New Hampshire Truck Accident Attorneys

Big Rig, Semi-Truck & Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Were you driving the highways of New Hampshire when a trucker lost control of their vehicle and crashed right into you? First, get medical attention. Then, get even by teaming up with Crowe & Harris, LLP , the state’s most trusted team for complex and high-stake truck accident claims and lawsuits.

There is not much that our team has not seen when it comes to truck accident cases. We’ve been around for years, and we have achieved more than half a billion dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. Insurance companies and clients alike recognize our name. Once we manage your truck accident claim, we’ll become a household name for you, too.

Call us at (617) 404-3417 to schedule a free consultation.

Big Mistakes Caused by Big Rig Drivers

Everyone who shares the road with others needs to be responsible and attentive to help prevent motor vehicle accidents. This responsibility, of course, applies to truck drivers, who arguably need to be even more careful than the average motorist. The problem is that truck drivers seem to be more prone to being less careful due to the thousands of truck accidents that happen across the country each year.

What mistakes are truckers doing that contribute to so many crashes?

• Exhausted driving: Truck drivers are allowed to be scheduled for 14-hour days with only 3 hours of break time. Not surprisingly, driving for up to 11 hours in a 24-hour period can be extremely exhausting. As fatigue sets in, truckers will experience worsened reaction times, visual acuity, and motor control.
• Impaired driving: To offset exhaustion, some truck drivers will use over-the-counter stimulants like daytime cold medicine to stay awake. They might not realize that the medicine will cause them to feel as if they are in a fog. Also, when it wears off, the fatigue they were delaying will be even worse.
• Speeding: Trucking companies usually pay truck drivers by the mile driven, which means they can make the same wages in a shorter workday if they reach their destination sooner than later. This unusual payment system tempts many truck drivers to break posted speed limits, especially on long stretches of highways.
• General negligence: Typical driving mistakes that many drivers make can also be made by truck drivers. Failing to check blind spots is a serious issue among truck drivers because the blind spots on their vehicles are so enormous and numerous.

Can You Sue the Trucking Company, Too?

You might know that you can sue the truck driver who hit you because it was their mistake that caused the accident. Is there anyone else that you can hold liable for your damages, though? What about the trucking company that employed the trucker?

When filing a truck accident claim, it matters if the truck driver was an:

• Employee: The legal rule of respondeat superior lets you sue an employer for the mistakes that their employees make and the accidents that they cause, within reason. If the trucker who hit you was an employee, then the trucking company could be named as a defendant and liable party.
• Independent contractor: Respondeat superior does not apply to independent contractors in most situations. Some trucking companies will only hire truck drivers based on a contract, making them an independent contractor, not an employee. This limits the number of parties you can name in your truck accident claim.

There could be third parties that are partially liable for your injuries, though. For example, the load crew that put cargo on the truck could be liable if the truck crashed due to being overloaded. Naming more defendants allows you to file against more insurance policies, which can sometimes help ensure you get all the compensation you deserve.

Ready to Make Your Case – Call Now

Crowe & Harris, LLP and our New Hampshire truck accident attorneys are waiting to help you after a serious wreck. You might have the opportunity to sue for significant damages. It is a matter of knowing how, and, thanks to our extensive practice experience, we know the top strategies to build a powerful truck accident case.

Want to know more? Dial (617) 404-3417.