Brentwood Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were injured in a commercial truck crash, talk to our Brentwood truck accident attorneys today
In the aftermath of a truck accident, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be staggering. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an incident, you need a seasoned Brentwood truck accident lawyer who understands the complexities of these cases. At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our dedicated team is here to provide the expertise and support you need during this challenging time. We can help.
What types of truck accidents do your Brentwood lawyers handle?
Our Brentwood truck accident lawyers are well-versed in handling a wide range of truck accidents, recognizing the unique issues posed by these incidents. Some common types of truck accidents that our experienced attorneys handle include:
- Jackknife accidents: These involve the trailer of the truck swinging out to form a "jackknife" shape, often resulting in collisions and extensive damage.
- Rollover accidents: Occurring when a truck tips onto its side, rollover accidents can be caused by various factors such as speeding, uneven roads, or improper cargo distribution.
- Underride accidents: In these incidents, a smaller vehicle can become trapped under the rear or side of a truck, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
- Blind spot accidents: Large trucks have substantial blind spots, and accidents can occur when smaller vehicles are not visible to the truck driver.
- Wide turn accidents: Accidents can happen when a truck makes a wide turn, potentially colliding with vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Brake failure accidents: Malfunctioning brakes on a truck can lead to accidents, especially given the longer stopping distance required for these vehicles.
- Tire blowout accidents: Tire blowouts on trucks can result in loss of control, leading to accidents and potential hazards for other road users.
- Hazardous material spills: Accidents involving trucks carrying hazardous materials can lead to spills, posing significant dangers to both the environment and individuals.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks: Accidents can occur when trucks are overloaded or when their cargo is improperly loaded, affecting stability and maneuverability.
- Negligent maintenance accidents: Poorly maintained trucks can experience mechanical failures, contributing to accidents on the road.
Our commitment is to thoroughly investigate each case, determine liability, and pursue compensation for the victims of truck accidents. Whether you've suffered injuries, property damage, or emotional distress, our skilled Brentwood truck accident attorneys are here to provide the legal support and advocacy you need.
What are common injuries from Brentwood truck accidents?
Truck accidents, unfortunately, tend to be much more devastating than car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of trucks. This results in more serious and often life-changing injuries. Here are some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs are incredibly common in truck accidents, as the sheer force of impact can jolt the brain violently within the skull. Symptoms can range from mild headaches and dizziness to coma and loss of consciousness. The severity of a TBI depends on the nature of the injury and the area of the brain affected. Recovery can be extensive and challenging, with some individuals experiencing permanent disabilities.
- Spinal cord injuries: Similar to TBIs, the massive force involved in truck accidents can damage or sever the spinal cord, leading to partial or complete paralysis. The level of paralysis depends on the location and severity of the injury, with even minor damage potentially causing chronic pain, loss of bladder and bowel control, and sexual dysfunction.
- Internal injuries: Truck accidents often cause blunt force trauma, which can damage internal organs like the lungs, heart, liver, spleen, and kidneys. These injuries may not manifest immediately, making them particularly dangerous. Symptoms like internal bleeding, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing can appear hours or even days later. Prompt medical attention is important to prevent life-threatening complications.
- Broken bones: The immense force of impact in truck accidents can easily fracture bones of varying severity. Common breakages occur in limbs, ribs, and even smaller bones like hands, feet, fingers, and toes. These fractures require immediate medical attention and extensive rehabilitation for proper healing.
- Soft tissue injuries: While not as immediately life-threatening as some of the previously mentioned injuries, soft tissue injuries like whiplash, sprains, and strains are very common in truck accidents. These can cause significant pain, discomfort, and limitations in movement, impacting an individual's daily life and even preventing them from working.
- Lacerations and amputations: Truck accidents can involve sharp metal debris and sudden impacts, leading to severe lacerations and, in extreme cases, even amputations. These injuries require immediate medical intervention and can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, and limitations in function.
