Truck Accident Lawyer in Lee's Summit
Everyone has seen the multitudes of commercial trucks driving along every roadway. And with so many large vehicles around, the number of truck accidents also seems to have become a much more common sight.
The Increase in Truck Accidents
From 2017 to 2018, the number of truck crashes in the U.S. increased by one percent, which may not seem like a lot, but that equates to thousands of additional collisions. There are many reasons truck accidents have become so prevalent, but some are very predictable and easy to understand. Such is the case when a trucker works for a company that boosts compensation for longer drive times and faster speeds. And this happens despite the fact that federal and state regulations have established how many hours a trucker should be on the road between breaks and the plentiful speed signs that can be found on every highway.
Another reason for the increase in truck accidents is a reflection of today’s lifestyle, where it has become easier and more pervasive to order every item imaginable online and have it delivered. As a result, neighborhoods that used to see mail trucks and garbage trucks pass by once a day, now notice delivery trucks coming and going down the narrowest streets all day long. And every driver seems to be intent on delivering as many parcels in as short a time as possible.
Truck Accidents Tend To Be More Dangerous
When commercial trucks are involved in accidents, the issue becomes much more complex due to the nature of the truck involved, the severity of the injuries that may be present, and the fact that trucking and insurance companies are involved. Additionally, there are many state and federal laws that regulate the operation of large commercial vehicles and their drivers.
If you’re injured in an accident, having the expertise of a truck accident lawyer in Lee’s Summit by your side can make all the difference. You don’t want any mistake to jeopardize your case and for this reason, you need the right legal representation to help you negotiate with the insurance company.
Damages That Can Be Awarded in Truck Accidents
Your truck accident lawyer in Lee’s Summit, MO will work closely with you to understand the particulars of your case and explain what damages you may be entitled to. Among them, you could receive the funds you need to cover:
- Your medical expenses
- The cost of future and ongoing medical treatments and rehabilitation
- Wages you have lost by being unable to go back to work
- Your future ability to earn your wages
- Pain and suffering
- Expenses related to disfigurement or permanent disability
- Wrongful death
Truck Accident Lawyer in Lee’s Summit Missouri
At Lourenco & Linville, PC, your truck accident lawyer will start by determining the reason for the accident, whether the driver was negligent, if it was the trucking company who failed to perform the necessary maintenance on the truck, whether it was the truck’s mechanic who was at fault, or if the parts’ manufacturer is to blame for having sold a defective part used in the truck. Any or all of the above could have played a role in the accident and in your injuries.
Truck Drivers and Negligence
There are many reasons that a truck driver may be negligent in an accident. There may always be extenuating circumstances, but some of the more common reasons for truck accidents include:
Speeding
In an attempt to reach their destination at a certain time, truck drivers tend to exceed the speed limit.
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers frequently use cell phones and other devices to combat boredom and loneliness while driving. This not only endangers them but also other drivers on the road.
Sleep Deprivation
Despite rules established by the federal government, many truckers exceed the hours they are supposed to be on the road without a break. The result is drivers falling asleep behind the wheel or driving erratically when drowsy.
Reckless Driving and DUI
Truck drivers switching lanes, tailgating, and performing other reckless actions result in greater risk for themselves and other drivers around them. Add alcohol and other drugs to the mix, and the results are even more disastrous.
Lourenco & Linville, PC, your truck accident lawyers in Lee’s Summit, MO will guide you through your accident claim and help you get the damages you deserve during this stressful time.