Keokuk Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

 Across the vast domain of highway systems, trucking accidents can create considerable disruption, often causing severe injuries for those affected. In such turbulent scenarios, trucking injury lawyers act as steadfast supporters, offering guidance and assistance to survivors. These legal experts are adept at handling the intricate landscape of trucking laws and regulations.

Can I File a Truck Accident Claim if My Vehicle Was Struck by Falling Cargo?

Understanding Unsecured Load Incidents

Drivers struck by falling cargo from a large truck can file a truck accident claim. This scenario is known as an unsecured load and is unfortunately familiar to many truck accident lawyers. Typically, cargo is secured inside a tractor-trailer, but sometimes, cargo like pipes, logs, and boxes may be exposed. If not properly secured, this cargo can fall onto the roadway, creating dangerous hazards.

Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Even if the truck does not physically crash into another vehicle, victims of accidents caused by falling cargo can still file a truck accident claim. Truck drivers and companies are responsible for keeping cargo secure to prevent injuries. They also have a duty to drive safely, ensuring cargo remains on the trailer.

To file a claim, a driver must suffer damages or injuries from the falling cargo. Simply witnessing cargo falling does not warrant a claim.

Determining Accident Liability

Determining liability is crucial. If the truck driver loaded the cargo, they may be held responsible. If another employee of the trucking or shipping company loaded the cargo, that person might bear some responsibility. 

If the driver hauls cargo for a trucking or shipping company, the company might be liable under a law called respondeat superior. This means the company bears liability for injuries or harmful acts caused by employees during their employment. To hold the company liable, the victim must prove that the truck driver or another employee was negligent. If a third-party loaded the cargo, that party may hold liability.

Product defects also play a role. If the cargo was securely loaded but a trailer defect led to the cargo spilling, the trailer manufacturer could be liable.

 Semi-Truck Accidents: Insurance Companies, Damages, Liability

After an Iowa truck accident, you may face significant medical bills and lost wages. To seek financial restitution, contact an Iowa truck accident lawyer. 

To fight for damages, you will need to file a truck accident claim with the responsible insurance company. An insurance adjuster will evaluate your damages but keep in mind that they work for the insurance company and may not have your best interests in mind.

Common insurance industry tricks include:

- Underestimating the value of your claim.
- Delaying an investigation to frustrate you into accepting a settlement offer.
- Using medical professionals to downplay your injury or claim it was pre-existing.

If the insurer refuses to pay what you deserve, you may need to pursue compensation in an Iowa truck accident lawsuit. An attorney can represent your interests in court.

Determining Liability After an Iowa Truck Accident

In an Iowa truck accident lawsuit, you must prove the defendant's negligence caused your injuries. You may claim damages from several parties, including the truck driver, trucking or shipping company, safety director, vehicle inspector, and truck manufacturer. An Iowa truck accident lawyer can investigate your case, determine liability, and represent you in a lawsuit.

Common Types of Fatal Semi-Truck Accidents

The five most common types of fatal truck accidents include:

- Underride accidents: Smaller vehicles drive underneath large trucks.
- Override accidents: Larger trucks drive over smaller vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians.
- Jackknife accidents: A semi suddenly hits its brakes, and the trailer folds into the truck.
- Head-on collisions.
- Rollovers.

 Truck Company Negligence for Poor Commercial Truck Maintenance

Truck accidents tend to be severe, often resulting in serious, disabling, or life-threatening injuries for occupants of smaller cars. While driver errors cause many accidents, sometimes poor commercial truck maintenance is to blame. This could make the truck company negligent.

The trucking industry is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces maintenance rules. Truck companies are responsible for their vehicles' upkeep. 

Types of Truck Equipment Problems

Certain equipment problems can cause or worsen crashes. Examples include:

- Brake failure: Worn brakes prevent stopping, potentially causing collisions.
- Jackknife accidents: Depowered or removed front brakes cause the trailer to fold into the truck.
- Tire issues: Blowouts or worn treads can make the driver lose control.
- Lighting and visibility issues: Faulty lights or wipers impair driver visibility.
- Trailer attachment problems: Improperly attached trailers can swing out or detach, endangering others.

Recoverable Damages in a Truck Accident Claim

When truck company negligence causes an accident, compensation may be sought for:

- Medical expenses: Ambulance, hospitalization, doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost income: Compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity due to disability.
- Property damage: Repair or replacement value of the victim's vehicle.
- Physical losses: Pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and reduced quality of life.
- Emotional harm: Mental anguish, PTSD, and other psychological effects.

Legal Help to Prove Truck Company Negligence

Proving truck company negligence requires a thorough investigation. Contact an attorney who handles such cases. At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, we can investigate the crash and help victims determine if the truck company is liable for poor commercial truck maintenance.

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.