We Can Hold Multiple Parties Liable for Your Truck Accident
At Skolrood Law Firm, we’re dedicated to getting our clients full compensation for their damages after accidents. When it comes to truck accidents, one of the most effective ways to accomplish that is to hold all liable parties accountable.
While truck drivers are often liable for truck accidents, they aren’t the only parties that can be ordered to pay up after crashes. Truck accidents also may be caused by negligent trucking companies and truck owners. Sometimes, fault also may be pinned on other drivers who caused truck drivers to swerve and crash into nearby vehicles.
Our Roanoke truck accident lawyers look at all angles of truck accidents when we build claims for injured victims. In addition to determining if the truck drivers were speeding, driving under the influence, or driving beyond their required rest schedule, we also determine if their trailers were overloaded, if their trucks weren’t maintained properly, and if another driver caused them to make a dangerous maneuver on the road.
Our years of experience building truck accident claims means we know what evidence to look for, how to find it, and how to analyze it to determine when and where fault occurred. We also know how to handle negotiation with all types of insurers, whether it’s the truck driver’s insurance, private business insurance, umbrella policies, and more.
After a truck accident that wasn’t your fault, Skolrood Law Firm is here to help. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.
Truck Drivers Need to Obey Federal Laws in Addition to State Laws
Like all states, Virginia has many laws that truck drivers must obey when they get behind the wheel. They must drive at or below the speed limit, come to a complete stop at stop signs, not run red lights, and maintain their lanes, just to name a few.
But when truck drivers are behind the wheel of trucks with USDOT numbers, it means they’re also subject to rules and regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That means that in addition to following state and local traffic laws, they also must follow federal rules.
Some of these rules include:
- Hours of service restrictions—Truck drivers must follow strict schedules for how long they can work in a given time period. They also must take mandatory rest breaks during these time periods.
- Medical certification requirements—Truck drivers must be in good health and must receive medical certifications that state they’re healthy enough to drive big trucks on public roads.
- Commercial driver’s license requirements—Truck drivers who operate trucks with USDOT numbers need commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). It’s against the law to drive semi-trucks with only a standard driver’s license.
These additional rules mean that there are more opportunities to find and assign fault to negligent truck drivers after semi-truck crashes. However, finding those opportunities requires the help of an experienced Roanoke truck accident lawyer.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash involving a big truck, Skolrood Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Truck Accident Claim
On the surface, truck accident claims may seem similar to car accident claims. Both involve two or more vehicles colliding because of someone’s negligence, and the collisions result in one or more people suffering injuries and other damages. But if you ask anyone who has filed both types of claims about the differences, they will tell you there’s no comparison between the two.
Truck accident claims are far more complex than car accident claims. That’s because many big trucks are subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, which means there’s more opportunities for victims and their lawyers to prove negligence caused their injuries.
In addition, truck accident claims may have multiple at-fault parties. After a car accident, there’s usually just one at-fault party: the negligent driver. But after truck accidents, the negligent drivers may share liability with negligent truck companies and owners, too.
Finally, truck accident claims are usually fought more fiercely by insurance companies than car accident claims. That’s because truck accident claims are usually worth more money, as victims often suffer more serious injuries during truck accidents.
All of this adds up to one fact: truck accident victims need experienced Roanoke truck accident lawyers representing their claims. You can’t pick just any lawyer and expect a good outcome. Instead, you need one that understands the unique challenges and complexities of your case.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a truck accident, contact Skolrood Law Firm today for a free consultation.
