Boston is a fantastic place with tons of history on every city corner. While the residents of this city often disagree on the collective path forward, there is consensus on one thing - car and truck accidents are far too common. It causes great harm and a lot of pain, especially for survivors.
Truck accidents, in particular, cause severe injuries, property damage, or even fatalities, given the sheer size of modern trucks. At first glance, one may be tempted to blame the driver entirely for the mistake. But truck accidents are more complex because the angle of the crash can dictate how much compensation is awarded. This is why such cases are handled by attorneys who specialize in the sub-domain.
uring the assessment, negligence and fault will be negotiated. Negligence is a legal term that refers to any action (or inaction) that falls below a reasonable standard of care expected from an individual in a given circumstance. Several nuances of the law are better known to insurance agents and the police. This is why you require competent legal aid at your side. If you or a loved one was hurt on the road, consult a truck accident lawyer in Boston. They have the insight to get you out of a jam. And for those involved in truck accidents in Chicago, seeking legal representation from a truck accident lawyer from Chicago is essential. These attorneys specialize in navigating the complexities of truck accident cases, including determining fault, negotiating with insurance companies, and ensuring fair compensation for injuries and damages incurred.
The following dives into some of the reasons that trigger casualties on the road.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one leading cause of car and truck accidents today. It occurs when drivers engage in activities like texting or talking on the phone while they should be concentrating on the road ahead. Distractions can also include eating/drinking, grooming oneself (such as applying makeup), adjusting music/audio controls, using navigation systems/map apps without programming them beforehand, or paying attention to their surroundings.
Drivers who engage in distracted driving put themselves and other motorists at risk for potential injury due to their reduced response time when reacting quickly during unexpected situations like sudden braking or swerving.
Intoxicated Driving
Intoxicated driving refers to operating a motor vehicle under alcohol or drugs. It is a dangerous behavior that poses significant risks to drivers, passengers, and other road users. Alcohol is a commonly implicated substance in intoxicated driving cases. Consumption affects the central nervous system, leading to decreased concentration, impaired vision, reduced motor skills, and a lack of judgment. Exceeding the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit, typically 0.08% in many jurisdictions, can result in criminal charges.
Speeding
Speeding drivers often travel too fast for current traffic conditions, which increases traveling time between vehicles, minimizing reaction time space during unexpected situations and causing concurrence.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle defects such as improperly maintained brakes tires, an unserviceable engine, and the absence of essential otherwise safety equipment can worsen crashes.
Road Conditions
Poor road conditions, such as potholes or uneven surfaces, can contribute to car and truck accidents. Drivers who fail to adjust their driving to suit prevailing weather and traffic conditions risk causing accidents on these roads, which may lead them to negligence claims.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving involves individuals putting themselves and others at risk by ignoring basic traffic rules. This could include overtaking on a solid lane barrier calling for collision cases, changing lanes abruptly, and cutting off other vehicles without ample space in a high-speed vehicle operation that could result in a fatal accident.
Identifying Negligence in Accidents
The attorney collects and reviews all available evidence related to the truck accident. This may include police reports, witness statements, photographs or videos of the accident scene, surveillance footage, electronic data from the truck's onboard systems, and other relevant documentation. The attorney may engage accident reconstruction experts to analyze the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and other physical evidence if necessary.
The attorney examines the actions and behaviors of the truck driver involved in the accident. If the truck driver was working for a company or operating under a contract, the attorney investigates the potential liability of the employer or trucking company.
Proving Liability Through Evidence Collection
One method attorneys often use when proving negligence is through evidence collection, such as eyewitness interviews accompanied by photo/video surveillance footage from cameras around scenes where incidents occur.
Attorneys or their investigators thoroughly document the accident scene by taking photographs or videos. This visual evidence can help recreate the conditions during the incident, identify potential hazards or contributing factors, and support the injured party's claims regarding liability.
If the accident occurred in an area with surveillance cameras, attorneys may seek out and obtain any available footage. This footage can provide an accurate account of the incident, capturing the actions of all parties involved and potentially revealing crucial details that support liability claims.