Newark, DE Truck Accident Lawyers Hold Drivers Responsible for Negligence

Justice for victims of Delaware tractor-trailer accidents

If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of a truck accident, or been so unfortunate as to have been involved in one yourself, you understand how much more disastrous they can be than car accidents. Semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers—whatever name you know them by—are much bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When a truck collides with one, the truck is going to win every time.

At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, our Newark, DE truck accident attorneys help our clients bring personal injury claims after they were injured in tractor-trailer crashes. When you’re hurt because of someone else’s negligence, you should be compensated for your losses—like medical bills, doctor visits, lost income, physical pain, and emotional suffering. Our firm’s decades of experience give us the skill and ability to take on the trucking and insurance companies in personal injury lawsuits.

Common causes of truck accidents

Once we take your case, we start working for you to determine exactly how the accident happened and who is responsible. There are many reasons accidents occur, truck accidents in particular, including:

• Distracted driving. It can be easy for a truck driver to become distracted, as they can do risky things to avoid being bored on long-distance trips. Activities behind the wheel like eating, using a cellphone, or adjusting a GPS can all cause a driver to lose control of their truck. Distracted tractor-trailer drivers put everyone on the road at risk.
• Driver fatigue. Truck drivers are especially prone to fatigue because of the long hours they spend on the road. Although federal regulations require them to rest, some drivers still push themselves too hard to get their deliveries made on time.
• Defective truck parts. Sometimes issues like faulty brakes or defective tires can cause a truck to go out of control and cause an accident. In cases like these, we hold manufacturers responsible for defective products when they cause a wreck.
• Careless or reckless driving. Just like every other driver on the road, truck drivers must respect all driving and traffic laws. Drivers of 18-wheelers also need to ensure they pay attention to road and highway signage to ensure they travel on truck-approved roads only.
• Drunk driving. With a vehicle as large as a tractor-trailer, if a driver is under the influence, an accident can be catastrophic. Drunk or drugged drivers have slowed reaction times, drive carelessly, weave in and out of traffic, and are a potentially fatal risk on the road.
• Overloaded trucks. Some unscrupulous companies will put profit before safety and attempt to load their trucks beyond the maximum cargo limit. An overloaded truck is more difficult to drive and control due to its heavier weight, and is at higher risk to roll over. Some overloaded trucks can more easily spill their cargo, which can result in chain reaction collisions and accidents.
• Improper maintenance. State and federal laws require that trucks are routinely inspected and maintained for safety. Any problems found during inspection must be fixed before a truck can go back on the road. Our Newark attorneys will study the maintenance records of the truck involved in your accident.
• Inadequate training. Driving a truck takes skill and requires a lot of training, including obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Truck drivers should be trained on all aspects of the job, including safety and emergency procedures, the rules of the road, and basic maintenance. During a driver shortage, like the one the country is currently experiencing, some companies may hire underqualified drivers.

You may be entitled to compensation

Depending on the circumstances surrounding your accident and the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to current and future medical expenses, and lost wages. In a successful case, at the very least your medical expenses should be covered. And depending on the level of your injuries, you may also be entitled to pain and suffering for the stress resulting from the accident.

Pain and suffering damages from a truck accident can include:

• Physical and chronic pain
• Limits on your daily activities
• Depression and anxiety
• Physical scars
• Potential shortening of life

You may also receive damages for repairs or loss of value to your vehicle. Further, punitive damages are awarded in cases where a court believes willful negligence was present. These damages are intended to be both a punishment to the guilty party and a deterrent for future recklessness.

Talk to a reliable, experienced Newark, Delaware truck accident attorney

Don’t wait too long to speak to a lawyer from Silverman, McDonald & Friedman after your truck accident. The sooner we can act, the more evidence and information we’re able to gather to support your case. Our legal team is ready to help you secure the compensation you deserve to heal from your injuries. Contact us today to talk about your claim. Call us at 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation in our Newark office. We also maintain offices in Wilmington and Seaford.