Truck accidents are known for causing immense devastation and, often, catastrophic injuries to the victims involved. They can cause life-changing injuries and substantial property damage. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Charleston, West Virginia, it is important to speak with a lawyer. You may be eligible for greater financial compensation than a trucking company or insurance provider initially offers. The attorneys at Bailey & Glasser, LLP can help you protect your rights.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
The average commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, or more with special overweight permits. By comparison, most passenger cars weigh between 3,000 and 4,000 thousand pounds. This weight disparity means the large truck can do much more damage to the passenger car, in most cases.
The victims in the smaller vehicle can suffer many catastrophic injuries, including:
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe burn injuries
- Lacerations and scarring
- Internal injuries
- Bone fractures
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Decapitation
- Wrongful death
Many of these injuries will cause long-term or permanent harm, such as brain damage or paralysis. Commercial truck accidents can also cause significant emotional or psychological damage, making it even harder for a victim to move forward after this type of crash.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident in West Virginia?
Truck accident cases are unique in that they do not only involve two drivers. They also involve third parties, including trucking companies, cargo companies, truck manufacturers, and maintenance crews. Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for most truck accidents in West Virginia. The rule of vicarious liability holds employers responsible for the actions of their on-duty employees. Trucking companies can also be held directly responsible for truck accidents caused by their own negligence, such as poor fleet maintenance or a lack of driver training.
Violated federal safety laws are another common cause of commercial truck accidents that can lead to trucking company liability. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has many regulations in place to improve the safety of the trucking industry. This includes hours-of-service rules, fleet maintenance requirements and cargo securement standards. If a truck driver or trucking company breaks any of these rules, this can be used as evidence of negligence during an injury claim.
Our Approach to Truck Accident Cases
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our attorneys understand all of the unique elements and nuances involved in a truck accident claim. We understand the unique challenges involved in these cases, such as federal laws and the rule of vicarious liability. We are prepared to go up against a trucking company or another powerful adversary on your behalf.
Our lawyers can return to the scene of the accident, review a police report, work with accident reconstruction experts, and take other steps to collect evidence. This includes accessing the truck’s black box, which is a data recorder that may have important information about the crash. If necessary, our law firm is prepared to take your truck accident case to trial.
Request a Free Truck Accident Case Review
You do not have to work through a truck accident case in Charleston alone. The attorneys at Bailey & Glasser, LLP, are here to help you and your family with every step of the legal process. We will make sure you have everything you need to rebuild your life and move forward from a major truck collision. Call our Charleston law office location at (304) 345-6555 today for a free case consultation, or contact us online and we will get back to you as soon as possible to discuss your specific case in more detail.
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our personal injury expertise extends beyond truck accidents. We also handle cases related to dog bites. Being a victim of a dog bite can lead to significant physical and emotional damage. In many instances, owners may be held responsible for their pet’s actions. We offer comprehensive legal representation, working diligently to ensure that victims of dog bites receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, pain, and suffering.