Rhode Island Truck Accident Lawyers

Why Should You Hire An Experienced Rhode Island Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accident cases are often much more complex than other motor vehicle accidents and personal injury lawsuits due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Multiple parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, and maintenance providers, may also be at fault for the accident. Therefore, it is crucial to hire an experienced truck accident lawyer after a truck crash to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled properly.

An experienced semi-truck accident lawyer understands how to navigate these complexities, whether it’s dealing with the trucking company’s insurance, investigating the cause of the accident, or gathering crucial evidence. They analyse crucial evidence (like the truck’s black box) and know what to look for when working with accident reconstruction experts to establish clear liability.

Moreover, when you are dealing with life-altering injuries and mounting medical bills, the last thing you want is to handle the legal process on your own. Experienced truck accident attorneys at Marasco & Nesselbush can help guide you every step of the way, handling all aspects of your case so you can focus on your healing and recovery.

Common Causes Of Commercial And Semi-Truck Accidents

Truck accidents are rarely minor – and often result from a combination of preventable errors or systemic issues. Understanding what leads to these crashes is the first step toward accountability.

Some of the most common causes behind these devastating collisions include:

Driver Fatigue And Hours-Of-Service Violations

Long hours on the road can take a serious toll on truck drivers. When drivers push past federal hours-of-service regulations under pressure to meet unrealistic timelines, they put everyone at risk. Fatigue slows reaction times and can be just as dangerous as impaired driving.

Distracted Driving Or Driver Negligence

Whether it’s texting or fiddling with a GPS, distractions behind the wheel can have deadly consequences. Taking eyes off the road for even a few seconds at highway speeds is more than enough to cause a serious crash.

Speeding And Aggressive Driving

Some drivers try to make up for lost time by speeding or weaving through traffic. A speeding semi-truck requires far more distance to stop, and aggressive maneuvers can lead to catastrophic rollovers or collisions.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – legal or illegal – severely impacts a truck driver’s ability to operate safely. Impaired judgment and slower reflexes greatly increase the risk of accidents.

Improper Cargo Loading Or Overloading

Cargo must be carefully balanced and secured. When loads shift, fall, or weigh more than they should, trucks can tip over, jackknife, or lose control – especially on curves or during sudden stops.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Commercial trucks log thousands of miles. Without regular inspections and timely repairs, worn brakes, faulty lights, or bald tires can turn routine driving into a deadly hazard.

Inadequate Driver Training

Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained to handle large vehicles. Lack of experience with braking, turning, or emergency maneuvers can be dangerous for everyone on the road.

Unsafe Lane Changes And Blind Spots

Big trucks have big blind spots. If a driver fails to check these areas or signals too late, they can sideswipe smaller vehicles or force them off the road entirely.

When trucking companies cut corners or drivers make reckless choices, innocent people suffer. If those negligent actions cause a crash, victims deserve the chance to recover – physically, emotionally, and financially.

Who Can Be Held Liable For Your Truck Accident Injuries?

Truck accident cases are rarely straightforward, involving more than just the driver behind the wheel. Unlike regular car accidents, multiple parties (like truck drivers and companies or parts manufacturers) may share legal responsibility, depending on how the crash occurred. Identifying all liable parties is essential for building a strong case and securing the full compensation you deserve.

Potentially liable parties in a truck accident include:

The Truck Driver

The truck driver is often the first to be examined. If they were speeding, fatigued, distracted, under the influence, or violating hours-of-service rules, they may be held directly liable. Reckless or negligent behavior behind the wheel or driver error often plays a major role in truck accidents.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held responsible if they failed to properly vet, train or supervise their drivers – or if they pushed them to meet unrealistic deadlines that encouraged unsafe or poor driving practices. They may also be liable for negligent hiring or maintenance practices.

The Cargo/Loading Company

Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents. If a third-party loading company was involved, they could be held accountable for their role in the crash.

The Truck Or Parts Manufacturer

Defective parts such as brakes, tires, or steering components can cause a truck to fail suddenly. In such cases, the truck manufacturer may be held liable under product liability laws for putting unsafe parts into circulation.

A Third-Party Maintenance Company

If a maintenance provider failed to identify or fix mechanical issues during routine service, and that failure contributed to the crash, they may share legal responsibility for the resulting injuries.

At Marasco & Nesselbush, we thoroughly investigate every aspect of your case to uncover all possible sources of liability – because holding the right parties accountable helps you recover the maximum compensation available under Rhode Island law.

Common Injuries Sustained In Truck Accidents

Due to their sheer size and weight, commercial trucks can cause life-altering injuries when they collide with smaller vehicles. Victims often face long recoveries, lasting pain, and permanent disabilities.

Some of the most common injuries sustained in truck accidents include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBIs can result from a violent blow to the head during impact. Even a mild TBI can cause memory loss, confusion, or mood changes – while severe cases may lead to long-term cognitive impairment or coma.

Spinal Cord Injuries And Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can lead to partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and lifelong medical care.

Back And Neck Injuries

Whiplash, herniated discs, and chronic pain are common in truck accidents. These injuries may seem minor at first, but can become debilitating over time.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma from a collision can damage vital organs like the lungs, liver, or kidneys. These injuries are often life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

Broken Bones And Complex Fractures

The force of a truck crash can shatter bones, requiring multiple surgeries, metal implants, and months of physical therapy to heal.

Burn Injuries

Fuel fires or hazardous material spills can lead to serious burns, resulting in permanent scarring, infection risk, and emotional trauma.

Wrongful Death

In the most tragic cases, truck accidents result in fatalities. Surviving families may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and financial support.

Types Of Commercial Truck Accident Cases We Handle In Rhode Island

At Marasco & Nesselbush, we represent victims in a wide range of commercial truck accident cases across Rhode Island and Massachusetts. These crashes often involve large, heavy vehicles that cause devastating injuries and complex legal challenges.

