As drivers, we understand that there are inherent risks associated with driving in public. At the same time, we have a reasonable expectation that those driving around us have a duty of care to drive safely. Although standard vehicular crashes alone can cause severe harm to those involved, many–if not most–drivers take extra precautions when it comes to tractor-trailer commercial vehicles. Their sheer size alone can cause catastrophic injuries, and they pose a significant risk to drivers’ safety. As a result, these accidents have a tremendous impact on personal injury cases and even wrongful death.
Catastrophic Injury
Tractor-trailer accidents have steadily inclined over the years. According to the National Safety Council, when it comes to vehicular crashes involving large trucks, those who are not driving commercial vehicles are injured or killed disproportionately more than their truck-driving counterparts. Even without statistical analysis, the sheer size of tractor-trailers indicates that negligent drivers pose a significant threat to those around them.
Accidents involving large trucks often lead to severe injuries due to the force of impact. Survivors of tractor-trailer accidents often experience major injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, burns, internal damage, and severe disfigurement. These injuries can have life-altering consequences that impact the victim’s finances, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. This kind of trauma may require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and in some cases, long-term care.
Wrongful Death
Tragically, many tractor-trailer accidents result in fatalities. Losing a loved one under any circumstances can be emotionally and financially devastating for surviving family members, but many families feel helpless in the face of negligence. In these situations, many families have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This is a legal avenue for surviving family members to seek compensation for the loss of income, medical bills, and funeral expenses. No amount of funds will make up for what happened, but holding responsible parties accountable can provide some relief for grieving families.
Fighting for Justice and Compensation
Every vehicular crash will have complex legal considerations, but there are many additional factors that impact personal injury cases involving tractor-trailers. Determining liability often requires a thorough investigation to identify all possible responsible parties. For example, the driver may have been negligent, but did the trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and maintenance providers perform their own necessary duty of care? Establishing the negligent party, or parties, is essential to build a strong case and get the best possible outcome.
There is recourse for those harmed by the negligent actions of others. Victims are entitled to pursue compensation for things such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages can be awarded if the responsible party’s negligence was deemed especially egregious. If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a tractor-trailer, the most important thing to do is receive medical attention as soon as possible. At the earliest possible moment, you should contact a personal injury attorney to assist you with gathering evidence, finding each responsible party, and getting you the largest possible payout. At Snow Legal Group, PLLC, our team of legal professionals is prepared to aggressively pursue the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call (704) 358-0026 today.