Accidents are bad enough when they involve commuter vehicles, or even SUVs and pickup trucks. However, when a crash involves a commercial tractor trailer weighing as much as 40 tons (that’s 80,000 pounds), the damages and injuries are almost always severe. In these cases, it is vital to have the legal representation of a Morgantown truck accident attorney who can help you prove fault and get the compensation you deserve.
Successful truck accident claims depend on your ability to prove that the other driver—in your case, the truck driver—was responsible for the accident. In order to do so, you will need:
Police statements from all drivers involved
Witness statements (if any)
Photos of the accident scene
In some cases, you can also engage the professional assistance of an accident reconstructionist, who can “reconstruct” the accident to determine which motorist was the one who caused it. Any hard evidence you can gather will be beneficial to your case and help you recover the compensation you need.
Hurt in a Tractor Trailer Accident? Call (304) 296-3500 for a Free Case Review!
CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN WEST VIRGINIA
Trucking accidents caused by truck drivers are usually the result of some kind of negligence. Truckers who fail to comply with regulations or who drive recklessly are a danger to other motorists on the road. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:
Driver fatigue
Distracted driving
Failure to maintain
Overloaded trailers
Driver fatigue is arguably the leading cause of truck accidents. Truckers have to drive long hours to stay on schedule, but they are also required by federal law to take rest breaks. Many trucks have what are called “electronic on-board recorders” (EOBR) or “electronic logging devices” (ELD) that can be used to prove how a truck driver failed to take a rest break, or cut their rest break short, resulting in tired driving and an accident that caused you injury.
Truck drivers can also be held responsible for an accident if they were distracted while driving, such as texting and driving or talking on their phone while driving, both of which are illegal in West Virginia. Other accidents are the result of a poorly-maintained truck resulting in a dangerous mechanical failure, brake failure, or tire blowout. Overloaded trucks could tip over due to the weight, or part of their load could fall out into the highway and cause a crash.
Whatever the Cause of Your Truck Accident, Contact Our Morgantown Injury Lawyers for Help!
CONSULT A TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FOR FREE – CALL (304) 296-3500 TODAY!
Cranston & Edwards, PLLC offers a free initial case consultation to every client. Have you been hit by a negligent truck driver? Give us a call or fill out a case evaluation form to discuss your legal options with an experienced personal injury attorney at no cost to you. We’ll help you make an informed decision regarding your truck accident claim. Contact us today!