Experienced Florence Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys
The Florence semi-truck accident attorneys at Dallas & Turner offer the residents of Kentucky more than 30 years of experience handling cases involving crashes with big rigs, tractor-trailer, semi-trucks, 18 wheelers, and other commercial vehicles and tankers that can easily weigh 80,000 pounds or more.
And having successfully worked and settled these claims on behalf of our clients, it has taught us one truth: An accident with a semi-truck is unlike any other personal injury case.
What Makes Semi-Truck Accidents Different
In addition to the devastating injuries often sustained in an accident with a semi-truck, there are several unique factors and dangers that often do not exist in car vs. car collisions, including:
Federal and State regulations
Unlike passenger vehicles, semi-trucks must adhere to unique safety (added) rules enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov)(FMCSA) as well as Kentucky state law.
Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Manual
Before a truck driver is issued a CDL and declared legal to operate a semi, they are required to pass the skills tests and understand the safety regulations in the FMCSA CDL Manual.
The CDL Manual covers matters that we commonly investigate after an accident has occurred, such as vehicle inspection, distracted driving, hazardous materials rules, controlling the rig, etc. Violation of any of these rules and regulations can lead to increased liability.
Black box data
The majority of big rigs are equipped with an event data recorder (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Event_data_recorder) (black box) that collects extremely important data used to establish liability, e.g., speed, maintenance issues, tire pressure, etc.
The potential of multiple insurance policies and multiple parties
Unknown to most people, the possibility exists that a victim may be able to recover from more than one policy and from more than one party. For instance, the rig may be insured separately from the trailer and the rig, trailer, shipper, broker, driver etc. may be distinct parties with distinct liability.
Never make the mistake of thinking your accident will be treated like any other claim. Semi-trucks carry large policies and the insurance adjuster – or more often than not, their in-house risk manager will work quickly and do whatever it takes to limit liability.
Having an experienced semi-truck accident attorney on your side can prove absolutely critical to properly obtaining all the necessary information and evidence to ensure you are adequately compensated for your injuries.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
Truck drivers and trucking companies are held to a higher standard than other drivers because of the potential dangers that they create while traveling on our highways and interstates.
Some of the dangers unique to semi-trucks include:
- Drowsy driving
- Speeding
- Improper or skipped truck maintenance
- Lack of driver training
- Hiring bad drivers
- Bad brakes
- Distracted driving
- Improper or overloaded trucks
- Blind spots
- Tire tread separation
This list represents some of the potential liability factors we will investigate on your behalf if proven necessary.
Talk To A Florence Semi-Accident Injury Attorney Today!
Perhaps more so than in any other kind of injury or death case, time is critical in every semi-truck accident case as the truck itself is crucial evidence requiring prompt and extensive inspection. So if you or a loved one were injured in a crash involving a big rig, please call Dallas & Turner PLLC as soon as possible for a free evaluation of your potential injury claim.
We can be reached immediately at 859-630-0666. You can also write to us by using our free contact form.
Our clients always come first, no exceptions. We look forward to working for you.
James Ryan Turner, Experienced Injury Lawyer in Florence, KY
"If you have been injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, then you really need to speak with someone who has the experience to talk you through this difficult time. It's never too early to pick up the phone. Give us a call for a free case evaluation today."
