Hawarden Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

In the broad realm of highways, trucking accidents can cause significant upheaval, often resulting in serious injuries for those affected. During such chaotic situations, trucking injury lawyers serve as unwavering advocates, offering support and direction to survivors. These legal experts are adept at navigating the complex terrain of trucking laws and regulations.

Truck accidents tend to be especially severe. Drivers and occupants of smaller passenger cars can sustain serious, disabling, or life-threatening injuries. Although driver errors are oftentimes the cause of these accidents, sometimes it stems from truck company negligence. This could be the case if equipment problems are to blame, which may be the result of poor commercial truck maintenance.

Poor Maintenance and Trucking Company Negligence

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces rules pertaining to a variety of areas, with one being the upkeep of commercial vehicles. Every truck company is responsible for the maintenance of its big rigs. Although manufacturing defects are sometimes to blame, many times it is a failure in commercial truck maintenance. When this is found to be a contributing factor in an accident or the outright cause of it, a truck company can be considered negligent and liable for damages.

Types of Truck Equipment Problems

Certain types of equipment are more likely to cause a crash or make the impact of one much worse. Common issues include:

- Brake Failure: If brakes (pads or shoes) are worn and haven’t been replaced, a driver may be unable to stop, potentially causing a collision.
- Jackknifing: This can occur when front brakes are depowered or removed, causing the trailer of the big rig to fold and strike other vehicles.
- Tire Blowouts: Under or overinflated tires, worn tire treads, or defective tires can lead to blowouts, causing the driver to lose control.
- Poor Visibility: Inadequate lighting or malfunctioning windshield wipers can impair a driver’s ability to see, increasing the risk of an accident.
- Trailer Issues: An improperly attached trailer may swing out of control or detach completely, posing serious risks to others on the road.

Damages Recoverable in a Truck Accident Claim

When a truck company's negligence leads to an accident, victims may seek compensation for various financial losses, including:

- Medical Expenses: Ambulance services, hospitalization, follow-up doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost Income: Compensation for income lost during the recovery period, including future lost wages if the injuries prevent a return to work or require a shift to lower-paying job tasks.
- Property Damage: Costs for vehicle repair or replacement if the vehicle is totaled.
- Physical and Emotional Damages: Pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, reduced quality of life, mental anguish, PTSD, and other psychological harms.

When You May Not Need an Attorney

- Minor Property Damage: If only your vehicle sustained damage and the other driver’s insurance covers it.
- Minor Injuries: If your injuries required minimal medical treatment.
- Fair Settlement: If you can reach a fair settlement with the insurance company, ensuring all medical bills and expenses are covered in writing.

When You Should Consult an Attorney

- Hospitalization: For injuries that required a hospital stay.
- Surgery: If your injuries required surgical intervention.
- Permanent Injuries: Injuries that cause long-term or permanent disability.
- Intoxicated Driver: If the other driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Common Mistakes Without an Attorney

- Low Settlement Offers: Accepting too low an offer without accounting for all future medical and personal expenses.
- Policy Limits Misunderstanding: Failing to verify the coverage limits of the other driver and missing out on potential umbrella policies.
- UIM Coverage: Not seeking compensation from your own underinsured motorist coverage due to procedural missteps.

Benefits of Hiring an Iowa Car Accident Attorney

- Legal Protection: Ensuring your rights are protected under Iowa law.
- Insurance Handling: Managing all communications with insurance companies.
- Insurance Recovery: Identifying all applicable insurance policies for maximum recovery.
- Medical Expenses: Handling subrogation claims and medical expenses to maximize your compensation.
- Expert Advice: Providing informed advice about the case’s value and representing you in court if necessary.

Filing a City Truck Accident Claim

City trucks include fire engines, buses, utility vehicles, and garbage trucks. When injured in an accident with a government vehicle in Hawarden, victims must submit an Automobile Claim Form to the Legal Department at City Hall, including:

- General Information: Details about your car, injuries, witnesses, and accident description.
- Evidence: Attach relevant documents, photos of injuries, vehicle damage, and other physical evidence.
- Estimates: Two estimates for any property damage claimed.

If the claim is denied, victims may pursue a lawsuit to recover damages, for which a personal injury attorney can assist.

Seeking Help from a Personal Injury Lawyer in Hawarden

Filing a claim against a government entity can be more complex than a regular claim, making it crucial to consult with a personal injury lawyer to ensure all necessary information is included and to avoid potential pitfalls.

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.