After being in a semi-truck accident, you may face decisions and challenges you never expected. The recovery process can be painful and difficult and can last long after medical treatment ends. You may have significant medical expenses while also dealing with lost wages from unexpected time off work.

Although the thought of pursuing legal action against those responsible for your injuries can seem overwhelming—it doesn’t have to be. Having experienced personal injury attorneys fighting for your rights can ensure you’ll receive the maximum compensation available for your injuries. Below, we discuss some of the most significant benefits of having one of The Ferraro Law Firm’s experienced attorneys on your side and factors you should consider when hiring a semi-truck accident attorney.

When Having a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney is Crucial

Below are just a few situations in which an experienced truck accident attorney, such as the team at The Ferraro Law Firm, can help you recover the maximum financial damages available.

There are Multiple Liable Parties

Relatively few semi-truck accidents have only one liable party. Often, in addition to the truck driver, the following parties may be named in a personal injury lawsuit: 

  • The trucking company
  • The truck manufacturer or repair shop
  • The shipping company
  • The loading company
  • The government (if the accident occurred as a result of road or highway conditions)

After diligently investigating your claim, your attorney can rest assured that all potentially liable parties are named in the lawsuit.

There are Multiple Liable Insurance Companies

If more than one party is at fault in a semi-truck accident, more than one insurance company is likely on the hook for damages. Often, this can mean a battle among these insurance companies as each one attempts to minimize its potential financial liability. During your recovery period, the last thing you want to do is negotiate with multiple insurance companies—instead, let your personal injury lawyers take the lead and handle this part of the process.

There are Federal Regulations on the Issue 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating trucks and commercial carriers throughout the U.S. Truckers, and trucking companies that violate FMCSA trucking regulations may be found negligent, so establishing any violations can be a major boon for your case. 

Some of the federal motor carrier regulations that may be at issue after a semi-truck accident can include: 

  • Hours of service (or how long drivers can be on the road without taking a break)
  • Commercial driver qualifications
  • Inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements
  • Motor carrier insurance requirements
  • Record preservation regulations (driver logs)
  • Hazardous material (hazmat) transportation regulations
  • Driver error (aggressive driving, distracted driving, or driver fatigue)

Having an experienced trucking accident lawyer with extensive knowledge of FMCSA regulations can make investigating and proving violations a more straightforward and streamlined process. When the truck industry overlooks a federal law, it puts all drivers at risk. The negligent party must be held accountable.

You Suffered Serious Injuries

Being involved in a semi-truck accident can often result in much more severe injuries than being involved in an accident with another passenger vehicle. And the more serious your injuries, the more challenging it can be to put a dollar value on your claim. If you’ve sustained any of the below injuries, The Ferraro Law Firm can help you recover the types of damages you deserve: 

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Vision loss
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Fractures
  • Burns
  • Amputation

Your attorney will need to gather medical evidence and analyze the long-term impact of your injuries before valuing your claim. In some cases, expert witnesses may be necessary to help build a compelling case.

More Than One Vehicle was Involved in the Accident

Determining liability can be complex even when only two vehicles are involved in a semi-truck accident. If your accident caused a chain reaction or other vehicles were involved, The Ferraro Law Firm can drill down into the facts to assess who shares liability for the crash. 

When a commercial trucking accident occurs, insurance settlements are sought. Before that happens, time must be spent hiring accident reconstructionists, reviewing road conditions, and consulting with medical professionals. Holding parties accountable is expensive and time-consuming.

Finding a Semi-Truck Accident Attorney

Once you know you need a semi-truck accident attorney, the next question is: how do you find one? There are a couple of ways: 

  • Ask around. If you know anyone else who has filed a personal injury claim after a semi-truck accident, see who represented them and ask them about their experience. Ask if they received fair compensation. Whether they highly recommend their attorney or warn you to stay away, you’ll be able to narrow the field of prospects.
  • Review attorneys online (and look at past verdicts). Many law firms have an online presence; when looking at different firms online, see whether their website features information on past verdicts. Law firms with a strong track record of success holding parties responsible for severe injuries in semi-truck accident claims are more likely to get a favorable result in your claim.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. At The Ferraro Law Firm, we’re focused on each client’s case and will use all our resources to ensure you have the most robust representation possible. To schedule your free consultation, call 888-554-2030 or just fill out our free case consultation form, and a member of our team will soon be in touch. 

Frequently Asked Questions: Truck Accidents

  • What makes truck accidents complex?
  • What should you do if you’ve been injured in a truck accident?
  • What evidence should you provide in a truck accident lawsuit?

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