Accidents involving big rigs, also known as large commercial trucks, can result in devastating consequences due to their size and weight, thus, securing the services of a specialized big rig accident law firm is paramount.
This article explores a couple different scenarios of big rig accidents, provides two case studies illustrating the impact of skilled legal representation, and emphasizes the importance of choosing the right lawyer to maximize compensation.
The Most Common Big Rig Accidents
- Accidents Involving Trailer Jackknifing: Jackknifing occurs when the trailer of a big rig swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery road conditions. For example, in 2019, a big rig jackknifed on a snowy interstate in Colorado, causing a multi-vehicle pileup and severe injuries to several motorists.
- Accidents Resulting in Vehicle Overturn: Rollover accidents can happen when a big rig loses control, typically on curves or uneven terrain. In 2020, a big rig carrying hazardous materials rolled over on a sharp turn in California, leading to a hazardous spill and extensive road closures.
- Collisions Involving Under-riding: Under-ride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a big rig trailer. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. In 2018, a big rig on a Texas highway was struck from behind by a passenger vehicle, causing the car to slide underneath the trailer and resulting in fatal injuries to the driver.
- Braking System Malfunctions: Brake failures in big rigs can lead to rear-end collisions or inability to stop in time to avoid accidents. In 2021, a big rig in Florida failed to stop at a traffic light due to brake malfunction, causing a chain reaction collision involving multiple vehicles.
- Tire Burst Incidents: Tire blowouts on big rigs can cause the driver to lose control, resulting in accidents. For instance, in 2017, a big rig on a busy interstate experienced a tire blowout, causing the driver to lose control and collide with several other vehicles, resulting in injuries and traffic delays.
Case Studies: Impact of Skilled Legal Representation
Case Study 1: The Peterson Family vs. National Transport Inc.
The Peterson family was traveling on a Texas highway when their vehicle was rear-ended by a big rig owned by National Transport Inc. The collision caused severe injuries to both parents and their young child. The family sought the services of a reputable big rig accident law firm known for its expertise in handling complex truck accident cases.
The law firm conducted a thorough investigation, uncovering evidence that the truck driver had violated federal hours-of-service regulations and that the company had failed to maintain adequate maintenance records for the vehicle. They also demonstrated that the driver had a history of traffic violations and negligent driving.
With compelling evidence and skilled negotiation tactics, the law firm successfully secured a substantial settlement for the Peterson family. The settlement covered medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. This case exemplifies how a skilled lawyer can advocate for their clients’ rights and achieve justice in complex big rig accident cases.
Case Study 2: The Johnson Case: A Missed Opportunity for Justice
In contrast to the Peterson case, the Johnson family faced a devastating outcome due to inadequate legal representation. They were involved in a big rig accident in Arizona, where their vehicle was struck by a commercial truck making an unsafe lane change. The collision resulted in serious injuries to both parents and the tragic death of their teenage son.
The Johnsons initially hired a lawyer who lacked experience in handling big rig accident cases. The lawyer failed to conduct a thorough investigation or gather critical evidence to establish liability against the trucking company. As a result, the case was poorly prepared for trial, and the Johnsons lost the opportunity to secure a fair settlement that would have provided for their substantial financial and emotional losses.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, news reports later revealed that similar accidents involving the same trucking company had resulted in multimillion-dollar settlements for other victims who had competent legal representation. This case underscores the critical importance of choosing a skilled and experienced big rig accident law firm that understands the complexities of trucking regulations and can effectively advocate for maximum compensation.