Sturgis Truck Accident Attorneys
Were You Harmed by a Dangerous Truck Driver in Sturgis?
Driving a big rig truck is a huge responsibility. A fully loaded big rig truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds; drivers must remain alert at all times. It takes special skills and training to safely maneuver a truck through traffic.
Many trucking companies try to save money by hiring poorly trained or unsafe drivers. They also skimp on required maintenance. When trucking companies cut corners, it results in devastating accidents.
If you or a loved one was harmed or killed in a collision caused by a careless driver or a negligent trucking company, our Sturgis personal injury lawyers can file a claim to help you get the money you need. You shouldn’t have to pay for your own medical bills and other expenses when the accident was caused by someone else’s careless behavior.
At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we’re on your side. And you won’t owe us anything unless we win you a settlement. Call (307) 257-7800 to learn more today.
What Causes Truck Accidents?
In a recent year, more than 5,000 people were killed in truck accidents and over 118,000 trucks were involved in crashes that resulted in injuries, according to the National Safety Council.
To protect everyone on the road, trucking companies must be vigilant about making sure their trucks and their drivers are safe. Accidents happen when drivers, managers, and owners commit the following types of negligence:
- Hiring unqualified drivers. Trucking companies should only select experienced drivers who have graduated form a certified truck driving school.
- Failure to check driving records. Truck drivers with too many tickets or a history of DUIs endanger other drivers. Trucking companies must check a driver’s record before hiring them and they should also review their drivers’ DMV readouts periodically to make sure they’re maintaining a safe driving record.
- Improper loading. Poorly loaded trucks cause jackknife accidents and they can also cause problems when braking.
- Driver fatigue. Strict federal regulations prohibit truckers from putting in long hours behind the wheel that can leave them exhausted. But trucking companies often encourage their drivers to violate these Hours of Service regulations.
- Speeding. The stopping distance for a truck that’s following the speed limit is much greater than a car. When the driver is speeding, it takes even longer to stop the vehicle. And the enormous mass of a truck means injuries suffered by drivers and passengers in regular cars will probably be severe.
- Distracted driving. Truckers can’t afford to take their eyes off the road. Texting, eating, daydreaming, checking their GPS, and any other activities that interfere with their concentration can all lead to devastating collisions.
- DUI. Nobody should be driving if their reflexes, judgment, and reaction time are impaired by drugs and alcohol. But the stakes are much higher when the driver is handling a massive piece of machinery that can plow through passenger vehicles.
- Violating traffic laws. When a truck driver runs a red light, ignores a traffic signal, infringes upon another driver’s right of way, or disregards traffic rules, other drivers will pay the price for their careless behavior.
- Unsafe lane changes. Truck drivers have large blind spots on all four sides. They must employ extra caution when signaling and making lane changes.
- Improper maintenance. When trucking companies don’t service their fleet regularly, poor brakes, malfunctioning safety lights, and other mechanical issues dramatically increase the chances that a crash will occur.
Your Sturgis Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
Sturgis truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. But trucking companies hire big law firms to avoid paying for the harm they cause others. Our team at Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. isn’t intimidated by anybody, and we know all the tricks the other side likes to play.
Your Sturgis truck accident attorney will investigate the accident to determine who’s responsible for your injuries. Then they’ll file a claim with the truck driver’s insurance company that covers the true cost of your injuries.
As part of their investigation, your attorney will collect the following types of information:
- Police reports
- Your medical records
- Surveillance camera footage
- Witness statements
- Internal company documents
- Accident scene recreations
- Expert witness testimony
Liability in a Truck Accident
Your personal injury attorney will seek damages against anyone whose negligence contributed to the accident that caused your injuries. This may include truck drivers, truck company owners, managers, and drivers of other vehicles that were involved in the collision.
Your claim will include compensation for damages caused by the accident, such as:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Time missed from work
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation
- Assisted living care
- Wheelchair accommodations for your home and car
It’s Time to Get a Sturgis Truck Accident Lawyer
In South Dakota you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but you’ll want to find an experience personal injury attorney to start investigating your case right away.
When Steven Titus & Associates, P.C. takes on your case, we’re available to assist you 24/7.
Call (307) 257-7800 to schedule your FREE consultation today. At Steven Titus & Associates, P.C., we never stop fighting for our clients.
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