For most motorists on small vehicles, motorcycles, or bicycles, the sight of a large tanker truck approaching is nerve-racking. It’s even a bigger nightmare when such a truck collides with, scratches, or hits the motorist from behind. Tanker truck accidents can cause fires, severe injuries, extensive property damage, and death. If you’re a victim of a tanker truck accident, a Cape Coral truck accident lawyer can help you recover damages.
What Are Some Causes of Tanker Truck Accidents in Cape Coral?
Tanker truck accidents can be catastrophic and life-altering. The following are the major causes of these accidents:
Fatigued Driving
Drivers operating these tanker trucks endure long hours of driving. It’s also challenging to control a huge tanker ferrying tons of oil. If you’re unlucky to encounter a fatigued driver, they may lose control and run into your car or motorcycle.
Driving Under Influence
You may encounter tanker truck drivers driving under the influence of alcohol, inhalants, and other drugs. These individuals cannot think clearly and sometimes lose control, causing road accidents.
Poor Truck Maintenance and Servicing
Huge tanker trucks require regular maintenance and servicing of vehicle parts to ensure they are road-worthy. If the driver or oil company gives the go-ahead for an unserviced truck, the truck may fail on the road and cause an accident.
Reckless Driving
Sometimes the arrogance and recklessness of a tanker truck driver will cause an accident. For example, the driver may be speeding or changing lanes carelessly.
Bad Road Conditions
A faulty bridge, pothole, unchecked blindspot, or other faulty road conditions can cause truck accidents. If you’re a victim of such an accident, the local authority or state is liable for your injuries and damages.
Poor Weather Conditions
Weather conditions that decrease visibility can lead to collisions with a tanker truck. These include fog, snow, or heavy rains.
Who Will Compensate Me for Damages After a Tanker Truck Accident?
It’s your right to get compensation for any economic and non-economic damages you incur following a tanker truck accident. As an individual, you may get confused on who to sue for the damages between the truck driver, trucking company, or other parties.
Fortunately, a Cape Coral personal injury lawyer will help you identify the responsible party and file a claim. The following are some of the liable parties in a tanker truck accident:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Oil company or distributor
- The state or local authorities if the accident resulted from bad road conditions
- The truck manufacturer
What Does a Tanker Truck Accident Lawyer Do?
When you hire a tanker truck attorney, they will examine your claim to confirm its effectiveness. A compelling case is where the lawyer can prove the liable party’s negligence, the injuries and damages resulting from the accident, and provide solid evidence.
At the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine, we may do the following to help you build a compelling case:
- Collect the accident report from the police and review it
- Obtain your medical report from the doctor who tended to your injuries
- Complete a valuation of your property damage
- Calculate your pain and suffering to ensure you get a reasonable settlement
- Recreate the accident scene to build a compelling case
- Obtain testimonies from eyewitnesses
- Handle the insurance company on your behalf
- Negotiate the proper compensation for you
What Are Some Recoverable Damages I Can Claim Following a Tanker Truck Accident?
The following are some of the damages you may recover from a tanker truck accident:
- Wrongful death
- Loss of consortium
- Physical pain and suffering
- Disability
- Lost income during the recovery period
- Decreased earning capacity
- Mental distress
- Emotional trauma
- Property repair or replacement bills
- Current and future medical expenses
Does every tanker truck accident claim go to court?
No. A personal injury case doesn’t always proceed to court. Sometimes, the insurance company will offer you a settlement, and if you accept it, the case ends there. The claim only proceeds to court if you cannot agree with the insurance company. If the case proceeds to court, a judge will determine the case, either dismiss it or award you a settlement.
How Long Do I Have To File A Lawsuit After a Tanker Truck Accident?
You have up to four years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Cape Coral. If this period elapses, your case may be dismissed. After a tanker truck accident, the recovery process can be overwhelming, and you may lose track of time. A personal injury lawyer can help you abide by any deadlines.
Why Should I Hire an Attorney From the Law Offices Of Anidjar & Levine?
We provide our clients with personalized attention. Here are a few things that make our Cape Coral tanker truck accident lawyers stand out:
- We offer responsive legal care.
- We help you schedule appointments.
- We reply to all your emails and answer all your calls.
- We help you fix or replace your car
- We give you our attorney’s number.
- We go the extra mile, taking care of everything so that you can focus on getting better.
Let Us Handle Your Case
Let’s help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
We Can Help.
