It is especially important for truck operators to drive safely, considering the size of their vehicles. Any time a semi operator acts carelessly on the road, they put everyone around them at risk of devastating, life-altering harm. For that reason, truck drivers are held to a higher standard on the roadway than your average driver.

If you were injured by a negligent rig driver, there are options available for pursuing sufficient compensation for your losses. At Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya, a Wilmington truck accident lawyer can guide you through the process of civil litigation. Our skilled personal injury attorneys are ready to collect evidence of fault, build a comprehensive lawsuit or settlement demand, and pursue the restitution you deserve. En Español

Common Injuries in Truck Crashes

Fully loaded tractor-trailers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or as much as about 20 commuter cars combined. When a truck this size collides with a car while traveling at highway speed, the smaller vehicle can be crushed by the sheer amount of force inflicted upon it. Tractor-trailers also tend to be higher off the ground, making the bumpers on most cars ineffective at their job of protecting the people in the car. Victims of trucking collisions often suffer catastrophic or even fatal bodily harm.

Survivors of 18-wheeler accidents may be left with various injuries, such as:

  • Lacerations
  • Ligament tears
  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Traumatic brain injuries

A knowledgeable Wilmington attorney could help someone further understand what types of damages might arise from a semi truck collision.

Civil Damages for Truck Collisions

A comprehensive settlement or damages award will depend on how severe a rig wreck is and how long a victim’s injuries will continue to affect them. An experienced semi crash attorney can help a Wilmington resident pursue restitution for a variety of economic and non-economic losses, including:

  • Expenses for past and future medical treatment
  • Loss of short-term wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity due to a permanent injury>
  • Loss of pension or retirement funds due to inability to continue their career
  • Car repair or replacement costs
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Physical pain
  • Emotional suffering

Who Could Be Liable for a Wilmington Truck Wreck?

To get money for medical bills and lost wages, a victim should file a claim with their own insurance provider. A skilled local attorney could also help an injured person file suit against the driver. However, besides the rig operator, there are multiple potential defendants that could be named in a civil claim.

In many cases, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for negligent actions taken by their employees. This means that the company or their insurance provider would be responsible for covering a victim’s damages after a truck wreck. A persistent lawyer could also help sue an employing company for reckless or careless behavior, such as violating federal regulations or engaging in negligent hiring practices.

Alternatively, a third party may be held accountable for a big rig collision if their negligent behavior contributed to the crash. For instance, a mechanic may have failed to notice and replace the vehicle’s deflating tires, or a loading company may have failed to properly secure the trailer’s cargo. A truck accident lawyer in Wilmington can review the circumstances of a specific incident and determine all potential defendants in a civil lawsuit.

Work with a Wilmington Truck Accident Attorney

The aftermath of a traumatic semi crash can be overwhelming and confusing as you try to recover from your injuries. Let a skilled attorney at Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz, and Bhaya explain your options and take action on your behalf. Our team can handle the legal side of things so that you can rest easy, knowing your case is in good hands. Give us a call today to learn how a Wilmington truck accident lawyer can pursue the financial recovery you need to move forward with your life.