A rear-end collision between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle is something that happens often. The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words "rear-ended by a semi-truck" is most likely the severity of damage such an accident can cause. This is primarily due to the overwhelming size and weight of the semi-truck can pose a serious risk of catastrophic injury or wrongful death in an accident.
There are many causes for rear-end accidents involving semi-trucks. Some common causes as to why a semi-truck driver may rear-end another vehicle include:
Commercial truck drivers are required to maintain a 'logbook" that records the "hours of service". In other words, this log contains the number of hours the drive has been driving. Semi-truck drivers hauling cargo have an 11-hour driving maximum after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Further, semi-truck drivers can work a maximum of 70 hours per week. A driver can then resume driving if they rest for 34 consecutive hours, including 2 nights. Furthermore, all carriers and drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must comply with "hours of service" regulations found in 49 CFR 395.
Driving a semi-truck with unmaintained or worn-out brakes is negligent. Commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and semi-truck are moving fast and burdened with a heavy load and therefore generally will need a lot more time to come to a full stop than any SUV. As a result, failing to routinely maintain commercial vehicle breaks will need even more time to come to a complete halt.
Step 1: Firstly, if you are involved in an accident, the first and most important thing to do is call an emergency response to request medical and police assistance. Step 2: Take pictures of the damage to the vehicles, the position of the vehicles, and the entire accident scene. If there is a debate as to how the semi-truck accident occurred, the damage and positions of the vehicles will help the police and accident reconstruction experts to determine what occurred. Moreover, taking a picture of the driver's logbook logs for that day is a plus. Step 3: Attempt to locate people who may have witnessed the collision. Get their name, address, and telephone number. Additionally, exchange information with the other driver, such as insurance information and driver's license information, vehicle registration, driver's contact, and employer information. Step 4: Seek the proper and immediate medical treatment as soon as possible. Going to the emergency room to be examined will ensure there are no internal or hidden injuries, as well as document your injuries. Step 5: Lastly, contact an auto accident lawyer immediately if you have been involved in a semi-truck accident.
A victim involved in an accident with a commercial truck can file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver and the commercial truck company. It is important to keep in mind that the tractor and trailer can have different owners. As such, it is important to ask the driver of the truck who owns the tractor and trailer.
As experienced litigators, we have successfully litigated various personal injury cases including complex personal injury matters. Above all, our attorneys possess the mastery it takes to successfully receive fair settlements during the claims stage of a personal injury case. Don’t accept low-ball offers from insurance companies. An injured truck accident victim may seek compensation for damages which includes:
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed due to a negligent semi-truck driver it is crucial to seek advice from an experienced commercial truck accident attorney as soon as possible in order to preserve your claim and legal remedies. We invite you to contact our commercial truck accident attorney today at (310) 943-1171 for a free consultation.
Kaass Law will connect you with leading medical professionals in your area to diagnose and treat your injuries. If you are unable to pay for the medical treatment we can facilitate treatment on a medical lien basis. This means you pay nothing up front. As the conclusion of your case, your medical bills are paid from the settlement.
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Injuries to the neck, resulting from snapping or jerkin are known as "whiplash". Whiplash describes a range of neck injury 'soft tissue' damages, which is a common result of rear-end accidents. In a rear-end accident, the impact forces the driver's and passengers' bodies to be thrown forward. At the same time, their heads stay in place, causing the neck to suddenly extended, which follows a whip-like motion.
While whiplash and any other types of neck injuries generally occur in rear-end auto accidents, neck injuries and whiplash injuries can also result from different types of accidents and personal injury matters as well. Some types of accidents that may cause whiplash or neck injuries are:
Many mistakenly believe that whiplash can only occur in high-speed accidents. Low-speed, low-impact, rear-end auto accidents commonly cause whiplash.
Another misconception is that whiplash is a minor injury. However, many medical experts suggest that soft tissue injuries can be severe and have long-term affects if left untreated. It is recommended following an accident, one seeks medical attention or a chiropractor in Los Angeles as soon as possible. If left untreated, it is possible that neck injuries can have serious consequences and cause widespread health problems.
If you were involved in an auto accident, motorcycle accident, pedestrian accident, bicycle accident, or any other personal injury matter, call or contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation. Our Glendale personal injury attorney at KAASS Law will review your case and answers any questions you may have.
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