Boston Truck Accident Lawyers
Dedicated, Unmatched Advocacy in New England
The sheer size of large commercial trucks and the force they have when driving at even low speeds requires trucking companies and drivers to exercise considerable care in the operation and maintenance of these vehicles in order to prevent unnecessary risks to public safety. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for trucking companies and drivers to ignore this responsibility, potentially placing others at risk of suffering serious physical trauma, including spine and brain injuries, or even death.
At Crowe & Harris, LLP , we know that many people in Massachusetts are victimized by the negligence of truck drivers and trucking companies and believe that these victims of trucking negligence shouldn’t have to pay for the consequences of someone else’s irresponsible behavior. Fortunately, compensation may be available to those in this position. By filing a legal claim against the trucking company or truck driver responsible for the accident, many victims are able to get the financial compensation and justice they deserve.
Contact our Boston truck accident lawyers onlineor call (617) 404-3417for a free consultation. We also serve clients in New Hampshireand Rhode Island.
On This Page:
- Examples of Trucking Negligence
- Determining Liability in Commercial Truck Accidents
- Massachusetts Truck Accident FAQs
- Why Choose Our Boston Truck Accident Lawyers?
Examples of Trucking Negligence
There are an estimated 15.5 million trucks on the road across the United States. Whether driving on the highway or just around town, drivers frequently encounter 18-wheeler trucks. And while all automobile accidents have the potential to cause devastating injuries, significant property damage, and lasting emotional trauma for anyone involved, when accidents occur between passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks such as 18-wheelers, the effects and consequences can be disastrous. In fact, an estimated 72% of all truck accidents result in a fatality.
Truck drivers and their employers have a responsibility to every motorist on the road to operate their vehicles safely in order to avoid causing harm. When drivers fail to obey traffic laws, drive under the influence, or drive at excessive speed, they are putting innocent lives at risk. Truck driving accidents are currently one of the leading causes of death on the road, with almost 4,000 deaths annually. Being involved in a truck accident can upend every aspect of your life, from your ability to work and earn a living for your family to the quality of your personal relationships. You don’t have to suffer alone, and you don’t have to experience financial turmoil because of a reckless truck driver.
Trucking negligence can encompass a range of different dangerous behaviors, including:
- Drunk Driving
- Mechanical Defect/Malfunction
- Employer Negligence/Liability
- Truck Driver Error/Negligence
- Truck Driver Fatigue
- Overloading Cargo
- Wrongful Death
These and other forms of trucking negligence cannot and should not be tolerated. Any trucking company or truck driver that causes harm to others should be held accountable for the consequences of their negligence.
Determining Liability in Commercial Truck Accidents
Many commercial trucking companies have worked hard to protect themselves from blame in truck-related accidents. Parties involved in cases like these often spend a great deal of time trying to avoid fault by pointing the finger elsewhere. Parties that may be responsible include the following:
- Truck driver
- Owner of the truck or trailer
- The party that leased the truck or trailer from the owner
- Manufacturer of the truck, tires, or other parts that may have caused or contributed to the accident
- Shipper or loader of the truck’s cargo in accidents that involve improper loading
Fortunately, federal laws are working to put a stop to this type of responsibility-dodging by holding companies liable if the truck displays the company’s name or placard at the time of the accident. Our Boston truck accident lawyers can evaluate your case and help determine what party was at fault for your accident.
Massachusetts Truck Accident FAQs
When the unthinkable happens and you are dealing with the aftermath of a terrible truck accident, you may not even know what questions to ask. At Crowe & Harris, LLP , we offer results for the injured, but we also help with the first steps toward a successful outcome. To assist you with knowing where to start, we have created a list of questions our clients commonly ask when considering a claim.
How much should I ask for in damages?
