Due to the enormous size and weight of a commercial truck, individuals involved in a crash are likely to sustain severe and even life-threatening injuries. Like all other motorists, truck drivers have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicle on all roadways safely.
Therefore, if the careless, reckless, or malicious behavior of a truck driver led to your injuries, consider reaching out to a St. Johns County truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights to pursue a claim. If successful, you might be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses.
However, navigating the claims process alone is often difficult and overwhelming. By working with a skilled attorney, you could have help with each step, so that you may focus on your recovery.
Proving Negligence for a Truck Collision Claim
Every truck crash injury claim is unique, depending on the circumstances and elements of an accident. Generally, however, there are documents that an injured claimant might rely upon for supporting their claim. These include, but are not limited to:
- Accident report
- Medical records
- Medical bills
- Photographs of the scene
- Pictures of injuries
Furthermore, black box data may be crucial for truck crash claims. Essentially, black box data might provide information such as the trucker’s speed and handling at the time of the accident.
Because many tractor-trailer crashes involve a tired or distracted trucker, it might be beneficial to gather as much evidence as possible before pursuing a claim. A meticulous St. Johns County attorney could help to assess the circumstances that led up to a collision and work tirelessly to incorporate this information into a persuasive claim.
Federal Regulations in Truck Accident Cases
In addition to the state laws that govern the conduct of truck driver’s and their companies, there are also federal regulations that cover a wide range of proper behavior. For example, under 49 CFR § 392.4 and 392.5, there are specific provisions relating to truck drivers’ use of drugs and alcohol on the job.
Not only are truck drivers prohibited from using these substances behind the wheel, but a trucking company has a legal responsibility to uphold these standards for all their employees. Therefore, any motor carrier that allows a trucker to operate a commercial truck, despite these impairments, might be in violation of federal law.
Furthermore, there are federal regulations that apply specifically to cargo loads and truck maintenance. Because of the dangers presented by an unevenly-loaded truck or a malfunctioning part, truckers and their employer must exercise care in the loading and repairs of their trucks. A knowledgeable St. Johns County attorney could help a claimant to investigate the circumstances of a truck collision and determine if the application of federal regulations might bolster the validity of a claim.
Call a St. Johns County Truck Accident Attorney for Help
If you were injured in a collision with a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or other commercial truck, consider reaching out to a St. Johns County truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options. However, even if your injuries are apparent, the process of filing a successful claim is often complex and requires extensive legal knowledge.
By enlisting a well-practiced attorney, you could focus on your recovery with the knowledge that a legal professional is working tirelessly to pursue compensation on your behalf. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call today.
