New Castle Truck Accident Lawyers

Commercial truck accidents can have devastating consequences for those involved. The significant size and weight difference between trucks and passenger vehicles often causes life-threatening injuries, substantial property damage, and overwhelming medical bills for individuals affected by these collisions. At Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A., our New Castle truck accident lawyers possess the knowledge and resources necessary to handle these challenging cases with the attention they require.

Our legal team understands the distinct regulations governing the trucking industry and how these rules can impact your case. We are also familiar with the many other aspects that make truck accidents different from other kinds of motor vehicle crashes. Our respected lawyers are prepared to investigate your accident thoroughly, identify all liable parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Our team proudly maintains a client-centered approach while advocating aggressively against powerful trucking companies and their insurance providers.

What Are the Most Common Kinds of Truck Accidents?

Truck accidents are sometimes, but not always, caused by driver negligence or driver error. Here are some of the most common reasons for these crashes:

• Jackknife accidents, where the trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, typically caused by improper braking or slippery roads.
• Rollover accidents, usually resulting from taking curves too quickly or shifting cargo.
• Rear-end collisions, often due to a truck’s longer stopping distance.
• Wide turn accidents, when trucks swing wide to navigate tight corners.
• Underride accidents, when smaller vehicles slide underneath trailers.
• Blind spot accidents, in the truck’s large “no-zones.”
• Tire blowouts, which can lead to loss of control.
• Cargo spills, creating hazardous road conditions.

Defective parts, poor weather conditions, and improper maintenance and repairs also contribute to these unfortunate incidents.

What Makes Truck Accident Cases Different From Car Accidents?

Truck accident cases involve additional factors that set them apart from typical automobile collisions. As mentioned, commercial trucks operate under specific federal and state regulations established by agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations control aspects like driver qualification, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo loading procedures. When those rules are violated, it can constitute negligence.

Furthermore, liability in truck accidents can extend beyond the driver to include the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or even vehicle manufacturers. Our New Castle truck accident lawyers conduct comprehensive investigations to determine all parties who may share responsibility for your injuries. We examine driver logbooks, maintenance records, black box data, and other evidence to build the most compelling cases for our clients.

How Do I Know if I Have a Valid Truck Accident Claim?

A valid claim must address several elements. You must demonstrate that another party acted negligently, that this negligence directly caused the accident, and that you suffered actual damages as a result. 

Common forms of negligence in truck accident cases include driver fatigue, improper vehicle maintenance, overloaded cargo, distracted driving, or violations of commercial driving regulations. Others might include not vetting drivers or training them properly, or truck part manufacturers neglecting to send recall notices.

How does our legal team evaluate the circumstances of truck accidents? We review police reports, witness statements, medical records, and other evidence to assess the strength of your potential claim. We recommend contacting us promptly following an accident, as important evidence may be lost or destroyed if not preserved quickly.

What Compensation Might Be Available After a Truck Accident?

Compensation in truck accident cases typically encompasses multiple categories of damages: 

• Economic damages include medical expenses (both current and future), lost wages, diminished earning capacity, rehabilitation costs, and property damage. 
• Non-economic damages may cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability or disfigurement.

In situations involving particularly reckless behavior, such as intoxicated driving or flagrant disregard for safety regulations, punitive damages might also be awarded. These damages serve to punish wrongdoers and deter similar conduct in the future. 

Our New Castle truck accident lawyers work diligently to calculate the full value of a client’s losses, including projected future expenses related to your injuries. That is a key goal for pursuing appropriate compensation. It is also why we advise against accepting an insurance provider’s initial settlement offer. Those amounts might not fully account for your current or projected future damages. Once you sign an agreement, your options will be limited.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident?

Multiple parties may bear responsibility for a commercial truck accident. The driver could be liable if they violated traffic laws, drove while fatigued, or operated under the influence of substances. The trucking company might share liability for inadequate driver training, improper hiring practices, or pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations to meet delivery deadlines.

Additional parties that could face liability include maintenance contractors who performed substandard work, cargo loading companies that improperly distributed or secured freight, or parts manufacturers if equipment failure contributed to the accident. By identifying all potentially responsible parties, you will have a better chance at maximizing your recovery options and obtaining fair compensation.

How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit?

Delaware law establishes a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including truck accidents. Generally, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, exceptions might apply in certain circumstances, such as when injuries are not immediately discoverable or when government entities are involved in the accident.

Missing this filing deadline typically results in the permanent loss of your right to pursue compensation through the court system. For this reason, it is imperative to consult with a lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. We will explain how these limitations apply to your specific situation and take appropriate action within the required timeframe.

Our New Castle Truck Accident Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Clients Pursue Fair Compensation

The New Castle truck accident lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. offer free consultations and can advocate vigorously for your rights and interests throughout the legal process. Take the first step toward obtaining the compensation you deserve and call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online. With our offices located in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, we proudly serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.