Salt Lake City Truck Accident Lawyers Working for You Across Utah
Sharing the road with trucks has the potential to be intimidating, especially for new or more nervous drivers. The larger, heavier nature of the vehicles means that they can cause severe damage if you find yourself involved in an accident, and the damage can be significant.
If you have been the victim of an accident involving a truck, we have good news: there are steps you can take to help ensure that you are supported financially, that you are fully compensated for any damage or injuries, and you that you can seek the justice you deserve following an encounter.
Who Is to Blame for a Truck Accident?
As with any personal injury claim, the key priority is to establish liability. Your Salt Lake City Personal Injury Attorney will work to prove that the actions, negligence, or recklessness of the other party directly contributed to the accident, and, consequently, any injuries you have suffered as a result.
There are several ways this can be achieved; witness statements and official reports can offer a clear, useful insight into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Lawyers may also look at crime scene photos and diagrams, consider the damage to each vehicle, and check to see whether the driver of the truck has admitted to being at fault. Once liability is established, you can work to pursue the other party for damages and compensation, which can be invaluable in rebuilding your life.
What Damages Can I Claim?
If you have been involved in a truck accident, you may have accumulated expensive medical bills, treatment, and in some cases, even surgery. The costs can quickly add up, which can mean that receiving the very best treatment can be problematic. Financial compensation can help you to meet these costs, as well as any expenses which are incurred in the future, such as further operations, medications, physiotherapy, or follow-up appointments.
The accident may also mean that you have to take extensive time away from work to recover, and this can have a detrimental impact on your household finances. Damages can be used to address the loss of earnings – again, both at the time of the accident and in the future. You can also be covered and protected if your injuries mean that you cannot return to your previous role and are forced to accept a lower paid position – this is known as a reduced earning capacity. Victims are then able to focus on recovery and rebuilding their lives, rather than being crippled by debt and the risk of losing their home.
In some cases, injuries may require you to make permanent changes and adaptation to your home, such as adding rails and support systems, adapting ramps, or employing full-time help and assistance to allow you to carry out daily tasks. Once again, these changes come with costs that can quickly add up, and the compensation you receive can go a long way to helping meet these costs.
Those who need compensation after situations like this should seek professional help from a truck accident attorney that is experienced with the particular type of case.
What Are the Common Causes Of Truck Accidents?
Trucks are large, heavy vehicles that can move at high speeds. There are many situations which could result in accidents, and these can include:
- Driver error – drivers are only human, and a range of factors could impact their ability to drive the vehicle safely. Drivers may become distracted by phones or SatNavs, or by something going on inside the truck. They could fail to follow the rules of the road correctly – e.g., speeding, not staying in their lane, changing lanes without paying due care and attention, or ignoring red lights or stop signs.
Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol are also a massive risk to other road users. Their judgment is impaired, reactions slowed, and the ability to drive and handle a large vehicle is severely limited.
- Mechanical error – trucks require a large amount of care and maintenance, and regular checks must be carried out to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe to be amongst other road users and drivers. This is the responsibility of both the driver in charge of the truck and the commercial company who may hire the drivers, lease or rent the vehicles.
Tires and brakes are the key areas to focus on. These have the most significant capacity for disaster and need regular inspections, essential updates, and close attention to allow them to handle the weight and large size of a truck.
We can help answer your questions and provide the guidance and knowledge to allow you to move on. Reach out to us at 801-465-8733 (801-INJURED).