Dracut, MA Truck Accident Lawyer
If a negligent truck driver hit and injured you in Dracut, our lawyers can investigate your case and confirm whether or not you can bring a lawsuit against the truck driver or another liable party.
Truck accidents often happen because of operator negligence. For example, drowsy drivers might fall asleep at the wheel and veer into other lanes, hitting other drivers. Improper truck maintenance, speeding, and negligent merging are other top causes of these collisions in Dracut. When an accident happens, victims should call 911 right away and get medical attention. Our lawyers can focus on determining fault and can do so by examining the truck driver’s actions and their employer’s liability.
You can call our Dracut, MA truck accident lawyers at (617) 925-6407 for a free case review from the Law Office of John J. Sheehan.
Why Truck Accidents Happen in Dracut, MA
Several highways, like I-495 and I-93, run through Dracut, making it a popular throughway for commercial truck drivers. Though truck accidents happen for various reasons, cause often boils down to negligence.
For example, commercial truck drivers should have the experience and qualifications necessary to operate a large semi truck or other vehicle. Inexperienced drivers might fail to check blind spots when merging or account for a truck’s larger blind spot, hitting other drivers on the road.
Other times, truck accidents happen because of driver fatigue. Commercial drivers often have deadlines to meet and might work overtime to do so, causing them to fall asleep at the wheel.
Poor truck maintenance and unaddressed engine problems also account for some truck accidents in Dracut. Speeding, aggressive driving, drunk driving, and reckless driving are other top causes.
What to Do After a Truck Accident Happens in Dracut, MA
In the moments after a truck crash, there are several things you can do to protect your future claim in Dracut, like calling the police and getting care for immediate injuries.
You should call 911 after a truck accident, especially if you are injured. When officers arrive, speak to them and get the negligent party’s insurance information. You should also note the trucking company the driver works for, as that might be pertinent to your claim.
Also, after the accident, you can take pictures of property damage to your vehicle and physical injuries to your person. If eyewitnesses are nearby, talk to them to see if they can provide a useful statement later.
Then you can go to the hospital. If emergency medical services arrive at the accident scene, accept any care they offer. Do not put off getting medical attention, as doing so could hinder your recovery.
In the days and weeks following the accident, our truck accident lawyers can launch an investigation into the incident, which might lead us to useful evidence, like surveillance footage. We can also assess whether or not expert testimony might be of use to your claim. For example, an accident reconstruction expert may be able to assess the damage to your vehicle as well as other evidence from the crash to determine the accident’s cause.
Who to Sue for a Dracut, MA Truck Accident
Liability for truck accidents is complicated because the driver’s employer might share responsibility. Our lawyers can help you determine fault and proceed accordingly with your claim in Dracut.
We can start by assessing the individual driver’s liability. Did they act negligently in any way preceding the accident? Were they speeding? Did they try to merge into your lane when there was not enough room? If they initiated the accident, they will likely be liable.
However, multiple parties can share liability. For example, because employers are responsible for the actions of their employees in certain instances, you might be able to sue the driver’s employer for an accident. Our attorneys can confirm if the trucking company acted negligently, such as by failing to maintain a vehicle or hiring an unqualified driver.
According to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A, regardless of who is liable in your case, you will likely have just three years to bring your lawsuit in Dracut. Victims who do not file their claims on time risk being denied compensation.
Your negligence might be under scrutiny as well. Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 231, § 85, victims who share fault for their injuries may recover less compensation in proportion to their percentage of negligence. Our lawyers can help you prepare for a possible comparative negligence defense from a defendant and to subvert any arguments that you contributed to the recent accident.
Claiming Pain and Suffering After a Truck Accident in Dracut, MA
Truck accidents are a type of auto accident, meaning victims must meet a threshold to claim compensation for pain and suffering in Dracut.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 231, § 6D, motor vehicle accident victims can only recover non-financial damages if their medical damages exceed $2,000 or they have sustained a serious injury. In Massachusetts, serious injuries from auto accidents include permanent and serious disfigurement, hearing loss, sight loss, and fractures, among others.
To prove you meet this threshold, you will have to present proof of damages and injury in your claim. Medical damages add up fast, and our lawyers can identify exactly when you surpass the threshold by tracking your medical expenses. Furthermore, we can assess your injuries to see if you can claim pain and suffering regardless of your medical damages.
Even if you are eligible to sue for pain and suffering caused by a truck accident, you must prove you have incurred those damages. To do this, victims can give statements explaining their pain and suffering or confide in trusted mental health professionals. Massachusetts does not cap compensation for pain and suffering damages in truck accident claims or other motor vehicle accident lawsuits.
Call Our Dracut, MA Lawyers About Your Case Now
Call (617) 925-6407 to discuss your case for free with the truck accident lawyers of the Law Office of John J. Sheehan.
