SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
Semi-truck accidents lead to some of the most serious and substantial injuries. Semi-trucks have a much higher weight than common passenger vehicles and often carry a payload, increasing the weight to a massive level. Often, these vehicles are traveling at a high rate of speed. The combination of the two leads to a devastating impact if they are involved in a crash. Unfortunately, owing to the nature of these cases, drivers can often be not paying attention or fatigued. Often, they are driving on lanes with everyday vehicles. The risk factors and location means everyday passenger vehicles often will be involved in catastrophic accidents with much larger and more dangerous vehicles. Cases involving semi-trucks and commercial vehicles can be complicated and difficult. It is important you find a lawyer who can help navigate the case intricacies so they can properly advocate for your claim. Members of Goodnow|McKay are experienced with these claims and are here to help. We are committed to helping our clients recover fair compensation. We are often able to negotiate reasonable settlements with the responsible insurance companies, but we are willing to fight for our clients through trial if necessary.
Common Types of Claims:
Victims injured by a large truck often sustain life-altering injuries. The vehicles themselves generally weigh over 10,000 pounds and are often moving at highway speeds. These claims are unique because there generally is a method of recovery—commercial insurance. With traditional car crash cases, the at-fault motorist may have no insurance or inadequate insurance coverage as many drivers only buy state-minimum policies. Large trucks are more likely to have commercial insurance liability policies and, accordingly, have more money to compensate injury victims.
Although there is a higher likelihood of having insurance, it is not a guarantee. Additionally, although the available insurance coverage is generally higher than normal automobile coverage, the damages sustained generally are significantly worse. Accordingly, there still might not be enough coverage to compensate a person for their loss.
When there is inadequate coverage from the truck driver's automobile policy our firm looks to all available methods of recovery, including the injured party's own automobile policy for underinsured motorist coverage and for medical payments coverage. If the injured party does not have a vehicle, they still may be covered by a resident relative's independent automobile policy. Given the severe nature of these claims it is important you work with an attorney with the knowledge and experience to guide you through the process to help maximize recovery and move the case efficiently.
Statistics:
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States had the following accident statistics for 2016:
- 4,317 people were killed in crashes involving large trucks.
- 72% of those killed were occupants of other vehicles.
- 17% of those killed were occupants of other large trucks.
- 80% of fatal crashes involving large trucks are multiple-vehicle crashes.
- Texas had the highest number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes.
The data reveals fatalities in crashes involving large trucks increased 5 percent from the previous year.
Articles:
Members of Goodnow|McKay are vigilant in research and advocacy on behalf of accident victims. Please see the linked articles below related to semi-truck and commercial vehicle crashes:
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Chris Goodnow is licensed in Arizona. Justin McKay is licensed in Arizona. Matters in other areas are handled by licensed attorneys employed, associated, or co-counseled with Goodnow|McKay.