Deciding how much to ask for in damages is a difficult question that is best determined with the help of an experienced attorney. Victims of accidents involving trucks certainly deserve compensation for their injuries. Hospital costs, doctor fees, and lost wages are easier to determine than the nonmonetary cost of the pain that often results from accidents involving trucks. Victims who ask for too much may be dismissed by the court as being frivolous and have their claims thrown out entirely. But those who ask for too little in compensation are often left with expenses that their settlement cannot cover. Therefore, careful consideration should be made before deciding on how much to ask for in damages.
What if I am contacted by the truck driver’s insurance company?
It is helpful to anticipate the possibility that the truck driver’s insurance company may contact you. If this happens, do not sign anything or verbally agree to anything. Instead, it is best to let the insurance company know that you have legal representation and let your attorney speak on your behalf with the insurance company. Anything you say beyond telling them that you have an attorney may be used against you when seeking compensation.
What is a no-zone accident?
Due to the sheer size of 18-wheelers, the mirrors on the sides of these vehicles do not allow for comprehensive visual coverage. Because of this, it is possible for cars driving in the “no-zone” next to commercial trucks to remain unseen by the truck driver, thereby increasing the chance of an accident. The no-zone areas around an 18-wheeler are dangerous blind spots where you may be at risk of an accident if a truck driver does not see you.
These areas include:
- Directly in front of an 18-wheeler
- Directly behind an 18-wheeler
- Directly next to either passenger or driver doors
Drivers are at a greater risk of danger when hovering in these spots because of the limited scope of truck mirrors. However, in Massachusetts, it is still the responsibility of the truck driver to make sure that there are no cars in the no-zone areas before changing lanes or any other action. Failure to do so may be considered to be negligent truck driving.
HOW CAN A TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN BOSTON HELP AFTER AN ACCIDENT?
After a truck accident in Boston, seeking the help of a truck accident attorney can prove to be beneficial. They can offer valuable assistance and support in several ways. Here are some ways in which they can help:
- Legal Advice and Guidance: A truck accident attorney will offer expert legal advice based on their knowledge and experience in handling similar cases. They can help you understand your rights and legal options, guiding you through the entire legal process.
- Investigation: An attorney will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident to gather evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, photographs, and any available surveillance footage. This investigation aims to establish liability and determine the cause of the accident.
- Determining Liability: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or maintenance provider. An attorney will help identify all potentially liable parties and determine their degree of responsibility for the accident.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging. A truck accident attorney can handle all communication and negotiation with insurance companies on your behalf. They will work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Calculating Damages: Determining the full extent of your damages is crucial for a fair settlement. An experienced attorney will assess the impact of the accident on your life, considering factors such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and emotional distress. They will work to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
- Litigation Representation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, a truck accident attorney will be prepared to take your case to court. They will provide representation, present your case before a judge and jury, and advocate for your rights.
- Expert Network: Attorneys often have access to a network of experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and economists. These experts can provide testimony and analysis to support your case and strengthen your claim for compensation.
- Timely Filing: Truck accident cases have specific statutes of limitations, which determine the time within which a lawsuit must be filed. An attorney will ensure that all necessary paperwork and legal filings are completed accurately and within the required timeframes.
Overall, a truck accident attorney in Boston can provide invaluable legal support, protect your rights, and work towards obtaining the compensation you deserve after a truck accident.
Why Choose Our Boston Truck Accident Lawyers?
If you’ve had your life shattered by an accident with a large truck, Crowe & Harris, LLP is the firm that will help you put things back together. We treat every single case with the care and attention as if it was our only one. Our team of attorneys and nurses have a combined 100 years of experience and can work tirelessly to investigate your accident in order to determine fault and give you the best chance at success.
Our firm is dedicated to helping our fellow community members get through this difficult time in their life. Along with representing you legally, we also give every client the individual attention and emotional support necessary to navigate this stressful time. We can help make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible so you can recover every penny you deserve to avoid financial ruin and move on with your life.
Injured in Boston or elsewhere in the state? Our Boston truck accident lawyers can help when you call us at (617) 404-3417. Our selectiveness in taking cases allows us the time and energy needed to devote ourselves entirely to our clients’ claims.
