Truck Accident Lawyer Merrimack, NH
Semi-trucks are a common sight and a vital part of trade and commerce across the country. Although these “gentle giants” are a common sight on the highways around Merrimack, when they are part of a traffic collision, victims in the smaller passenger cars discover that semis are anything but gentle. It’s not unusual for victims to suffer disabling injuries, and many are left in chronic pain, with hefty medical bills and uncertain chances of recovery. If you have been involved in a semi-collision and don’t know where to turn, start with a phone call from a Merrimack, NH, truck accident lawyer from our firm.
At Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., we have significant experience helping truck accident victims like you secure fair compensation for their accident injuries. We aim to secure fair compensation for all your losses and support your legal rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Can A Merrimack Truck Accident Lawyer Help Me?
Victims in a truck accident have the right to demand fair compensation for their losses, including the cost of all necessary medical care to treat their injuries. It’s not unusual for truck accident victims to suffer severe injuries, and many may not fully recover. You could require surgery to heal or need care in a nursing home. Medical care after a truck injury can get expensive—fast—and if you didn’t cause the wreck, then you deserve to be fairly compensated for the care you needed. As your attorney, we build a strong case against the negligent trucker to secure fair compensation to enable you to get the medical care you require.
Medical bills aren’t the only losses you may have suffered after the crash. You likely missed work to recover from your injuries and are entitled to demand the full amount of your lost wages, too. Our firm may employ an economic expert witness to properly calculate not just your lost wages and loss of earning potential. We address all your material losses, as well as non-economic losses like pain and suffering and emotional trauma when building your claim.
Truck Accidents Can Be More Complex Than Other Accidents
Unlike other types of accidents, truck collisions often have more than one defendant (the liable party). Not only would the trucker be liable for the harm they caused, but their employer may also be liable for the wreck. If the trucking company set a schedule that forced the driver to drive outside of federally mandated operating hours, or if they didn’t do due diligence in hiring or supervising their truckers, they may also be named a defendant.
Not every personal injury law firm has the resources necessary to litigate claims against multiple defendants. We do, and we’re ready to use our resources and experience to your advantage.
Hurt In A Truck Crash? We Want To Hear Your Story
Have you or someone you love been hurt in a semi-trucking collision? The attorneys at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., want to help you get compensation for your losses and demand justice. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Merrimack truck accident lawyer.
It’s probably no surprise to hear that a fatigued truck driver is a dangerous driver. Driving any vehicle while being tired is risky, but operating a commercial truck that weighs thousands of pounds can be deadly. Due to this risk, federal law enforces rules so that drivers of tractor trailers and other vehicles are not jeopardizing the safety of the public. These regulations outline the number of hours per day a driver can be behind the wheel, along with the length of breaks they must take between shifts. If you were recently involved in a crash with a commercial truck, then we suggest speaking with our Merrimack, NH truck accident lawyer as soon as possible. At Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., we can help you seek compensation from the responsible driver.
Federal And State Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets forth rules that all truck drivers and trucking companies must strictly follow. If they fail to abide by these regulations and an accident happens because of it, then they can be liable for how victims have suffered. Being fatigued while driving can negatively affect cognitive abilities related to attention span, reaction time, vigilance, and information processing. It is alarming that truck drivers experiencing severe exhaustion would be unaware of these effects, and many believe that they are still able to continue their travels in a safe manner. As our knowledgeable truck accident attorney explains, examples of hours of service rules include:
- The 11-hour rule. During an allotted 14 hours driving, 3 hours have to be spent doing other tasks that do not involve driving the tractor trailer.
- The 14-hour rule. When a driver starts a shift, they have 14 hours to finish their assigned tasks.
- The 60/70 hour rule. Throughout any period of around 1 week, the truck driver cannot drive the tractor trailer if they have been on duty for 60-70 hours.
Prioritizing Safety Over Profits
These regulations established by the FMCSA were set in place to encourage drivers to get enough rest and make sure that a company does not prioritize profits over safety measures. While the rules are straightforward, they are complicated and must be considered when creating truck driver schedules. Drivers themselves are entrusted with duties that extend farther than just arriving at their destination. They must also be committed to following state and federal regulations so they do not put the safety of the public at risk.
Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C.
Our team at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. understands that as someone who was in a crash with a commercial truck, you have probably sustained serious injury that resulted in costly medical bills. You may have had your health so severely impacted that you cannot fully recover. It is possible you are not working due to your injuries, are trying to figure out how to get your car repaired or replaced, among other stresses. Please let our Merrimack truck accident attorney pursue payment for everything you have lost and for how much you have suffered. We are ready to come to your side right away. Contact us today for an immediate consultation.
Responsibilities Of Trucking Companies In Accident Cases
Trucking companies play a significant role in maintaining safety on the roads, and their responsibilities become especially important when accidents occur. These companies are held to strict standards under federal and state laws to protect both their drivers and the public. When accidents happen, understanding the responsibilities of trucking companies can be crucial in determining liability and seeking appropriate compensation. As a Merrimack, NH truck accident lawyer, we know how essential it is to hold trucking companies accountable for their actions or inactions. Below are some key responsibilities these companies have in accident cases.
Hiring Qualified Drivers
Trucking companies are responsible for hiring drivers who meet the qualifications required to operate large commercial vehicles. This includes verifying that drivers hold valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and have clean driving records.
Companies are also expected to conduct background checks to identify any history of unsafe driving or criminal behavior. Hiring unqualified or reckless drivers can significantly increase the risk of accidents, making the trucking company liable for negligent hiring practices.
