A recent report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration stated that an increasing number of motorists are being seriously injured or killed in motor vehicle accidents involving large trucks. This surge in accidents could be caused by truck drivers working extended hours as a result of labor shortages, longer routes and poorly maintained vehicles.
As a result, it is important to drive very defensively when driving in areas where there is significant truck traffic. Obviously, this involves almost every highway in Michigan.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which is part of The United States Department of Transportation, has the authority to issue safety regulations which govern Commercial Truckers and Companies. There are numerous safety regulations which apply depending on the classification of the truck involved. Further, there are many regulations governing drivers, including mandatory medical examination, limits on hours per shift, drug testing and many more.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident, you need to hire the best truck accident attorney near you with experience in dealing with all relevant regulations and laws.
How Do Attorneys Investigate Truck Accidents?
In addition to having an understanding of traffic laws, attorneys have experience in performing independent investigations of trucking accidents including, obtaining the computer crash data, surveillance video of the accident and obtaining accident reconstruction experts.
Accident lawyers must locate all necessary evidence to build the strongest possible cases for their clients. There are numerous documents which must be obtained including, Driver’s Log Book, Trip Sheet, Route Schedule, and Time Card, all drivers’ manifests and other documents prepared by or on behalf of the driver for the period of 30 days prior to and including the date of the accident.
Additionally, inspection reports must be requested for the truck involved in the occurrence, including the inspection report for the date of the accident and the first inspection report and checklist for the truck following the accident.
Our attorneys have decades of experience which enable them to quickly identify the documents critical to a successful resolution of the case.
What Type of Damages Are Compensated in A Truck Accident Lawsuit?
Once the negligence truck accident claim has been established, victims of truck accidents and their family may obtain compensation for the past and future pain and suffering caused by the accident, the medical bills including physical therapy and nursing care, the loss of past and future earnings. To make sure our clients obtained maximum compensation we retain expert accountants and financial analysts. We use financial professionals in order to accurately assess what these costs will be for the remainder of our client’s life and his or her family.
Traumatic Brain Injuries Are Commonly Caused in Truck Accidents
Motor vehicle accidents involving trucks commonly cause traumatic brain injuries. A brain injury can occur without a loss of consciousness or trauma in the head. A brain injury disrupts the normal functioning of the brain. A brain injury can cause physical, behavioral and cognitive changes. The physical changes that may occur from TBI include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, weakness, loss of balance and coordination, paralysis, nausea, vomiting, changes in taste, touch, sight, sound and smell, sleep disturbances, seizures and coma.
The cognitive changes that can result from a TBI include loss of memory, shortened attention span, difficulty concentrating and problem solving, confusion, lack of judgement, problems with language and communication as well as difficulties with learning and understanding new concepts. Some of the behavioral changes that can occur with a TBI include depression, mood swings, restlessness, irritability, agitation, frustration, lack of empathy, inappropriate and aggressive behavior, and an inability to control emotions.
Recent studies have shown that symptoms of a concussion can last many months and in some cases symptoms can last for years.
Do I Need a Lawyer If I Suffered Injuries in A Truck Accident?
Where injury is the result of someone else’s wrongful conduct, experienced lawyers are required. Your attorney must be prepared to investigate, file suit, and prosecute your claim with experience, medical knowledge and the courtroom experience necessary to make certain that you, or the loved one, obtains full compensation covering medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and compassion for the lost enjoyment of life and pain and suffering.
If you have questions or need help with an injury or accident claim, contact our Ann Arbor Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation.