Semi-truck accidents are more common on roads and highways here in the United States than many drivers think. In fact, semi-trucks are involved in about 500,000 accidents annually. Fatigue plays a big role in these accidents as drivers are sometimes required to travel many miles over a long period of time with little rest. Other accidents are simply unavoidable. What is avoidable, however, is the risk of not getting adequate compensation for your personal injury. The fact of the matter remains that accidents caused by negligence could result in you receiving damages.
Unfortunately, many misconceptions prevent people from taking the right steps when involved in semi-truck accidents. There is plenty of false information out there that could very well prove to be a detriment to the success of your case if adhered to. Let us take a second to clear up some of that false information. Here, you will find just a few of the most common myths involving semi-truck accidents that you should not believe when it comes to truck-related accidents.
MYTH: MOST LEGAL PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENTS ARE TIME-CONSUMING AND TEDIOUS.
This may be true and even expected for certain complex or very involved cases. For the average case, however, this does not seem to entirely be the case. The fact is that nearly 90% of commercial truck accidents are caused or worsened by human error, either on behalf of a truck driver, other drivers, other vehicle passengers, cyclists, or pedestrians. That being said, most cases are settled before they can even make it all the way to court. This also helps to avoid the costs associated with a civil trial. If we can reach a decision sans judge and jury, that is the optimal route to take. At the same time, you can rest assured that if your case does have to go that far, your semi-truck accident attorneys will handle most of the legwork.
MYTH: YOU DO NOT NEED A SEMI-TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER.
Semi-trucks are huge automobiles. When they impact smaller vehicles in an accident, the outcome is not assumed to be good for that driver or the passengers. In fact, studies have shown that in tractor-trailer accidents, 98% of fatalities occur in individuals in passenger vehicles. But regardless of the nature or severity of your accident, it is always helpful to get a knowledgeable and professional opinion regarding the details of your case. Whether your injury will change your life forever or if it is just a minor fracture, you could be compensated for your pain and suffering. Truck accident victims need to be represented so that they have a fair chance of getting justice. Many experts say that trucking companies often use the legal system to their advantage, and only an experienced truck accident lawyer can take them on and win. That is why it is a good idea to have Patrick O’Hara in your corner. He knows the fear tactics and mind games bigger companies play to try to scare victims into settling for less than what is lawfully owed to them. You do not have to settle. Schedule a consultation with Patrick today.
MYTH: IT IS RARE FOR TRUCK ACCIDENT VICTIMS TO GET THE COMPENSATION THEY DESERVE.
As mentioned, trucking companies often use the legal system to their advantage. While this often causes those without an attorney to get lower settlements than they were expecting, those who work with the right semi-truck accident lawyer are usually more satisfied with the outcome of their case.
Ultimately, each and every semi-truck accident case is different, but understanding how to navigate traffic laws and how to find the right lawyer is a major key to getting the compensation you deserve.