Chariton Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

Within the expansive world of highways, trucking accidents can cause major upheaval, frequently resulting in life-changing injuries for those involved. During these chaotic scenarios, trucking injury lawyers stand as firm advocates, providing support and direction to survivors. These legal specialists excel in navigating the complex domain of trucking laws and regulations.

If your vehicle was struck by falling cargo from a large truck, you can file a truck accident claim. This situation is categorized as an unsecured load, a common issue familiar to many truck accident lawyers. Cargo can be either secured inside a tractor-trailer or exposed, such as pipes, logs, or boxes. When not properly secured, this cargo can become a hazardous obstacle on the road. Victims in Chariton can seek legal help to establish liability and recover compensation for damages.

Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Even if a truck doesn’t physically crash into another vehicle, victims can still file a claim if they suffer damages or injuries caused by falling cargo. Truck drivers and companies are responsible for securing cargo to prevent it from causing harm. An Iowa law firm in Chariton can help determine if you have a valid claim.

Determining Accident Liability

Liability is crucial in truck accident claims. If the truck driver loaded the cargo, they might be responsible for the accident. If another employee loaded the cargo, they could share responsibility. The trucking company could also be liable under respondeat superior, holding them accountable for employees' actions during employment. If a third party loaded the cargo or if a product defect caused the spill, those parties might also bear liability.

Semi Truck Accidents: Insurance Companies, Damages, and Liability

Seeking Damages After an Iowa Semi Truck Accident

If you've experienced an Iowa truck accident, you may face significant medical bills and lost wages. To seek financial restitution, you must file a truck accident claim with the responsible insurance company. An insurance adjuster will evaluate your damages, but they may not have your best interests in mind. Common tactics include underestimating your claim, delaying investigations, and downplaying your injuries. If necessary, you may need to pursue compensation through an Iowa truck accident lawsuit, where a lawyer can represent your interests in court.

Determining Liability After an Iowa Truck Accident

Proving negligence is essential in an Iowa truck accident lawsuit. You might be able to claim damages from multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, safety director, vehicle inspector, and truck manufacturer. An Iowa truck accident lawyer can investigate and determine liability, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Common Types of Fatal Semi Truck Accidents

Fatal truck accidents can include underride accidents, override accidents, jackknife accidents, head-on collisions, and rollovers. Each type presents unique challenges and dangers. 

Legal Options After an Accident With a Semi Truck

Causes of Semi Truck Accidents

Semi truck accidents often result from driver error, such as sleep deprivation, drug use, speeding, inattention, or mechanical problems like tire or transmission failure. Other causes include loading errors and manufacturing defects.

Establishing Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

A personal injury action requires proving that the defendant breached a duty of care, causing injury and damages. Examples of negligence include speeding and violating hours-of-service limitations. Iowa’s modified comparative fault rule means victims must be less than 51% at fault to recover damages, which are reduced by their percentage of fault.

Liable Parties and Challenges

Liable parties can include trucking companies, mechanics, manufacturers, and loaders. Violations of FMCSA regulations can indicate negligence. Trucking companies can be held liable for their drivers’ actions, and onboard devices that record driver actions can be critical evidence. An attorney can help preserve evidence and defend your rights after an accident.

Contacting Walker, Billingsley & Bair

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis and manage all necessary documentation and communications.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair is prepared to act fast to defend your rights after a truck accident in Iowa. Contact our office at 641-792-3595 to speak with an attorney.