- Psychological trauma: Witnessing or being involved in a truck accident can be a profoundly traumatic experience, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression are common after such events. It’s important to seek professional help for coping with and managing the psychological impact of an accident.
Remember, even seemingly minor injuries sustained in a truck accident can have significant consequences. Always seek medical attention after a truck accident, regardless of how you feel, as internal injuries or delayed symptoms can arise.
Why do Brentwood truck accidents happen?
Truck accidents, unfortunately, are a common occurrence on our roads, and they can have devastating consequences. While every accident is unique and has its own contributing factors, some general categories encompass the majority of truck accident causes:
Driver-related factors
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often have demanding schedules and long hours on the road, increasing the risk of drowsy driving and impaired judgment.
- Distracted driving: Similar to car drivers, truck drivers can be distracted by their phones, GPS devices, eating, or even adjusting the radio, taking their eyes off the road at critical moments.
- Speeding and reckless driving: Aggressive driving, exceeding speed limits, and disregarding traffic signals significantly increase the risk of accidents, especially for large and heavy trucks.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Driving while impaired by any substance severely compromises judgment, reaction time, and coordination, making accidents much more likely.
- Lack of experience or inadequate training: Inexperienced truck drivers or those who haven't received proper training may not be equipped to handle the complexities of operating large vehicles in various conditions.
Vehicle-related factors
- Faulty equipment: Mechanical failures like brake problems, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning steering systems can cause sudden loss of control and lead to accidents.
- Improper cargo loading or securing: Unbalanced or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, affecting a truck's balance and stability, and potentially causing rollovers or jackknifing accidents.
- Defective truck design or manufacturing: In some cases, design flaws or manufacturing defects in the truck itself can contribute to accidents.
Uneven pavement, potholes, adverse weather conditions, or debris on the road can create hazards for trucks, especially at high speeds.
It's important to remember that truck accidents are often the result of a combination of these factors, rather than one single cause.
Who is liable for my Brentwood truck accident and injuries?
Determining who is liable for your injuries can be a complex process. Some of the possible liable parties include the:
- Truck driver: If the driver's negligence, such as fatigue, distraction, speeding, or driving under the influence, caused the accident, they may be held liable.
- Trucking company: The company employing the driver can be held liable for their driver's actions, especially if they knew or should have known about the driver's unsafe practices or failed to properly train them.
- Truck owner: If the truck owner is different from the trucking company, they may be liable for improper maintenance or defects in the vehicle that contributed to the accident.
- Cargo shipper or loader: If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the shipper or loader could be held responsible if their negligence caused the accident.
- Truck manufacturers or parts manufacturers: In some cases, a defect in the truck's design or manufacturing could lead to an accident, making the manufacturer liable.
Our Brentwood truck accident lawyers can advise you on your legal options, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
What is the value of my Brentwood truck accident claim?
Many factors can affect the potential value of your truck accident claim, including:
- Severity of your injuries: This plays a major role, as more serious injuries requiring extensive medical care and potential long-term disabilities typically lead to higher claim values.
- Economic damages: This includes medical bills, lost wages, and any future lost earning potential due to your injuries. Documentation of these expenses is crucial for establishing the exact amount.
- Non-economic damages: Factors like pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and scarring can also be compensated. Though harder to quantify, they contribute significantly to the overall claim value.
- Liability: Determining who was at fault for the accident is crucial. Strong evidence supporting your claim against the liable party (truck driver, trucking company, etc.) strengthens your case and potential compensation.
At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our Brentwood truck accident attorneys can assess your specific situation, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you were injured in a truck accident, talk to experienced Brentwood truck accident lawyers
Your well-being is our priority. Let the attorneys at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm handle the legal complexities of your case while you focus on recovery. We commit to thoroughly investigate the details of your case, determine liability, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Don't wait – contact our truck accident attorneys in Brentwood today and take the first step toward securing the justice and support you need. To schedule a meeting with one of our lawyers, call our offices or fill out our contact form today.