Boston Truck Driver Error / Negligence Lawyers
The large commercial trucks that transport goods and products across the country are fixtures of our roadways and driving experiences. However, these drivers have a serious responsibility to drive safely, as the size of their vehicles makes others far more vulnerable to injury or death in the event of an accident. Truck driver negligence happens when a truck operator drives recklessly or acts irresponsibly, leading to accidents and the serious injury of other vehicle occupants.
The Boston truck driver negligence lawyers at Crowe & Harris, LLP , understand that errors committed by a truck driver can result in devastating effects for victims and their families. Our legal team is dedicated to advocating for those who have been adversely affected by truck driver negligence or error and help our clients pursue the financial compensation they need to recover from their losses.
To find out more about how we can help, contact us today at (617) 404-3417.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer?
Truck accident cases are some of the most complicated cases possible, for several reasons. Truck accidents tend to involve a greater volume of evidence than regular car accidents, due to all the regulations imposed on trucks and trucking companies. To show how the accident happened, you may have to sift through black box data, GPS readings, work logs from drivers, maintenance records, and driver files from the employer. Knowing what evidence is important in your case requires a familiarity with truck accident law that only lawyers have.
In addition, even in cases of driver negligence where the driver was clearly at fault, you may still be able to hold their employer liable as well. Trucking companies have a responsibility to adequately screen, train, and monitor their drivers, and if their negligence allowed a truck driver to behave recklessly, they may be at fault as well.
To collect compensation, you will need to prove how the accident happened, who was responsible, how the accident led to your injuries, and the seriousness of your injuries. An attorney can investigate your accident, gather the necessary evidence, file all required paperwork, negotiate with the opposing insurance agents and attorneys, and even take your case to court, if necessary. You are much more likely to receive the full amount of compensation you are owed with an attorney on your side.
Why Choose Crowe & Harris, LLP ?
The attorneys at Crowe & Harris, LLP have over 100 years of combined experience helping clients all over Massachusetts handle their personal injury cases. We have earned a reputation for success, having won millions for our clients over the years. Our innovative team approach has been highly successful in getting positive outcomes for our clients. Instead of having your case handled by one lawyer, you will be assigned a team of attorneys, nurses, paralegals, law clerks, and legal secretaries that will review your case and come up with the best strategy to handle your case.
When you are dealing with expensive medical bills and repairs to your car, the last thing you want to do is add another expense. We work off a contingency fee which means we don’t get paid unless you do. This will eliminate your worries about being able to pay and will ensure that you will get the most compensation possible with the help of our compassionate and skilled attorneys.
Examples of Truck Driver Negligence
Truck driver negligence refers to behavior that endangers the safety of others on the road. Error by a truck driver is particularly dangerous due to the size of the vehicle and the seriously damaging effects it can have on other cars and passengers. Negligence has occurred if a driver has committed one of these actions:
Failure to Signal Turns
Failing to signal a turn is dangerous for any vehicle, but it can cause horrible accidents if it is done by a driver of a huge truck. Truck drivers have to make wide turns and often take up a couple of lanes to complete a right or left turn. If a truck driver does not signal, the most basic of safety precautions, the cars in the next lanes may be hit.
Aggressive Driving
Huge trucks require more space and time in order to slow to a stop because of their huge size. When a trucker drives aggressively, it is much harder for them to stop in an emergency situation. Aggressive truck drivers can engage in a number of dangerous driving behaviors that put other motorists on the road in serious danger, including:
- Tailgating
- Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
- Unsafe passing, often without use of a signal
- Cutting off other vehicles
- Inappropriate use of their horn
Negligent 18-wheeler drivers who drive aggressively blatantly disregard the safety of others on the road.
Driving with Overweight Load
Although the government has laws that restrict the amount of weight that an 18-wheeler can haul, many truck drivers and companies violate these regulations, allowing dangerous amounts of weight on trailers. Overweight loads can severely impair a truck driver’s ability to control their vehicle, putting innocent drivers on the road at risk for suffering injury in a catastrophic accident.
18-wheelers already pose a serious threat to other motorists due to their enormous size and weight, and these dangers only increase when an overloaded trailer is involved. Some of the potential consequences of a truck driver operating a semi-truck with an overweight load include:
- Inability to stop or slow down when needed
- Inability to properly maneuver the truck, especially in an emergency situation
- Lack of control when turning and changing lanes
Accidents involving overloaded semi-trucks can result in life-changing injuries for victims in addition to saddling these individuals with extensive medical bills and lost wages.
Driving During Adverse Conditions
The weight and size of trucks make them exceptionally dangerous to drive during inclement weather. Weather can severely impair a semi-truck driver’s ability to drive safely and, unfortunately, far too many truckers exhibit the following dangerous behaviors:
- Failing to slow down for rain, fog, or areas of the road that are icy
- Inability to stop in time on wet or icy roads
- Driving without headlights in rain or fog
- Failing to watch trailers during adverse conditions
- Failing to maintain an appropriate distance from other vehicles when driving in bad weather
Severe weather conditions pose a serious threat to drivers on the road, especially when truck drivers fail to respond safely in these situations.
All of these circumstances, although not an exhaustive list, could be considered truck driver negligence in Massachusetts. If you have been involved in such an accident through no fault of your own, you may be able to claim compensation from the negligent driver or his/her company. If you are uncertain whether or not your case would qualify, contact the Boston trucking negligence at Crowe & Harris, LLP .
Contact a Truck Driver Negligence Lawyer in Boston
If you have been injured due to the negligence or error of a truck driver, it is important to discuss your legal options with an experienced attorney. The Boston truck driver negligence attorneys at Crowe & Harris, LLP , can discuss your case with you and may help you pursue financial restitution to cover the costs of damages.
Call our offices today at (617) 404-3417 to learn more.