Semi-Trucks Or 18-Wheeler

Due to their size and weight, semi-trucks can cause serious damage in a crash. Their large blind spots often lead to sideswipes or dangerous lane-change accidents. Jackknife and rollover crashes are also common, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.

Tanker Trucks

Tanker trucks have a high center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers. The liquid inside can shift during transit – a phenomenon known as liquid surge – which can destabilize the vehicle. If the tanker carries hazardous materials, accidents may lead to fires, toxic spills, or explosions.

Flatbed Trucks

Flatbeds often transport heavy or oversized cargo. When cargo like steel beams or machinery isn’t properly secured, it can fall into traffic and cause deadly multi-vehicle accidents. These trucks also lack side and rear protection, increasing the risk of serious collisions.

Box Trucks

Common in neighborhoods and city streets, box trucks frequently share roads with pedestrians and cyclists. Their wide turns and limited visibility often result in collisions in tight urban spaces.

Dump Trucks And Garbage Trucks

These vehicles stop and start often in residential areas, increasing the risk of back-over accidents. They also carry unbalanced loads that can shift and cause rollovers, or drop debris that can become hazardous to other drivers.

Logging Trucks And Car Carriers

Logging trucks pose a specific risk if logs break loose during transport. Car carriers, with their length and height, are difficult to maneuver and prone to striking bridges or blocking multiple lanes during accidents.

No matter the type of truck involved, our skilled truck accident attorneys are here to help you recover and hold the responsible parties accountable.

How Much Compensation Can I Receive For A Truck Accident?

The value of your truck accident claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and who’s at fault. At Marasco & Nesselbush, we work to recover the full amount you’re entitled to – covering both financial losses and the personal toll the accident has taken.

Economic Damages

These are your measurable financial losses, such as:

• Medical bills (including future treatments or surgeries)
• Lost wages from time off work
• Reduced or lost earning capacity if you can’t return to your job

Non-Economic Damages

These account for the emotional and physical pain you’ve endured:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to permanent injuries or lifestyle changes

Why Trust Marasco & Nesselbush Motor Vehicle Accident Attorneys?

Experienced legal representation and a proven track record can make all the difference when handling a truck accident case and getting the compensation you deserve. With over two decades of experience handling personal injury claims, our team is well-versed in Rhode Island personal injury law. We have the experience and resources to effectively navigate the complexities involved in truck accident cases, from handling large trucking companies to dealing with insurance companies determined to minimize claims.

We focus on offering compassionate support and personalized legal services to individuals and families hurt in truck or commercial vehicle accidents. Our commitment to delivering results is reflected in numerous success stories and over $200 million recovered on behalf of our clients for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But don’t just take our word for it – our clients consistently praise us for our professionalism, dedication, and personal attention.

Our team of Rhode Island truck accident injury lawyers works tirelessly to help victims, ensuring our clients’ voices are heard and that they receive the compensation they deserve. Our track record of success and compassionate service makes us the truck accident law firm you can rely on in your time of need.

Truck Accident Resources And Laws For Rhode Island

Understanding the local laws and resources available to truck accident victims can make navigating the aftermath of a truck accident a little easier. This guide provides essential information on key regulations and resources to help address your concerns effectively:

Rhode Island Laws

Large commercial trucks in Rhode Island are subject to both state and federal regulations. The Rhode Island Department of Transportation and the Office of Highway Safety govern local trucking activity, while federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) oversee interstate operations.

Key regulations include:

• Truck drivers must hold a valid commercial driver’s license (CLD).
• Truck drivers must adhere to the hours-of-service regulations and limit their driving hours accordingly.
• Truckers must keep detailed driving logs to ensure they do not violate the hours-of-service regulations.
• Commercial trucks must undergo regular inspections to ensure safe operating conditions.
• It is illegal for drivers to operate vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration above 0.04%.

Reporting Requirements

In Rhode Island, you must report any accident that causes injury or damage exceeding $1,000 to local law enforcement within 24 hours of the incident.

Local Resources

• Rhode Island State Police
• Rhode Island DMV

Local Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,

• Large trucks account for 9% of all motor vehicles involved in fatal crashes.
• In 2021, 3 individuals were victims of fatal truck accidents, 3.2% of the total fatal traffic crashes in Rhode Island.

Contact A Rhode Island Truck Accident Attorney Today For A Free Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, getting legal help is crucial to protect your rights. Contact our team of truck accident lawyers in Rhode Island today for a free initial consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact us today to get personalized representation and secure the compensation you deserve.

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FAQs

How long will it take to resolve my case?

Every case is different. Some truck accident claims settle in a few months, while others – especially those involving multiple parties or serious injuries – may take over a year. The timeframe depends on the investigation, medical treatment, negotiations, and whether the case goes to court.

What happens if the trucking company’s insurance company calls me? Should I talk to them?

You should not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster before you discuss your case with an experienced lawyer. They may try to minimize your claim or get you to say something harmful to your case. Direct all communication to your attorney.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

The value depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. Severe injuries often lead to higher compensation. For example, the average payout for a truck accident claim in Rhode Island ranges from $30,000 to $100,000, but in accidents involving more severe injuries, it may reach $1 million or more. A truck accident attorney can assess your specific case and help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What should I do after a truck accident?

Once you’ve ensured your safety, call the police, seek medical attention, document the scene if you can, and avoid speaking with insurers. Then, contact a truck accident attorney to protect your rights and build your case.

Why should I hire a truck accident attorney for my case?

Truck accident claims often involve multiple parties, and it can be challenging to prove liability. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate, handle insurance companies, and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. They also make sure you file a claim within the statute of limitations, so you don’t forfeit your rights to recover compensation.