Semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles travel on highways and roads every day in and around Montevideo. Unfortunately, the presence of these large vehicles also increases the potential for accidents for everyone on the road.
If you are involved in an accident with a truck or other commercial vehicle, it may cause severe, life-changing injuries and even fatalities.
It is estimated that about 74% of all fatal passenger vehicle accidents involve large commercial trucks, with over 130,000 people sustaining injuries in truck accidents annually. Our legal team at Nelson Personal Injury, LLC can help if you find yourself in this situation. We will work on your behalf to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Causes of Montevideo Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks colliding with passenger vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. Truck accidents can occur for many reasons: the truck driver’s negligence, a malfunction with the truck, improper maintenance of the truck, or other factors.
Some of the common causes of truck accidents include the following:
- Driver inexperience;
- Poor road conditions;
- Driver fatigue;
- Severe weather;
- Improper maintenance;
- Improper cargo loading;
- Drunk driving;
- Distracted driving; and
- Faulty truck parts.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you may be able to file a claim for compensation against the trucking company and their insurance company. This claim is designed to cover the costs and damages you incurred because of the accident.
Sometimes, determining liability in a truck accident case is challenging. Our legal team can gather evidence to determine liability and ensure the right person and/or company is held accountable for the damages they caused.
Common Injuries Seen in Montevideo Truck Accidents
If you are involved in an accident with a delivery truck, big rig, 18-wheeler, semi, or other commercial vehicle larger than your passenger car, you may have a viable truck accident claim. Even though car accidents happen every day, and many are not serious, accidents involving large trucks have the potential to be catastrophic. This is due to the sheer weight and size of commercial trucks.
Some of the most frequent injuries seen in truck accidents include the following:
- Fractures and broken bones;
- Burns;
- Lacerations;
- Spinal injuries;
- Organ damage;
- Internal bleeding;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
- Chemical exposure;
- Orthopedic injuries.
Because of the size, weight, and cargo in large trucks, as well as the speed of the vehicles, when accidents occur, the potential for serious injuries is much higher than accidents involving passenger vehicles.
If a trucking company or truck driver is negligent in some respect, and that negligence causes the accident, they may be partly or fully responsible for the accident and any resulting damages.
Some truck accident victims experience short- and long-term injuries after colliding with a commercial truck or exposure to the chemicals being transported. Because of the seriousness of these accidents, you need the help of an experienced attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Liability in Truck Accident Cases
As previously discussed, truck accidents can occur for many reasons. Large trucks are often operated by drivers who must work long hours to reach their destination on time. This can cause driver fatigue, which is a serious problem that results in decreased reaction time and awareness. Other issues, like inexperience and improper training, can also cause accidents.
Some of the liable parties in a Montevideo truck accident may include the following:
- The driver or operator of the truck;
- Cargo loaders;
- The trucking company and/or the truck owner;
- Maintenance or repair service provider; or
- Parts manufacturer.
There could be others who share liability in the accident, too. Our attorneys will examine all the available evidence to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable for the injuries and damages caused.
Types of Compensation You May Receive in a Truck Accident Claim
If your truck accident claim is successful, you may be able to recover several different types of compensation. The most common types of compensation awarded in these cases include the following:
- Past, current, and future accident-related medical costs;
- Time off work and lost wages;
- Future lost wages and loss of earning capacity;
- Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and mental distress;
- Scarring and disfigurement; and
- Loss of consortium.
It is important to note these are common damages awarded in truck accident cases, and there could be others based on your situation.
Dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck accident can be overwhelming and stressful. Trucking companies and their insurance companies do everything they can to minimize and limit what they pay out to settle your truck accident claim, especially if you are unrepresented. No matter what your case looks like or what the insurance companies have told you, you can and should seek legal counsel before making any decisions related to your case.
Hire Us for Help with Your Montevideo Truck Accident Claim
If you are involved in a Montevideo truck accident, you have rights. At Nelson Personal Injury, LLC, we are here to help with your truck accident claim and protect those rights. The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free initial consultation.
We understand how devastating a truck accident can be and want to help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn more!
