Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

Unveiling Their Complexities and Legal Recourse

Tractor-trailers, a common sight on our interstates and freeways, play a vital role in transporting goods over long distances. These dedicated drivers ensure that cars, electronics, produce, furniture, clothing, and other essentials reach our local stores, making them readily accessible to consumers like you.

The responsibilities of truck drivers are immense, as they navigate tight schedules to deliver goods on time. However, the importance of meeting deadlines must not translate into reckless behavior on the road. In fact, strict adherence to traffic laws, such as respecting speed limits, yielding the right of way, and obeying traffic signals, is mandatory.

When truck drivers disregard these rules and fail to exercise due care, the result can be a serious, even fatal accident. Tractor-trailer accidents are understandably unnerving, with the consequences of a single wrong move potentially catastrophic.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, it’s imperative to seek legal assistance without delay. These cases are intricate and challenging, but our experienced team at Quinn Injury Lawyers is ready to offer the support and guidance you need to pursue a favorable outcome.

Common Types of Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents take various forms, including:

1. Rollovers: These catastrophic crashes occur when tractor-trailers, with their high centers of gravity, make sharp turns or drive at excessive speeds. A rollover accident can be fatal.
2. Rear-end Accidents: When a large commercial truck collides with a passenger car from behind, the smaller vehicle often sustains significant damage due to the substantial stopping distance required by the truck.
3. Head-on Crashes: Head-on accidents are always perilous. When a semi-truck is involved, the consequences can be fatal, stemming from truck drivers operating under the influence or while fatigued.
4. Jackknife Accidents: Jackknife accidents result from improper braking maneuvers, causing the truck to fold into a “jackknife” shape. These accidents are exceptionally hazardous.
5. Wide Turn Accidents: To execute right-hand turns safely, truck drivers swing their cabs wide to the left before turning right. Failing to make safe wide turns can lead to collisions with other vehicles.
6. T-bone Accidents: Also known as side-impact crashes, these often occur at intersections when tractor-trailers run red lights or ignore stop signs, creating a “T” shape collision.
7. Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipe accidents occur when vehicles traveling parallel to each other in the same direction collide. These typically result from truck drivers failing to check blind spots before changing lanes.

Common Injuries Arising From Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor-trailer accidents can inflict a wide array of injuries, including:

• Whiplash: Rear-end accidents can lead to whiplash, characterized by violent head and neck movement that strains neck muscles and ligaments.
• Cuts and Lacerations: Debris such as broken glass and sharp metal can cause cuts and lacerations.
• Back and Neck Injuries: These may involve herniated discs, fractures, and other damage to the vertebrae.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Tractor-trailer accidents can result in spinal cord damage, potentially causing paralysis or other disabilities of varying severity.
• Head Injuries: Head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries, can occur when individuals hit their heads due to crash impacts.
• Broken Bones: Fractured bones, including arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis, are common injuries from these accidents.
• Internal Injuries: The force of impact can result in internal injuries such as organ damage, punctured organs, and internal bleeding.
• Burns: Tractor-trailer accidents can lead to fires, causing burns that range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns.
• Psychological Trauma: Experiencing a collision with a semi-truck can be emotionally traumatic, often leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related psychological issues.

Liability in Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are intricate cases, with multiple parties potentially liable:

• Truck Drivers: Drivers may be held accountable if their actions contribute to the accident, such as driving under the influence, while fatigued, or engaging in distracted driving.
• Trucking Companies: Ultimately responsible for the drivers they employ, trucking companies must ensure proper vehicle maintenance and training, and they must adhere to specific regulations.
• Truck Owners: In cases where the trucking company doesn’t own the vehicles, the truck owner may be liable for damages, especially if the accident results from maintenance issues.
• Manufacturers: If a truck part fails, the manufacturer of the truck or the specific part may be liable for damages resulting from a defective part.

Contact Us Today

Tractor-trailer accidents are both common and severe, often resulting in life-altering injuries. Survivors frequently contend with lifelong challenges.
Given their complexity, these cases demand a wealth of evidence. The support you require can be found at Quinn Injury Lawyers. Our Philadelphia personal injury lawyers are ready to represent you, whether you’re seeking justice for yourself or on behalf of a loved one. To schedule a free initial consultation, call us at (877) 659-6070.

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