Victims involved in commercial truck accidents are often at the mercy of corporate lawyers and insurance providers. Without reliable legal support, insurers aim to manipulate many victims into accepting low settlements. It’s vital for claimants to have a reliable truck accident lawyer who is prepared to go to trial on their side. Trucking accident claims differ from typical accident claims due to the volume of evidence and the severity of the injuries involved.
The injured deserve attorneys who have a proven track record in the courtroom. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we don’t just process paperwork and accept low offers. We build cases that are persuasive and compelling, that can be presented to a jury if the defendant refuses to offer a fair settlement amount. We won’t accept anything less than what you need to receive medical treatment and take care of yourself and your family after a truck crash.
What Rules Are Trucking Companies Supposed to Follow?
Commercial drivers and the companies that employ them must follow strict guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The regulations cover everything, including how many hours a driver can spend behind the wheel and the specific weight limits for different types of cargo. Unfortunately, these rules are broken regularly, but the violations aren’t obvious to the untrained eye. Fortunately, our team knows precisely what to look for.
Because we have extensive experience in trucking accident litigation, we have learned to scrutinize digital logs for evidence of illegal practices. Falsified logbooks are a common tactic used to hide a driver’s hours-of-service (HOS) violations. Trucking companies put pressure on their drivers and enforce strict deadlines that push them to skip mandated rest breaks. When drivers aren’t encouraged to rest frequently, the consequences can be catastrophic.
The FMCSA also has maintenance regulations that trucking companies must adhere to. Large trucks require frequent inspections of their braking systems, tires, and steering components to prevent mechanical failures. When companies ignore these rules to save money on repairs, it can affect multiple people, including the driver and those injured in accidents. We assess all the company’s records to determine whether negligence occurred.
Cargo loaders also play an important role in ensuring truck safety on the road. Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing the trailer to sway and even tip over. If a cargo loader didn’t follow weight distribution protocols, they can share the blame for the property damage and injuries caused. We pursue multiple avenues for compensation to maximize your potential compensation.
Do Trucking Companies Intentionally Hide Evidence After Accidents?
Many trucking companies employ rapid-response teams that they dispatch to handle crashes immediately. The teams include investigators, insurance adjusters, and defense attorneys who quickly gather evidence that favors the company. Some corporations take this a step too far and dispose of evidence that could point to their liability. Victims are at a disadvantage if they don’t act just as quickly.
At HHJ Trial Attorneys, our truck accident lawyers issue preservation letters immediately to prevent the destruction of critical evidence. When evidence is hidden or tampered with after preservation letters are sent, the company will face legal repercussions for interfering with the lawsuit. The event data recorder (EDR), commonly known as the black box, is one of the most important pieces of technology in modern vehicles, providing crucial information about a crash.
EDRs record the truck’s speed, braking patterns, and location data in the moments before impact. Accessing EDR data requires specialized software and technical expertise. We work with experts who can download and interpret the information so we can present it as evidence. EDR data provides an objective account of the driver’s actions that biased testimony or faulty witness memories cannot refute.
Our team also secures physical evidence from the truck itself. Dashcam footage, cabin cameras, and satellite tracking records provide insight into events inside and outside the vehicle before, during, and after the crash. If the data is deleted or overwritten before attorneys can secure it, proving liability can be far more challenging. We take immediate action to send preservation letters and maintain access to important evidence.
Trucking companies and insurers fight hard to limit payouts. Speak with an experienced trial attorney to protect your claim.
Request a Free ConsultationDo I Need a Trial Attorney for My Truck Accident Case?
Many smaller personal injury law firms operate as “settlement mills” to avoid the courtroom, regardless of how it affects the victim. These firms often accept low settlement offers because they want to move to the next case quickly. At HHJ Trial Attorneys, we treat every case as if it’s headed to trial. Preparation is the best leverage in negotiations because it shows the defense that we are ready to fight if they don’t take you seriously.
How to Choose a Reliable Truck Accident Lawyer?
Our track record of high-value settlements shows insurers and other attorneys that we are willing to go the distance. Our trial-ready approach results in settlements that reflect the true long-term costs that victims experience after an accident. We go the extra mile to verify that your medical care is covered and that lost wages won’t lead to financial instability. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, contact us to schedule a free case review.
