Gainesville Truck Accident Lawyer

Drivers of big rigs, tractor-trailers, and other trucks must exercise greater caution when behind the wheel given the danger their vehicles pose to others on the road. When they choose not to do so, and a crash ensues, the trucker may be liable for the financial costs associated with the accident.

A knowledgeable Gainesville truck accident lawyer could assist you and your loved ones if you have been injured in a crash caused by a commercial driver. A practiced injury attorney could help you seek compensation for your losses as well as hold the negligent party responsible for the harm they caused.

How Truck Drivers’ Carelessness Leads to Crashes

Truck drivers generally must pass practical and knowledge-based tests as well as a medical evaluation before they can operate a commercial vehicle. The commercial driver’s licensing process is supposed to produce truck drivers who are safety-conscious. However, these individuals can still commit errors by:

• Not attending to an underlying medical issue that jeopardizes their ability to drive safely
• Drinking an alcoholic beverage or consuming a substance that interferes with their judgment, senses, or ability to react swiftly in an emergency
• Not being “out-of-service” for an adequate amount of time
• Speeding to a destination and ignoring traffic laws or basic rules of safety

There are others whose negligence may also play a role in a trucking accident. These people can also be named as defendants in a lawsuit and compensation sought from them. These potential defendants include:

• The truck driver’s employer, if it hired or did not discipline the trucker despite repeated safety or policy violations
• The manufacturer of the vehicle, if the truck or trailer has one or more defects
• The individuals and company involved in loading the trailer, if an unbalanced or unsecured cargo load is to blame for the crash
• The mechanic or business responsible for servicing the truck or trailer, if mechanical issues contributed to the wreck

Attorneys who regularly represent truck crash victims in Gainesville can help those injured determine who is responsible for causing or contributing to their accident.

Available Compensation for Those Harmed in Trucking Wrecks

Due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles, collisions between trucks and passenger vehicles often result in serious harm. If such a crash occurs, those hurt in the accident may be entitled to sue the trucker driver and receive compensation for their medical expenses, unearned pay due to missing work while recovering, and pain and trauma.

Injured individuals may receive compensation through trial or by reaching a settlement agreement. Pursuing compensation through either avenue has advantages and disadvantages. For example, while the amount of payment received through a trial is generally higher than that obtained through a settlement, a settlement is definitive, and plaintiffs usually receive their compensation award much sooner. A Gainesville attorney could advise a truck wreck victim on the best path to take for their claim.

Seek Help Now from an Experienced Gainesville Truck Accident Attorney

You generally have two years from the date you are involved in a crash to seek compensation for losses related to that incident. A resourceful Gainesville truck accident lawyer could provide guidance and representation to you and your family in the aftermath of a wreck. Call now and schedule a consultation.