Providing Proper Training
Even experienced drivers require thorough training to operate commercial trucks safely. Trucking companies must provide comprehensive training to new hires, covering essential topics such as handling hazardous weather conditions, following federal regulations, and performing routine vehicle inspections.
A failure to provide adequate training can result in accidents caused by driver error, for which the trucking company may be held accountable. Proper training is a key responsibility that directly impacts road safety.
Maintaining Vehicles
Trucking companies are required to keep their vehicles in safe working condition. Regular inspections and timely maintenance are critical for preventing mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
Issues such as brake failures, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights can often be traced back to improper maintenance. When a trucking company neglects vehicle upkeep, they can be held liable for accidents resulting from mechanical issues.
Adhering To Federal Regulations
The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which establishes rules for vehicle maintenance, driver hours of service, and weight limits. Trucking companies must adhere to these regulations to promote safety on the roads.
Violations, such as encouraging drivers to exceed legal driving hours or overloading trucks, can contribute to accidents. When these violations occur, the trucking company may face legal consequences for failing to follow federal guidelines.
Monitoring Driver Compliance
Trucking companies are responsible for monitoring their drivers’ adherence to regulations and company policies. This includes ensuring drivers comply with hours-of-service rules designed to prevent fatigue and that they avoid engaging in unsafe behaviors such as speeding or distracted driving.
Using tools like electronic logging devices (ELDs) and GPS tracking, companies can monitor driver behavior and address any issues proactively. A lack of oversight can lead to preventable accidents and increased liability for the trucking company.
Carrying Adequate Insurance
Trucking companies are required to carry sufficient insurance coverage to compensate for damages resulting from accidents. Our Merrimack truck accident lawyer shares that this insurance is intended to cover medical expenses, property damage, and other losses suffered by accident victims.
When a trucking company fails to maintain adequate insurance, it complicates the process of obtaining fair compensation for injured parties. Ensuring appropriate coverage is one of the many responsibilities trucking companies must uphold.
Cooperating In Accident Investigations
After an accident, trucking companies are expected to cooperate fully in investigations conducted by law enforcement, insurance adjusters, and attorneys. This includes providing access to maintenance records, driver logs, and other documentation relevant to the case.
Refusing to cooperate or withholding evidence can negatively impact accident victims’ ability to pursue claims and may result in additional legal penalties for the trucking company.
Trucking Company Responsibilities In Accidents
Trucking companies bear a significant responsibility for maintaining safety on the roads and addressing their role in accident cases. From hiring qualified drivers to adhering to federal regulations, these obligations are designed to prevent accidents and protect public safety.
At Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C., we work with individuals impacted by truck accidents to hold responsible parties accountable. If you or a loved one has been involved in a collision, contact us today for a complimentary consultation to speak with a Merrimack truck accident lawyer. We are here to help you 24/7 understand your options and take the necessary steps to secure fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
FAQ About Gathering Evidence For Truck Accidents
To protect your rights and build a strong case after a truck accident, it will be crucial to gather strong evidence in support of your legal claim. Truck accidents often involve complex factors, and having the right information at your fingertips helps establish accountability and support your claim. Below, our personal injury lawyer answers common questions about collecting evidence in truck accident cases to help you better understand what to do after such an incident. If you’re looking for guidance, a Merrimack, NH truck accident lawyer can provide valuable support throughout the process.
What Types Of Evidence Are Critical In A Truck Accident Case?
The evidence that carries the most weight in a truck accident case includes police reports, photographs of the scene, eyewitness accounts, and medical records. There are many reasons that a truck accident may occur, gathering truck-specific evidence like black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can play a vital role in determining fault. This combination of physical, digital, and testimonial evidence allows us to establish a clear picture of what happened and who is responsible.
How Can I Collect Evidence At The Scene Of A Truck Accident?
After ensuring your safety, take steps to document the scene if you’re physically able. Use your phone to photograph the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries. Exchange information with the truck driver and other parties involved, and make a note of the trucking company’s name and contact information. If there are witnesses nearby, ask for their contact details and any statements they might provide. Taking these steps as soon as possible helps preserve crucial evidence before it’s lost or altered.
Should I Take Photographs Of The Accident? If So, What Should I Capture?
In the aftermath of a truck accident, taking photographs will be one of the most important steps in documenting the accident. Focus on capturing the position of the vehicles, damage to all involved vehicles, tire marks, debris on the road, and weather or lighting conditions at the time of the accident. Close-ups of license plates and any company markings on the truck can also be helpful. The more comprehensive your photos, the better they can support your case later on.
Can Dashcam Footage Be Used As Evidence In A Truck Accident Case?
Absolutely, dashcam footage can be a powerful piece of evidence in a truck accident case. It provides a real-time view of the moments leading up to the accident, showing factors such as traffic conditions, the truck driver’s behavior, and other key details. If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, make a copy of the footage and share it with your tractor-trailer lawyer. Additionally, if the truck itself had a dashcam, your lawyer can request access to that footage during the investigation.
How Important Are Witness Statements In A Truck Accident Investigation?
Witness statements can significantly strengthen your case. Witnesses provide a neutral account of the accident, offering details that may not be immediately obvious to those involved. Their statements can help clarify how the crash occurred and support your version of events. Make sure to collect contact information for witnesses so your truck accident claims lawyer can follow up if needed.
The Value Of Taking Prompt Action
Gathering the right evidence quickly and thoroughly is a key step in protecting your rights after a truck accident occurs. By documenting the scene, obtaining critical information, and working with legal professionals, you can build a strong case for your claim. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, contact us today for affordable representation and personal attention. Our Merrimack truck accident lawyer at Welts, White, & Fontaine, P.C. can provide the support you need to move forward confidently. Contact our team today to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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