It can be terrifying to see an immense, uncontrolled vehicle racing towards you, knowing there is not much you can do to stop it. Tractor-trailer accidents often cause some of the most serious and deadly collisions on Massachusetts roads.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there were a total of 226,000 trucks with trailers involved in collisions throughout the US in 2019, but the suffering of those involved in tractor-trailer accidents goes well beyond the statistics. Many are left with costly medical bills on top of devastating injuries.
If you find yourself injured by a truck, you may be able to recover compensation for your damages. Our law firm provides quality representation for Bay Staters. One of our experienced personal injury lawyers can explain your rights and examine your case details to discern where the fault lies.
Want a free consultation? There’s No Obligation, Just Information® at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. And when we work hard on your behalf to hold the responsible parties accountable for their negligence, you won’t owe us any out-of-pocket fees. Call us at 800-577-5188 or contact us online for your free case evaluation today.
Common Causes of Tractor-Trailer Accidents in Massachusetts
All too often, we read about large truck incidents on the Mass Pike highway or I-93 causing significant carnage and leaving traffic at a standstill. Truck accident cases may involve treacherous situations where the tractor-trailer may roll over or jackknife, which refers to the two separate parts of the truck folding in on each other. No matter the reason, tractor-trailer accidents can result in severe injuries or even death for those involved. Common causes of collisions involving truck tractors with trailers include the following:
- Drowsy driving
- Equipment failure
- Illegal lane changes
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Overloaded freight
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Unsafe or aggressive driving
- Distracted driving
Determining Liability for a Tractor-Trailer Incident
Depending on the cause of your large truck incident, there are various parties who could be held liable for your damages. With a seasoned tractor-trailer lawyer by your side, you are given the advantage of having a professional’s perspective. He or she will be able to assist in gathering the necessary evidence to determine whether there are multiple parties liable for your damages. The driver’s logbook is a crucial piece of evidence that can reveal important details about the driver. This might include how long the driver had been driving and if he had sufficient rest before the incident. Responsible parties for a tractor-trailer collision may include the following as mentioned below.
The truck driver
A truck driver may be found liable for your damages if he or she was found negligent in the following situations, including but not limited to:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drowsy driving
- Reckless driving behavior
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Disobeying traffic laws
The trucking company
Trucking companies may be held liable for negligence if they failed to fulfill their legal responsibilities. In some instances, companies may pressure their drivers to disregard safety regulations to deliver cargo on time. A trucking company may be found liable for failing to:
- Carry out a full background check of drivers
- Provide adequate training and supervision
- Perform regular truck inspections, repairs, and maintenance
- Ensure safety protocols are implemented
- Keep accurate logbook entries
Manufacturers of the truck parts
Trucks and their trailers are made up of many different parts which are designed to ensure the vehicle can function safely. Manufacturing flaws can undermine the integrity of a vehicle, making it unsafe to operate or cause a malfunction. Although the trucking company is responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle and its parts, the manufacturer may be held liable if a defective part contributed to the accident.
The cargo loading company
If cargo is loaded incorrectly, it can affect the weight distribution of the truck. Cargo that is improperly loaded or inadequately secured may move or shift during transit. This can lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle and causing a collision. Depending on the circumstances of the incident, any person or entity involved with the truck or its contents may share some responsibility for the accident.
Other drivers
There may be instances where a third vehicle contributed to the truck incident. If the negligent actions of another driver led to the collision that caused your injuries, our lawyers can examine the evidence to establish fault on his or her part. Our aim is to hold all responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Recoverable Damages for Massachusetts Tractor-Trailer Accidents
Our Massachusetts tractor-trailer accidents attorneys believe that all responsible parties must be held accountable for their part. As a victim, it is only fair that you should be compensated for the damages imposed upon you and your property.
We pride ourselves in securing successful verdicts and settlements for our clients and we have successfully recovered millions of dollars in damages. If we take on your case, the team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers work diligently to secure the maximum amount of compensation available for your losses.
Recoverable compensation we seek for our clients may include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Loss of wages and future earnings
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Physical impairment
- Rehabilitation costs
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of support
- Punitive damages
How a Tractor-Trailer Accident Lawyer Can Help With Your Case
The tractor-trailer lawyers at our law firm understand the Massachusetts laws and regulations governing personal injuries caused by tractor-trailer accidents. To determine the source of a collision, we dispatch a team to examine the accident scene and gather crucial evidence.
To establish who is liable for the tractor-trailer accident, our team will investigate by:
- Checking the scene for debris
- Measuring tire marks at the scene
- Interviewing witnesses and collecting statements
- Examining available photos or video footage of the incident
- Reviewing company logbooks
- Checking truck maintenance and inspection reports
- Investigating the trucking company’s history of rule violations
- Obtaining and reviewing the police report
- Taking a look at the truck driver’s driving background and criminal history
- Acquiring the driver’s toxicology results
Our attorneys know what to look for and how to identify anything that may have contributed to your collision. It’s standard procedure to take care in reviewing all available evidence to understand how and why it occurred. This information may include details such as the driver’s working and resting hours, weight and preparation of any cargo, and vehicle maintenance and inspection checks.
Insurance Settlements and Filing Lawsuits
When we take on a case, we manage all communication with insurance companies and negotiate any settlements on your behalf. We also advocate for your rights and seek the maximum amount of compensation we believe you should get for your injuries. In the instance where we can’t recommend accepting the settlement offer, we are not afraid to file a lawsuit and go to trial to protect your rights. Although you may feel hesitant to go to court, sometimes it may be the only option available to receive fair compensation for your losses. Either way, you don’t need to worry about any out-of-pocket fees. We work on a contingency basis, which means that we get paid only after you get paid. Better Phone Stone® to have confidence that your tractor-trailer accident case is in good hands.
Get Legal Advice You Can Trust
Jason Stone Injury Lawyers offer the Stone Cold Guarantee®, a set of 10 promises we make to every client who entrusts us with truck accident cases. If you have suffered injuries as a result of a tractor-trailer accident, let us advocate for your rights and seek the maximum recovery available to you.
When you hire an attorney at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, you can rest assured that our entire legal team will work for your best interests. We can help you through each step of the claims process, allowing you to focus your time and energy on recovering from your injuries.
Contact us to talk to one of our tractor-trailer lawyers today to schedule your free consultation. We can arrange to speak to you over the phone, by video conference, or in person at a place convenient for you, as you prefer.