FAQ

Safely changing lanes near a semi-truck requires extra caution and awareness due to the truck's size. First, maintain a safe distance from the truck to give yourself ample space to maneuver. Always use your turn signals well in advance to alert the truck driver of your intentions. Before changing lanes, thoroughly check your blind spots and be mindful of the truck's larger blind spots, especially on the right side and behind the trailer. Also, understand that semi-trucks have longer stopping distances and may not be able to react quickly to sudden lane changes. Be patient and avoid cutting off the truck, allowing plenty of room for both vehicles to travel safely.

Blind spots on commercial trucks are significantly larger than those on passenger vehicles and are located on all four sides of the truck. The blind spots include a large area directly in front of the truck extending about 20 feet, a substantial area on both sides, particularly on the right side where the blind spot can extend across multiple lanes, and an area of about 30 feet directly behind the truck. It is crucial to stay out of these blind spots because truck drivers have limited visibility in these areas and may not see vehicles, which can lead to severe accidents.

Semi-trucks turn wider than other vehicles due to their larger size and longer length. When a semi-truck turns, the rear wheels follow a different, shorter path than the front wheels, requiring more space to execute the turn safely. This phenomenon, known as "off-tracking," necessitates a wider turning radius. To stay safe near a turning semi-truck, maintain a safe distance and never try to squeeze between the truck and the curb.

In a typical truck accident claim, the liable party or parties will include:

• Truck driver: The driver can be held liable if they were negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or failing to follow traffic laws.
• Trucking company: The company may be liable due to negligence like poor vehicle maintenance, inadequate driver training, or violation of safety regulations. Most truck accident claims are filed against trucking companies.
• Vehicle manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or its parts, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
• Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause accidents, making the company that hired the load crew liable.

Determining fault in a truck accident case involves a thorough investigation process that includes gathering and analyzing various forms of evidence. Investigators will usually examine police reports, interview witnesses, and review any available video footage of the incident. Accident reconstruction experts may be employed to recreate the scene and provide insights into how the accident occurred. Additionally, the investigation will involve scrutinizing the truck driver's logs, maintenance records, and compliance with safety regulations to identify any negligence, such as driving beyond legal hours or poor vehicle upkeep.

The time frame for filing a truck accident claim varies significantly from state to state, typically falling within a statute of limitations that ranges from one to three years for personal injury claims. You should consult with a lawyer from our firm to understand the specific laws applicable in your state.

In a typical truck accident claim, regardless of where it is filed, the available compensation or damages will usually include:

• Medical expenses: Covers the costs of medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any ongoing healthcare needs related to the accident.
• Lost wages: Compensates for income lost due to the victim's inability to work during their recovery period, including future earning potential if the injury results in long-term or permanent disability.
• Property damage: Reimburses the cost of repairing or replacing the victim's vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident. (Property damage is technically handled in a separate property damage claim in most cases, not within an injury claim.)
• Pain and suffering: Provides compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress suffered as a result of the accident and its aftermath, often based on the severity and duration of the victim's suffering.

While most truck accident claims are resolved through out-of-court settlements, there is no guarantee that a trial won't be necessary. The unpredictability of each case means that some disputes may still proceed to court despite negotiation efforts. Hiring a trial lawyer who is well-prepared to take the case to court if needed can make the entire legal process less stressful for you.

Our truck accident lawyer from The Doan Law Firm, P.C. can help handle your truck accident claim by leveraging experience and resources to gather crucial evidence, attempt to negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Use our lawyer's support to guide you through the legal process and alleviate the stress and confusion often associated with pursuing a claim, allowing you to focus on recovery.