Leominster, MA Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents often cause serious injuries to victims in Leominster, entitling them to compensatory damages. You can recover such damages by filing a lawsuit.
Any act of negligence, from drowsy driving to speeding, might cause a truck accident. Truck drivers often work long hours and through the night, increasing the chances that they will fall asleep at the wheel. Regardless of the cause of your recent collision, you will have three years from the date of the crash to file a truck accident lawsuit in Leominster. Your claim might involve only the negligent driver or their employer as well. To strengthen your case, be sure to call 911 following the crash and focus on your physical recovery. Taking these steps can result in evidence our attorneys can rely on when building your compensation claim.
To get a free case evaluation from our Leominster, MA truck accident lawyers, call the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.
How Negligence Causes Truck Accidents in Leominster, MA
Any negligent act that might cause an average car accident could also lead to a devastating truck accident in Leominster. That said, certain acts of negligence happen more frequently cause truck accidents, because of the parties involved in these collisions.
A truck driver’s job is to transport goods, typically across far distances. This might cause truck drivers to operate their vehicles while fatigued, especially if they are under pressure from their employers to meet certain delivery deadlines. When a person is drowsy or nodding off, their reaction time is significantly reduced. Tired truck drivers might veer into other lanes, resulting in head-on or sideswipe collisions in Leominster.
Driver inattention or distracted driving are other top causes of truck accidents. Because trucks have large blind spots and other characteristics that make them difficult and dangerous to operate, drivers must always have their eyes on the road, especially when making certain maneuvers, like merging. Failure to pay attention might result in a truck driver striking a smaller passenger car and injuring a victim.
Sometimes, liability for truck crashes can be traced back to employers because of vicarious liability. For example, suppose the truck company failed to check a driver’s qualifications before hiring them. Or, suppose the truck company failed to ensure the vehicle was working properly prior to sending a driver out on a delivery. If such acts of negligence lead to your accident, you may be able to sue the truck company for compensation in Leominster. When truck drivers are independent contractors instead of regular employees, victims cannot sue trucking companies.
When to Sue for a Truck Accident in Leominster, MA
After being injured in a truck accident in Leominster, victims should learn whether or not they qualify to file a lawsuit and, if they do, by what date they must bring their claim.
First and foremost, you must be aware of the statute of limitations for auto accident lawsuits in Massachusetts. According to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A, victims have three years to file an injury case for compensation. The court often strictly enforces this filing deadline, so you must adhere to it when it comes to your claim. If you do not, you will lose the opportunity to recover damages via a lawsuit.
Because Massachusetts is a no-fault state for motor vehicle accidents, victims can only sue if they meet certain criteria. Otherwise, victims’ personal injury protection insurance will cover some of their damages. According to Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 231, § 6D, victims can file motor vehicle accident claims if their medical damages are in excess of $2,000, or the accident caused death, loss of a body member, permanent and serious disfigurement, sight or hearing loss, or a fracture. In order to prove that you satisfy the tort threshold, you must present evidence of your medical damages and injuries. This is one of the reasons why going to the hospital immediately after an auto accident in Leominster is crucial.
What to Do to Strengthen Your Truck Accident Claim in Leominster, MA
Victims are never guaranteed compensation following truck crashes in Leominster. Fortunately, there are certain things you can do to strengthen your claim and improve your chances of a financial recovery.
Start by building evidence. You can begin doing this immediately after the accident takes place by photographing the scene and your visible injuries. While police reports are not admissible in civil claims in Massachusetts, you should still call law enforcement following an accident. You can also strengthen your claim by going directly to the emergency room and getting medical attention for your injuries.
After the accident takes place, our truck accident lawyers can take over additional evidence-collection efforts by investigating the incident in question. We can survey the accident site to determine if any local security cameras might have filmed the collision. We can also source statements from experts and eyewitnesses to add credence and additional support to your compensation claim in Leominster.
When building your case, we will compile all records of financial and emotional losses due to the accident. Because of this, you should give our attorneys any invoices or bills related to your medical treatment. If you have lost income because of the accident, give our lawyers your employment information so that we can estimate your compensation for lost wages. If you are struggling emotionally because of a recent crash, seeking support from a mental health professional might help regarding your recovery of non-economic damages.
Immediately turning your attention to building a strong case will be important. Focusing on your financial and physical recovery in the weeks and months following a collision can result in a successful lawsuit that enables you to get the damages you deserve.
Call Our Lawyers About Your Truck Accident in Leominster, MA
The Law Office of John J. Sheehan can assess your case for free when you call our truck accident lawyers at (617) 925-6407.
