Personal Injuries Caused by Trucking Accidents
Choosing a Massachusetts Truck Accident Attorney

Each year thousands of people are killed in accidents caused by large trucks, and over 100,000 are seriously injured in truck crashes. The regulation of the trucking industry is complex, and understanding the causes of truck accidents is often difficult. The attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C. have handled many Massachusetts truck and motor vehicle accident cases, and have the skills, experience and resources to handle complex personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases caused by negligent truck drivers.

It is a simple fact that large trucks are harder to control and have much longer stopping distances. In addition, the large trucks have large blind spots and make wide turns, increasing the risk of accidents.  This is particularly true for tractor trailer trucks. If a large truck crashes into a car, it will be the people in the car who are more likely to suffer catastrophic personal injuries.

Some common causes of truck accidents include:

• Unlicensed drivers
• Drivers distracted by cell phones or on-board computers
• Speeding
• Failure to inspect
• Failure to maintain safety systems
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Drunk driving
• Brake failure
• Violations of the rules of the road
• Failure to signal turns
• Aggressive and reckless driving
• Overloading
• Defective parts
• Poor design
• Shifting loads
• Driver fatigue
• Negligent hiring
• Equipment failures
• Backing carelessly
• Blind spots
• Driver error
• Overturning trucks
• Inadequate training of drivers
• Drugs
• Poor design of the truck or its parts
• Lack of crashworthiness
• Sudden stops
• Spilled loads

What To Do If You Have a Accident Involving a Truck

If you are involved in an accident with a truck, it is urgent that you preserve the evidence and have an Immediate investigation. These are often critical element in proving a personal injury case involving trucking accidents. Investigation involves examination of the scene while the evidence, such as skid marks and gouge marks, is fresh. It is often necessary to get court orders to preserve evidence, such as truck or car parts. Prompt investigation of witnesses is also important.

After a truck accident, it is also critical to establish contact with the investigating authorities, who often will do accident reconstructions. Driver log books may provide evidence of maintenance and repairs, as well as the driver's schedule. Some drivers still violate federal regulations which limit time on the road. Some employers still encourage this misconduct.

It is essential that you immediately hire an experienced truck accident attorney to investigate your claim.

It is also essential that you get prompt medical attention for your personal injuries. Please see our car crash page for more details on what you should do to protect yourself after a serious truck accident.

Who Is Liable For Personal Injuries
Caused By Truck Accidents

Truck drivers can be held liable for personal injuries or wrongful death caused by their negligence, which is their failure to use due care in the operation of their trucks. Employers are vicariously liable for the negligence of their employee truck drivers. Employers may be directly liable if they hired an untrained or incompetent driver, or if they have reason to know that the driver was no longer properly qualified. Under federal regulations, some lessees may be liable for injuries caused by trucking accidents.  Sometimes the truck is loaded by a third party, who may be liable for negligent loading, which can cause a load to shift or fall from the truck. If the truck was defectively or not properly designed, the manufacturer of the truck or trailer, or the manufacturer of the component parts, may be liable for negligence and for product liability.

Truck accidents may involve pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, cars or other trucks. The insurance rules are different in each case. Trucks involved in interstate commerce will have a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance, or even more if the truck is hauling hazardous materials.

Hiring an experienced and qualified Massachusetts truck crash lawyer is essential.  The lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C., are experienced in getting compensation for victims injured in trucking accidents. The attorneys at our firm handle cases from initial investigation, through trial, and, if necessary, all appeals.

Choosing a Massachusetts Truck Accident Lawyer

Your legal rights need to be protected after a truck accident. You should hire an experienced truck accident attorney, one who understands the many complex laws and regulations in the trucking industry, and one who has the resources and experience to evaluate and handle your case. Immediate action may be required to preserve all of your rights. All motor vehicle accidents in Massachusetts are governed by a Statute of Limitations. Some accidents also have shorter notice provisions which may be very strict.

For more information on selecting a Massachusetts truck accident lawyer, please see our page on Choosing a Massachusetts Personal Injury Lawyer.  

Our Truck and Car Accident Case Reports describe some of the many of the motor vehicle accident cases we have successfully handled on behalf of our clients. If you feel you have a car accident case, it is vital that you act immediately to protect your rights. Please call us at 617-723-7676, or toll free at 1-800-379-1244, or use our contact form to send us an e-mail. Get your free legal consultation today with Breakstone, White & Gluck, P.C.
 

Resource Link

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety provides vehicle safety information and important information for consumers.

The Truck Safety Coalition, dedicated to reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by truck accidents and truck-related crashes.