Truck Accidents
Crocker Law Firm represents people injured in crashes involving a big truck, like a semi-trailer truck. We also represent families of people who have been killed by big commercial trucks. We have years of experience in trucking litigation in Kentucky and Tennessee.
After a truck wreck, act quickly and hire an experienced truck accident attorney
A crash involving an 18 wheeler presents different issues than a typical wreck between cars. It is important to have a lawyer with experience handling big truck accident cases. Here are some of the considerations:
- There are different laws and requirements that apply to commercial trucks. The trucking industry is regulated by federal and state laws.
- In a trucking case, there are often responsible parties other than the truck driver. There can be claims against the trucking company, the company responsible for loading the truck, or the businesses responsible for repairing and maintaining the truck.
- It is important to figure out what went wrong so that you can have answers and so that you can recover money from all parties responsible.
- Timely investigation is really important. Some evidence will disappear if it is not secured quickly.
- We want to keep the truck driver and trucking company from repairing the truck before it can be examined, or destroying relevant documents, like driving logs, before we can see them.
- Experts can be crucially important in big truck accidents. We use an accident reconstructionist to analyze the scene and examine the vehicles, including data recorded by the vehicles (black boxes).
- Injuries and damages tend to be more severe when a big truck like a tractor-trailer is involved.
- There are often bigger insurance policies, meaning more money available to pay losses, in big tuck cases. The trucking company has a lot at stake and they will have experienced trucking litigation lawyers working against your claim. You need experienced help on your side.
The semi was at fault. What went wrong?
Truck drivers are some of the best drivers on the road. They are professional drivers with more training and experience than most of us. The trucking industry is highly regulated because of the potential for catastrophic injury. When a big rig causes a collision, something went wrong. After a truck accident, you deserve answers and we will work to find them for you. Here are some of the potential causes to consider:
- Speeding
- Improper maneuvers
- Driver fatigue
- Poor driver training or supervision
- Negligent hiring and retention of drivers
- Failure to maintain the truck or faulty repairs
- Improper loading or cargo shifts
- Overweight cargo
What is a semi?
Semi is short for semi-trailer truck, which is a combination of the tractor and one or more semi-trailers. The tractor is the front part of the rig which includes the engine and cab (also called a prime mover or traction unit). A semi-trailer is a trailer without a front axle that is attached to the truck. This is the part that carries the cargo.
There are many other terms used for this type of big truck, including: semi truck, tractor-trailer, eighteen wheeler, semi-tractor trailer, and semitrailer.
Other types of big commercial trucks
Not all big commercial trucks are semi trucks. Other big trucks can cause very severe injuries and loss of life. Like tractor-trailers, they often require careful investigation and understanding of state and federal regulations. You should get a lawyer immediately if your wreck involved any of these trucks:
- Dump Truck
- Cement Mixer
- Flatbed
- Tanker
- Refrigerator Truck
- Garbage Truck
- Heavy Hauler
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