speeding and driving recklessly.
- Negligent hiring by the truck company due to need.
- Failing to employ trained, professional drivers.
- Failing to maintain the trucks to a quality standard.
- Failing to observe or enforce the break or rest periods for drivers.
In any type of these accidents, you must note that you could incur severe and life-changing injuries. These injuries could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical and recovery treatments, lost wages, pain, suffering, etc.
Suppose you and your experienced Boston truck accident injury lawyer determine that any negligence on the driver’s part or their employer contributed to your accident. In that case, you may have a solid chance of a lawsuit and obtaining the vital compensation you deserve.
What Type of Injuries Could I Suffer In a Truck Accident?
As discussed, these accidents commonly involve severe or life-threatening injuries. The impact on your body is enormous, and due to weight differences, etc., you and your passengers are more likely to receive severe spinal, head, or neck injuries.
Recent stats show that some of the most common car vs. truck accident injuries are:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) usually are life-changing for you and your family.
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis (quadriplegia/tetraplegia and paraplegia).
- Back and burn injuries.
- Severe internal injuries.
- Fractures and broken bones.
When you, or a loved one, are seriously hurt, such an accident’s emotional trauma and physical injury can become entirely overwhelming. Because of the possibly high medical and recovery costs you may incur, it is vital that you fully understand all your legal options and consult with a Boston or Plymouth truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
How Can a Boston Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me After My Truck Accident?
The bills and financial obligations mount up quickly after you’ve been involved in a car-truck accident. So, you need to consult with a professional personal injury law firm with expertise and experience in these complex cases.
The legalities, rules, and regulations for filing lawsuits in these cases are more complex than a car accident, and the rules for the trucking industry also differ.
The firm you consult and work with must have the legal knowledge and the resources to oversee these complicated and possibly lengthy truck accident cases.
However, your needs after your accident are demanding, so you need a Boston Law Firm that can act thoroughly, empathetically, and rapidly on your behalf.
The law firm should be an expert in:
- 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Commercial Vehicle Accidents
- Investigating trucking companies and hiring practices, as well as their drivers.
- The regulations and rules that apply to the trucking industry.
- Hiring an accident reconstructionist to understand the causes and nature of the crash.
- litigating cases against multiple parties.
Recovering compensation for injuries suffered in a truck accident involves getting all the accident details accurately and documented. The sooner your truck accident lawyer begins, the better it will turn out for you and your family.
Your experienced legal team of truck accident lawyers will analyze all aspects of your truck accident and identify all the negligent parties involved. They will gather evidence and carefully review accident reports and other documentation. This may include gaining access to maintenance records, employment records, hours of service (HOS logs), and information from the truck’s event data recorder.
So, at this critical time for you, their help will be invaluable.
I Have Been In a Truck Accident in Massachusetts; How Should I Proceed?
If you have been in a truck accident, no person on earth can undo the pain, suffering, and monetary loss that you could be suffering.
However, the professionalism, empathy, and expertise of an experienced truck accident law firm can ease your burden tremendously. Your personal injury and truck accident law firm will have the resources, knowledge, and experience to help ensure you get the financial compensation you need and rightfully deserve.
Consult with them first, and don’t leave your or your families, health, or financial future, up to chance.
