Many people who are involved in serious Arkansas truck accidents leave the accident in a state of shock. Whether you were the other driver, the truck driver, or a pedestrian who was injured in a commercial truck accident, you must know your legal rights. Tractor-trailer accident lawsuits are often incredibly complex, and determining who was at fault for your injuries can be challenging.
If you’ve become seriously injured in a Jonesboro truck accident, the Law Offices of Bryce Cook is here to help you or your loved one. Our Jonesboro truck accident attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case and determine the best legal strategy for obtaining the compensation you deserve. Depending on the facts of your case, the trucking company itself may be liable for the negligent truck driver who caused your accident. Contact our personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.
What Causes a Jonesboro Truck Accident?
Negligent truck drivers cause most commercial truck accidents. As with all drivers, truck drivers become tempted by cell phones, texting, and other forms of distraction. The temptation to answer a text message or scroll through a phone is always present on long-haul trips. Distracted driving is especially dangerous when it comes to driving a massive commercial truck. Looking down at a phone for five seconds can result in a commercial truck slamming into a passenger vehicle and causing a dangerous multi-vehicle pileup. Some of the common causes of truck accidents include the following:
- Intoxicated driving
- Dangerous weather conditions
- Defective brakes or tires
- Improper maintenance
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Dangerous road conditions
Truck Driver Inexperience and Fatigue
Driving a truck is significantly different than driving a passenger vehicle. It can take months or years of experience and training to drive a tractor-trailer vehicle safely. When a trucking company hires a trucker without the necessary experience, they put everyone else on the road in danger. Commercial truck drivers need to know how to make lane changes safely, brake, and pay attention to their blind spots. When an inexperienced truck driver causes a dangerous truck accident, the commercial trucking company that hired the inexperienced driver may be liable for the damages.
Despite federal and state regulations that truck drivers must abide by, many truck drivers fail to take enough breaks while driving. Truck drivers are often paid by the job, meaning they will exert themselves to complete a job as quickly as possible. Many truck drivers work more hours than they are legally allowed, resulting in fatigue. Studies have shown that driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving while intoxicated. Drowsy commercial truck drivers often make deadly mistakes.
Mechanical Failure and Overloaded Trucks
Most commercial truck accidents happen due to negligent truck drivers. However, other factors can cause deadly truck accidents, such as mechanical failures and overloaded trucks. Mechanical failure could include any mechanical issue that leads to a collision, including faulty brakes. In some cases, the mechanics who worked on the commercial vehicle failed to notice problems that could cause a deadly accident. In other cases, a damaged or defective part could cause the truck’s engine or brakes to fail.
Many commercial truck drivers will attempt to pack too much cargo onto their tractor-trailer, making their truck difficult to maneuver. Some tracks are oversized and don’t meet federal regulations, making them more susceptible to truck accidents. When truck drivers, mechanics, or trucking companies fail to use reasonable care when maintaining or driving their trucks, they can be held liable under Arkansas law for any accidents that result.
Determining Liability in an Arkansas Truck Accident
The first step in seeking to recover compensation after a serious truck accident is to determine who is at fault. Under Arkansas law, when truck drivers or their employers act negligently or recklessly, and their actions cause another person’s injuries, they are liable for the victim’s injuries. Truck accident lawsuits can become more complicated when multiple parties are at fault.
When you entrust your case to attorney Bryce Cook, you can rest assured that he will investigate your case and determine who is liable for your injuries. At the Law Offices of Bryce Cook, first and how important it is to thoroughly investigate each truck accident case. We will identify witnesses, retain accident reconstruction experts, and interview police officers to determine which individual or individuals caused the accident. As the victim of a truck accident, you may be able to hold the following parties liable for your injuries:
- The truck driver
- The commercial trucking company
- The manufacturer, distributor, or retailer of trucking products
- The maintenance facility who worked on the truck
- The lessors
- The shipper/loader of the cargo
Recovering Damages After an Arkansas Truck Accident
If you have suffered a severe personal injury, you are likely concerned about how you will pay your bills. Many of our clients have had to take time off work to recover from their injuries, and they are understandably worried about how they will pay their bills and support their families. At the Law Offices of Bryce Cook, we have helped clients throughout Northwest Arkansas recover compensation for their injuries, such as:
- Compensation for vehicle and property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost past and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Lost care, comfort, and companionship
Contact Our Jonesboro Personal Injury Law Firm Today
If you or your loved one have suffered a severe injury due to an Arkansas truck accident, the best thing you can do is contact a skilled lawyer. Obtaining an insurance settlement or damages in a personal injury lawsuit can help you pay your medical bills and provide for your family. Attorney Bryce Cook has extensive experience negotiating fair settlements with insurance companies. When necessary, he will take your case to trial to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation regarding your case.