Truck accidents frequently happen in Arkansas. Every year, thousands of large commercial vehicles drive throughout Arkansas delivering goods. Unfortunately, it’s only a matter of time before these large vehicles are involved in devastating crashes. Dealing with everything that follows a truck crash can be overwhelming, and it’s never easy to recover from severe injuries, time lost away from the job, and property damage. Fortunately, there are ways to fight and get compensation to cover your losses after a severe truck accident. Our Fayetteville, AR truck accident attorney, Ken Kieklak, explains.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Commercial Truck Accident in Arkansas?
Commercial truck accidents are very different from accidents involving smaller vehicles like passenger cars or motorcycles. Typically, in commercial truck accidents, the trucking company can be liable for its employees’ negligence. This doesn’t mean the truck driver will be off the hook for their wrongdoing. It is safer to include the truck driver’s employer to have a better chance of getting full compensation in many instances. Often, the truck driver may not have the resources to cover all of your losses, which is why including their employer in your lawsuit makes sense.
Other parties may have also contributed to your truck collision in Arkansas. For instance, if you got into an accident with an 18-wheeler in Arkansas due to a defective tire, brake system, or transmission, you can hold the manufacturer of the truck part liable.
Cargo loaders can also be held liable for your accident. Cargo handlers have a big responsibility to make sure they are compliant with federal and state regulations when loading a truck. If they fail to follow these rules, they may also be held liable in a personal injury claim.
Truck accident claims are often complex because of the number of parties that may be involved. It is always in your best interest to hire a Fayetteville, AR commercial vehicle accident attorney who can help you take the best course of action after your crash.
Common Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents in Arkansas
Unfortunately, most truck accidents can lead to devastating injuries. Commercial truck accident victims can face severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI can happen as a result of a heavy blow to the head, which can easily happen during a truck accident. It is not unusual for drivers to lose control over their bodies and hit their heads against different parts of their vehicle. Depending on the extent of your TBI, you may need to go through surgery, rehabilitation, and continuing medical treatment. You can file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer who contributed to your injuries.
Back injuries are also common in commercial truck accidents. The forces and momentum carried over the crash can inflict direct damage on the back, affecting the spinal cord. Depending on the extent of your injury, you can be paralyzed from the site of the injury down. Spinal cord injury victims often go through surgery, continuing medical assistance, and a lengthy psychological recovery. Filing a personal injury claim against the liable parties can help you get the compensation you need to cover all the losses associated with your injuries.
There are more than 200 bones in the human body. It is not unusual to suffer from a broken bone injury during a truck accident. These injuries can be particularly painful and dangerous. Broken bones can cause internal lacerations and puncture wounds, which in turn can lead to internal bleeding. These injuries often require surgery and a lengthy, painful recovery process. Fortunately, you can hold the negligent truck driver, manufacturer, or trucking company liable for your injuries and fight for the compensation you need.
If you or a loved one suffered from these or other injuries after a commercial truck accident in Arkansas, you can fight for compensation. It is always in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Arkansas truck accident lawyer.
Gathering Evidence to Establish Liability After a Commercial Truck Accident Claim in Arkansas
Establishing liability in a truck accident can be more complicated than you think, which is why the help of an Arkansas personal injury attorney can make or break your case. Many moving parts should be considered when determining who’s responsible for a commercial truck accident. After a severe crash with a commercial truck in Arkansas, some of the factors to consider include the evidence collected from the crash scene, police and medical reports, and the information contained in the truck’s “black box.”
Evidence from the Crash Scene
Gathering evidence from the crash scene is essential to establish liability. It would be best to gather as much photographic and video evidence after your accident as you can. This visual information can be an excellent way to show the extent of your crash and the losses you suffered. Additionally, make sure to get the insurance and contact information from all parties involved in your crash. All of this data can also help you point at the liable parties who caused or contributed to your accident.
Medical and Police Reports
Medical and police reports are essential not only to determine liability but also to support any future claim. Typically, the police report will contain information related to the accident, such as a description of the crash, witness testimony, and other essential information. On the other hand, the medical report will contain all information related to your injuries and any treatment associated with them. Having both of these reports in your file can help you provide the court with substantial evidence showing the extent of the injuries caused by the negligent parties.
The Commercial Truck’s Black Box
The information contained inside the commercial truck’s black box is critical. Typically, you can collect information such as the truck’s speed, brake, tire pressure, and any sudden acceleration or deceleration. This information can help you understand the truck’s condition before, during, and after the crash. This data can be evaluated and compared to determine – among many things – whether the truck driver engaged in negligent behavior. The information recorded by the truck’s black box can help you hold the negligent truck driver liable for your losses.
Arkansas Commercial Truck Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in a commercial truck accident in Arkansas, we can help. Our Fayetteville, AR personal injury attorney, Ken Kieklak, knows how challenging dealing with your injuries and losses can be. That is why we dedicate all of our efforts to fighting aggressively and strategically to get the compensation you deserve. Call our law offices today and schedule your free, confidential consultation. Our phone number is (479) 316-0438.