New Port Richey Truck Accident Lawyer

Big truck traffic continues to increase as more large trucks move across the country, delivering the goods that people rely on every day. Highway 19 runs through New Port Richey and sees a lot of commercial truck traffic on any given day. When those big trucks cause accidents, they can cause severe injuries to people in smaller passenger vehicles. Truck accident injuries can permanently change the course of the victim’s life, including leaving the victim with high medical bills, long-term limitations, and substantial ongoing pain and suffering from their injuries. 

Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident in New Port Richey on your own can prove incredibly difficult. Let Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm help. Our experienced team of personal injury attorneys wants to put the personal back in personal injury claims as we help our clients learn more about the compensation they really deserve after suffering severe truck accident injuries.

Truck accident claims in New Port Richey need a lawyer who will go deeper.

When it comes to truck accident claims, just looking at the immediate conditions that led to the accident may not offer enough information. Truck accident claims often require an in-depth investigation of the driver, their driving history, and their company. In addition to checking into the driver’s habits and past, including what may have caused them to become distracted or ignore the rules of the road, Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm will take a look at the terms of the driver’s contract and any employer policies that may have contributed to the situation.

If the employer has unsafe policies or working conditions, including pushing the driver to speed to meet tight deadlines or threatening to fire a driver who does not want to drive because of illness, inebriation, or potentially dangerous conditions, we want to know about it—and we know how it can strengthen your claim.

Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm wants to help break down the compensation you, specifically, deserve after a New Port Richey truck accident.

Truck claims do not have a one-size-fits-all resolution. While they may have some common elements, including the types of compensation truck accident victims can claim, your situation is unique and your injuries impact you in a very personal way. At Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm, we help break down the compensation our clients really deserve for truck accident injuries based on the specific losses they suffered as a result of their accident. Our dedicated team of attorneys works to ensure that our clients know what they really deserve and how to pursue it, rather than getting stuck with a “standard” settlement offer that does not fit their needs.

We help fight against big insurance companies.

Big insurance companies seem to have all the power when it comes to truck accident claims. As the victim of serious injuries in a truck accident, you may feel as though you have relatively few options when it comes to accepting the compensation the insurance company offers. At Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm, we aim to change that. We provide our clients with the legal support they need to fight aggressively against big insurance companies, and we take over interactions with the insurance company to reduce our clients’ stress while they recover from those serious injuries.

You need a truck accident lawyer who will fight for you. At Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm, we aim to provide vital services to our clients so they can feel more confident in their ability to recover the damages they deserve.

Truck drivers face many of the same hazards on the road as the drivers of smaller passenger vehicles. Unfortunately, they also have a clear disadvantage: a much larger vehicle that takes up more space on the road and hits with more force when involved in a collision. Truck drivers also face some unique challenges that increase the danger they pose to other drivers.

Distracted Truck Drivers

Because they spend a lot of hours on the road each day, truck drivers are at a higher risk of distraction than the average driver of a passenger vehicle. Truck drivers may choose to try to take care of other tasks while on the road, rather than waiting until the end of their scheduled shifts, when they can safely pull off the road.

Since truck drivers can drive for up to eight hours before they have to take a break, they may choose to eat and drink behind the wheel rather than pulling off the road and taking a meal break. They may also try to program GPS devices or chat on the phone while driving as they try to fill those long hours on the road. However, even minor distractions can prove catastrophic due to the larger size and weight of the truck.

Bad Weather

New Port Richey sees an estimated 240 sunny days per year (higher than the United States average of 205 days per year), but when rain does fall, it often falls hard. On average, New Port Richey sees 51 inches of rain per year, while the United States average is 38 inches. That heavy rainfall can make for slick roads and poor visibility, which can make for very difficult driving conditions for the drivers of big trucks.

Speeding

Truck drivers often have tight deadlines for each delivery. Unfortunately, road conditions can interfere with those tight deadlines. Truck drivers may struggle with everything from stalled traffic to weather delays. With many employers paying by the mile, and all too many pressuring their drivers to meet deadlines regardless of the challenges they may face along the way, many truck drivers choose to speed.

Not only does the accident risk increase with speed, but the faster a truck goes, the more force it has and the more damage it causes in a trucking accident.

Drunk Truck Drivers

Around 13 percent of truck accidents that cause injury to the victims involve driver inebriation. While truck drivers must follow strict regulations that govern how much alcohol they can have in their system while on the road, including lower limits than the drivers of passenger vehicles, some truck drivers choose to ignore these rules. As a result, they may suffer from impaired judgment, decreased motor skills, and poor reflexes, all of which can increase the risk of an accident and cause accidents with increased severity.

Short Training Periods

Across the nation, many trucking companies struggle to find enough drivers to keep their routes moving smoothly. As a result, companies may put new truck drivers behind the wheel without providing adequate training. Truck drivers who have not spent enough hours on the road have trouble properly responding to the hazards they may face, from dangerous weather conditions to drivers who do not allow adequate space around them. A lack of training can prove catastrophic when drivers cannot adequately manage the road conditions they face.

Truck Blind Spots

Big trucks have long areas down all four sides of the truck where the driver has inadequate visibility. While modern trucks partially compensate for blind spots with cameras, many of the trucks currently on the road do not yet have that technology. Truck drivers may struggle to keep track of vehicles in their blind spots, especially if those vehicles linger there for too long. Large blind spots can also interfere with truck drivers’ ability to conduct turns safely. Many truck drivers choose to make wide right turns, in particular, to compensate for the lack of visibility. However, an average passenger vehicle can easily fit into the space drivers cannot see, which can seriously injure you.

