Fayetteville, AR Truck Accident Attorney

If you consistently use the highway to commute to and from work, you are aware that a large number of trucks will likely be sharing the road with you. On some days you may have even noticed the chaos that can occur when a large truck is involved in an accident with a passenger vehicle or another truck. Unfortunately, if you were a victim of one of these truck crashes you were likely seriously injured; however, our Fayetteville truck accident attorneys are here for you.

At Gunn Kieklak Dennis, LLP, our legal team can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent truck driver and their employer. Tractor trailers are vehicles that should be handled with care. You should not have to deal with severe injuries and large medical bills alone after a serious truck accident. To schedule a confidential legal consultation to discuss your case, call Gunn Kieklak Dennis, LLP at (479) 439-9840, or contact us online.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), 4,102 people died in accidents involving a large truck. Out of those 4,102 people, 68% were occupants in a passenger vehicle while 17% were truck drivers or occupants of a large truck. The other 14% were pedestrians and individuals riding a bike or motorcycle.

The reason the occupants of passenger vehicles were more likely to suffer fatal injuries is because of the disproportionate size and weight between commercial trucks and cars. A passenger vehicle cannot withstand the force that a tractor trailer can exert in the event of an accident. That is why it is important to understand and recognize the common causes of truck crashes to hopefully avoid being involved in a serious truck accident.

Driver Fatigue

There are several laws that govern the number of hours that a truck driver can work in a certain period. Unfortunately, whether by their own decision or due to coercion from their employer, some truck drivers will ignore the laws that set strict working hours. As a result, you may end up sharing the road with a truck driver that is too tired to operate their vehicle properly. This can result in the truck driver causing a dangerous accident if they are too slow to react or if they fall asleep while driving.

Poor Weather

Many truck drivers have several stops to make throughout a single workday. As a result, some drivers will neglect to slow down or drive more carefully when faced with adverse weather. As commercial vehicles and other large trucks typically require several feet to stop and must be maneuvered carefully, it would be wise to take this into account when driving in rain, snow, or other inclement weather. Truck drivers that speed or drive erratically in bad weather are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.

Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance

Due to the number of miles that a truck is used to traverse, it is necessary to frequently service a truck to ensure it is operating properly. For example, if the tires on a commercial vehicle are severely worn down, there is an increased likelihood that the tires could blowout if the driver hits a deep pothole or debris on the road.

If a trucking company has a fleet of vehicles that are often used to transport items and they do not perform routine maintenance on these vehicles, they are endangering their drivers and other motorists. Unfortunately, some trucking companies may try to cut corners by avoiding the expenses necessary to keep a truck operating efficiently.

Additionally, if you are involved in a truck accident and it turns out that the accident was caused by a defective piece of equipment, the manufacturer of that defective equipment may also be held liable for your injuries.

If you have been injured in another type of truck accident not listed above, our firm is willing to help you build your case against the parties that caused your injuries.

When to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit After a Truck Accident

If you were seriously injured in a trucking accident, you are likely wondering who is responsible for your injuries. Gunn Kieklak Dennis, LLP can help you determine who is liable for your injuries and help you file a personal injury lawsuit against that party.

It is important to note that you only have a limited amount of time to file your case. Specifically, you must file your personal injury lawsuit within three years of your injury or risk having the court bar your claim. This law is known as the statute of limitations, and it applies to several types of cases.

Outside of the statute of limitations, there are various reasons to file your injury case as soon as possible. For example, if you were able to secure an eyewitness to the accident, you will want to ensure that their recollection of the accident remains fresh. Additionally, other evidence you may need to prove your case may be destroyed if you wait too long to file your case.

Our Fayetteville Truck Collision Lawyers are Ready to Work with You

If you or a family member was seriously injured in a truck accident, you should consult with an experienced Fayetteville truck collision lawyer today. The legal team at Gunn Kieklak Dennis, LLP possess decades of combined legal experience that we would be proud to use to represent you. To schedule a confidential legal consultation, call Gunn Kieklak Dennis, LLP at (479) 439-9840.