After you have been involved in a tractor-trailer accident, you have the right to pursue legal help for injuries. If you have questions and are confused about the process, Bautista Leroy LLC can assist. Our attorneys proudly serve clients throughout Southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis region. We have years of experience handling complex cases such as personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, sexual abuse/assault cases and railroad crossing litigation. The dedication we have put into our service has earned the trust of our clients and given us a good reputation in the legal community.

In this article, we will talk about the factors that commonly cause a tractor-trailer accident. This piece also discusses the legal options injured victims can seek and how personal injury law can help secure compensation.

What Are The Common Causes Of Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Semi-trucks and big rigs are considered tractor-trailers and when these vehicles cause an accident, it can be very dangerous to other motorists on highways. This is because of their size and the weight they carry. Learning the causes of tractor-trailer accidents can help victims figure out the details and avoid future incidents. Common causes include:

• Driver Fatigue
• Distracted Driving
• Improper Loading
• Mechanical Failures
• Speeding and Reckless Driving
• Poor Weather or Road Conditions

What Are Your Legal Rights After A Tractor-Trailer Accident?

As an injured victim, you have the right to file a claim to obtain compensation for your losses and the harm you have suffered. Here are the damages that may include:

• Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages
• Pain and Suffering 
• Property Damage
• Wrongful Death Claims

The process for a tractor-trailer accident claim could be unique because multiple parties could be held liable, especially drivers, trucking companies, maintenance contractors and even parts manufacturers. To ascertain who is truly responsible for your injuries, a thorough investigation will be needed.

How Does Personal Injury Law Address Tractor-Trailer Accidents?

Personal injury cases revolve around negligence, which focuses on proving that an individual acted irresponsibly and failed to take reasonable care, resulting in injury or worse, death. The attorneys who handle tractor-trailer accidents will investigate the case and gather evidence such as accident reports, dashcam footage, maintenance logs and driver records. 

There is an additional thing to consider in a trucking accident, like the federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This law governs the rest period and the weight limits and if someone violates these standards, it could be used as strong evidence of negligence. The goal of personal injury law is to help victims recover physically, emotionally and financially.

Why Hiring A Personal Injury Attorney Is Beneficial?

The aftermath of tractor-trailer accidents can be difficult to handle, especially the legal ones. The process of a personal injury can be complex because it may involve multiple insurance carriers and powerful corporate defendants. Working with an attorney experienced in trucking accident claims can help you increase the chances of obtaining an adequate settlement. A personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the accident
• Identify all responsible parties
• Handle insurers
• Negotiate fair settlements
• Prepare for trial if necessary

When Is The Time To Hire An Attorney?

You should hire a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a tractor-trailer accident. If you delay this action, it could affect your claim and it can make it harder to gather evidence. It would be best to consult a legal professional if you are facing these issues:

• Sustained serious injuries 
• If the trucking company contests responsibility 
• Facing mounting bills
• Unsure about settlement offer

What Are The Criteria For Finding A Good Attorney?

Pursuing a compensation claim after sustaining an injury from an accident is not easy, that is why having a personal injury attorney that is fit within these criteria is very important:

• Specialized in personal injury law and regulations regarding commercial trucks.
• Works with other experts, such as trucking industry specialists.
• An attorney with impressive case results and awards.
• Can communicate well, such as keeping clients informed.

Why Choose Bautista LeRoy LLC?

For years, Bautista Leroy LLC has been representing victims severely injured in tractor-trailer accidents. Our attorneys specialize in personal injury law and have the knowledge regarding the trucking industry, this is the reason why we are fit to handle these complex cases. We have an impressive track record of securing maximum compensation for clients to recover losses.

What sets our law firm apart is our personalized services. Our legal team will assist you throughout the process of your claims and equip you with the information that you need to make wise decisions. We have the experience to negotiate with corporate insurers and truck companies to obtain a reasonable amount for our clients for recovery as well as to ensure their rights are being protected.

Suggested Action Steps

You have many options to pursue after suffering injuries and losses from a tractor-trailer accident. The actions you take after can have a big effect on your claim later, which is why it is important to follow these steps:

• Seek medical attention
• Document everything
• Do not speak to insurance adjusters alone
• Consult a personal injury attorney 
• Learn about your rights

When a tractor-trailer causes an accident, it can have devastating results for everyone involved. The victims have every right to file a compensation claim, and you do not have to do this alone. With a proper legal strategy from an experienced personal injury attorney, you can obtain a maximum amount that truly reflects your losses after the accident. To start your claim process and to recover fully, contact us today at 833-381-6589 or send us an email on our Contact Page. Serving St. Louis and the surrounding areas of Boone County and Benton County.