There is plenty of truck traffic traveling all through Laramie. Since I-80 runs through Laramie, there are numerous long-haul freight carriers, delivery trucks, and commercial vehicles on the road. While most drivers act responsibly, some push the boundaries, resulting in serious accidents.
If you have been involved in a truck crash, you are probably dealing with massive medical bills, lost income from work, and other losses. Fortunately, you have legal options to hold these parties accountable and get the compensation you deserve.
At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with our Laramie truck accident lawyer to learn more.
What Are the Causes of Truck Accidents?
Unfortunately, truck accidents are more common than we may think. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were almost 500,000 crashes on the road. Of these, 110,000 involved some type of injury.
Truck accidents can result in severe injuries and fatalities. While there are regulations established by the FMCSA, some drivers and their employers do not abide by them. These rules are in place to keep everyone safe on the road. When someone breaks them, it can lead to catastrophic crashes that can affect victims for the rest of their lives.
One of the top causes of truck crashes is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work high-pressure jobs with long hours on the road, which can lead to impaired concentration, coordination, and reaction times. Despite regulations on driving hours and rest breaks, some companies don’t comply. When these tired drivers hit the road, it can result in fatigue-related accidents.
Distracted driving is another factor in these crashes. Since many drivers spend hours on long hauls, boredom can develop. In turn, that can tempt truckers to engage in distracting activities like texting, eating, or adjusting the radio. Even a momentary distraction can have disastrous consequences. Plus, there are numerous devices in the truck cab that could take the driver’s eyes off the road.
Unfortunately, some drivers act in a reckless manner. While all drivers need to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and be trained in the latest industry standards, that doesn’t mean that they will comply. Some individuals may be behind schedule and speed to get to the next destination. Others might become frustrated with other drivers on the road, leading to tailgating. Still, a few truck drivers don’t properly use their signals, leading to underride accidents.
The truck driver is responsible for keeping themselves and everyone else safe. The physics of trucks makes them dangerous. They are larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When a big rig collides with a smaller car, the force of impact is much greater, leading to serious injuries and even death.
Have You Suffered Any of These Truck Accident Injuries in Wyoming?
After you have been involved in a truck crash, it’s common to suffer from a few injuries. While some might be minor, others can impact your long-term health. Some of these injuries may include:
- Whiplash: The sudden impact can cause the neck to jerk forward and backward, resulting in whiplash. Neck pain, stiffness, and headaches are common symptoms of this injury.
- Head trauma: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Unfortunately, these injuries can have long-lasting effects on your cognitive function and overall health.
- Spinal cord injuries: The force of impact from a truck accident can damage the spinal cord. In turn, that can cause paralysis or loss of sensation in various body parts. Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones: Fractures in arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are common due to the immense force involved in truck collisions. Depending on the severity of the fractures, treatment may include casting, surgery, and physical therapy to regain function and mobility.
- Internal organ damage: Blunt force trauma can harm internal organs. Many accident victims suffer bleeding, organ failure, or other complications.
- Burns: Some trucks haul hazardous materials. Those chemicals can leak and catch fire if a crash occurs, causing severe burns. Burn injuries can result in long-term physical complications, including scarring and disfigurement.
- Lacerations and abrasions: Broken glass, metal, or debris often fly in the air, resulting in cuts and scrapes. While these injuries may seem less severe, they can still lead to complications if not properly treated.
If you’ve been injured in a tractor-trailer crash or some other one involving a commercial motor vehicle, make sure to reach out to a Laramie truck accident lawyer. During your free consultation with legal counsel, you can learn more about your legal options to recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses. So, email or call us to schedule that meeting now.
Special Considerations When Handling a Truck Accident Liability Claim
When it comes to truck accident liability claims involving multiple parties and insurance companies, there are various factors to consider.
Federal regulations play a role in these cases. FMCSA rules regulate areas such as driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. Compliance is important. Any violations can impact the outcome of your claim.
In these cases, multiple parties may be considered liable. The truck driver’s actions are often a key factor. If the driver’s negligence, such as speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue, caused the accident, they may be liable.
The trucking company may also share responsibility. If they engaged in negligent hiring or training practices, failed to maintain the truck, or enforced unrealistic schedules, they may share some responsibility for the crash.
Improperly loaded cargo can affect the truck’s stability and contribute to accidents. If the actions of these cargo loaders or shippers led to the incident, they may be held liable.
Also, manufacturers could be held responsible if a defective truck part, such as brakes or tires, caused an incident.
Let Us Fight for Your Compensation If a Truck Collision in Laramie, WY Injured You
When you have been involved in a truck accident, you don’t want to handle these claims on your own. Often, they require you to find evidence, build a solid fountain, and negotiate with multiple parties. On top of that, insurance companies are known for not providing you with a fair settlement offer.
In these cases, you need an experienced Laramie truck accident lawyer on your side. At Edwards Law Office, P.C., we can assist you during this time. We will take care of all aspects of your case, from filing the initial paperwork to reaching a settlement. During this time, you can focus on your health, recovery, and family.
If you would like to learn more about how our law office can help throughout this stressful time, contact us to schedule a consultation.