New Port Richey Truck Accidents Cause Serious Injuries

Because of their large size and weight, big trucks often cause more serious injuries than passenger vehicles in accidents. Some common injuries resulting from truck accidents include:

• Whiplash: Sudden acceleration or deceleration during a truck accident can cause the head and neck to snap forward and backward, leading to whiplash. This can result in neck pain, stiffness, and other related symptoms.

• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a truck collision can cause fractures and breaks in bones, especially in the extremities, ribs, and pelvis.

• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can occur when the head makes contact with the dashboard, steering wheel, or other surfaces. Symptoms may range from mild concussions to severe brain damage.

• Spinal Cord Injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can lead to paralysis or other long-term impairments. The severity of spinal cord injuries often depends on the location and extent of damage.

• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in a truck accident can cause internal injuries to organs such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, or lungs. Internal bleeding may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

• Soft Tissue Injuries: Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries. These injuries can be painful and may require extensive rehabilitation.

• Burn Injuries: If a truck catches fire or there is an explosion, occupants may suffer burn injuries. Burn injuries can range from mild to severe and may require extensive medical treatment.

• Amputations: Severe accidents may lead to crush injuries or traumatic amputations, especially in the case of limbs being trapped or severely damaged.

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Emotional trauma resulting from a truck accident can lead to psychological conditions such as PTSD. Symptoms may include anxiety, nightmares, and flashbacks.

It’s important to note that the severity and type of injuries can vary based on factors such as the speed of the vehicles involved, the point of impact, and the use of safety features like seatbelts and airbags. Seeking prompt medical attention after a truck accident is crucial, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately. 

Make sure you receive the treatment you need for your truck accident injuries to both maximize your odds of making a full recovery and increase your odds of recovering the compensation you deserve. If you or a close family member suffers injuries in a truck accident, consult medical professionals and legal experts to ensure proper care and protection of your rights.

New Port Richey Truck Accidents: Who Bears Liability?

Determining liability in a truck accident in New Port Richey involves assessing the actions of the parties involved. Several parties might bear liability in a truck accident:

• Truck Driver: The primary responsibility often lies with the truck driver. If the driver was negligent, such as driving under the influence, speeding, or engaging in distracted driving, they may be held liable.

• Trucking Company: The company that owns or operates the truck may be liable if it can be shown that they were negligent in areas such as hiring practices, maintenance of the truck, or adherence to federal regulations governing the trucking industry.

• Truck Manufacturer or Maintenance Providers: If the accident resulted from a defect in the truck’s design or manufacturing, or if maintenance providers failed to identify or address mechanical issues, the manufacturer or maintenance company may be held liable.

• Cargo Loaders: Those responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck may be liable if improper loading or securement of the cargo contributed to the accident.

• Other Drivers: In some cases, the actions of other drivers on the road may contribute to a truck accident. If another driver’s negligence played a role, they may share liability.

• Government Entities: If the accident was caused by a road defect or hazardous conditions, such as poorly maintained roads or lack of signage, a government entity responsible for road maintenance might be liable.

• Employer of the Truck Driver: If the truck driver was acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident, their employer may be vicariously liable for their actions.

• Third Parties: Entities not directly involved in the trucking industry, such as contractors or companies responsible for road construction or maintenance, might bear liability if their actions contributed to the accident.

Determining liability often involves a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Evidence may include witness statements, accident reconstruction, driver logs, maintenance records, and other relevant documentation.

It’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in truck accident cases to navigate the complexities of determining liability. An attorney from Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm can help gather evidence, assess the legal responsibilities of each party, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to seek compensation for injuries and damages.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover for New Port Richey Truck Accident Injuries?

Determining the amount of compensation for truck accident injuries in New Port Richey, or any location, can be complex and depends on various factors. The following factors can influence the amount of compensation you may be able to recover:

• Severity of Injuries: The extent and severity of your injuries play a significant role. More severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disabilities, often result in higher compensation.

• Medical Expenses: You may be entitled to compensation for current medical bills and future medical expenses related to your injuries. This includes hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing medical care.

• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be eligible for compensation for lost wages. This can include both current and future income losses.

• Property Damage: Compensation for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the accident.

• Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages, such as physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life, may also be considered when determining compensation.

• Wrongful Death: In cases where a loved one dies as a result of a truck accident, compensation may be available for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

• Liability: The determination of fault and liability is crucial. If the truck driver or another party involved is found to be negligent, it can impact the amount of compensation you can recover.

• Insurance Coverage: The insurance coverage available, both from the at-fault party’s insurance and your own insurance, can affect the amount of compensation you can recover.

• Legal Representation: Having a skilled personal injury attorney can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive. An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and, if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.

At Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm, we can help you break down the expenses you have faced due to your New Port Richey truck accident injuries and give you an estimate of how much compensation you should pursue. While we cannot guarantee the compensation you will ultimately recover, we let you know what to expect as you move forward with your claim.

If you suffered serious injuries in a New Port Richey truck accident, do not try to handle your claim on your own. An experienced truck accident attorney in New Port Richey can help you learn more about the compensation you deserve and support you through your truck accident claim. 

Contact Lucas, Macyszyn & Dyer Law Firm today at 727-849-5353 or use our contact page to get your free consultation with our New Port Richey personal injury lawyers. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay anything upfront for us to represent you. We will only accept a fee if we recover compensation on your behalf. Otherwise, you owe us nothing.