Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Springfield, MA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Springfield, Massachusetts?

  The Springfield Police Department can be reached at (413) 787-6302.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Springfield, Massachusetts?

  To obtain a police accident report from the Springfield Police Department, you can call the Clerk's Office at (413) 787-6310.

• Can a person who was injured in a truck accident in Springfield pursue the at-fault party for damages?

  Yes, they can, but only if their accumulated medical expenses have already exceeded $2,000 which is the state of Massachusetts' tort threshold. Otherwise, the person's own insurance policy will kick in. However, most trucking accidents yield catastrophic injuries, which almost guarantees that the injured would be spending way more than just $2,000 for recovery.

• Can a trucking company be held liable for an accident in Springfield caused by the truck's bald tires?

  Yes, they can be held liable. It is the responsibility of the trucking company to perform maintenance and safety checks on the vehicles, which includes replacing worn-out tires. Some other examples of negligent actions by trucking companies in Springfield are hiring drivers with poor records, insufficient training practices, improper tiedown of cargo, and overworking the drivers to the point of fatigue while on active duty.

• How can attorneys help the victims of trucking accidents in Springfield?

  There are many ways that an attorney in Springfield fighting for their rights would be extremely helpful for them. In situations that involve trucking companies, their knowledge of the law comes in handy as they can use it to guarantee the cooperation of otherwise unwilling parties. For example, trucking companies, to cover their tracks, may refuse to provide a copy of their internal records, log books, and inspector reports.

• Is it expensive to hire an attorney in Springfield for a trucking accident?

  Most of the attorneys that one can hire in Springfield work on a contingency fee plan. This means that they only get paid if their client wins, there are no upfront costs and out-of-pocket expenses, and there is minimal risk involved for the client. The average contingency fee for an attorney working a personal injury case is about 33% of the settlement across the board.

• Who can the surviving family members of an injured victim who passed away in a trucking accident in Springfield sue for wrongful death?

  It will depend on what the investigation yields. For cases that involve death, it becomes increasingly important to identify the main cause of the accident, and because of this truck accident experts are hired. One of the most common causes of accidents is the driver not checking the truck's blind spot. In which case, the driver themselves may be held liable.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.