A tractor trailer crash can have devastating impacts – mental and physical.
As experienced truck accident lawyers in Durham, NC, many of the personal injury cases we handle result from the careless and unlawful operation of tractor-trailers and other commercial vehicles. When a large tractor-trailer crashes into a smaller vehicle, the dynamics are dramatically different then when two cars collide – and the damage, physical and mental, can be devastating. Over the years, we have put together an exceptional team of experts to help us thoroughly prepare our cases. We know how to use all of the information available in these situations – for example, driver logs and delivery records – to clearly establish fault.
As the following examples make clear, our team of truck accident lawyers understands the ins-and-outs of these types of cases.
Off-Duty EMT Hit By Tractor-Trailer
The Case:
Bob, an off-duty Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), driving on a busy highway in severe fog, came upon a wreck at an intersection. He immediately decided to offer assistance, drove his car past the wreck, parked and turned on his car’s flashers. Bob got out of his car and flagged traffic to make sure oncoming drivers were aware of the situation. A tractor-trailer was stopped in one lane; another tractor-trailer passed this stopped tractor-trailer and hit Bob. He was in a coma for days, sustained severe orthopedic and traumatic brain injuries, and has not been able to work again. In the course of doing a good deed, Bob’s life was changed in an instant.
The Investigation:
Our attorneys consulted with trucking industry experts to determine what the second tractor-trailer’s actions should have been. Through detailed expert testimony, our attorneys were able to prove that the driver of the second tractor-trailer was negligent for passing a stopped truck with limited visibility. Despite the trucking company’s claims that Bob was negligent, our attorneys successfully argued that he was doing what he was trained to do as an EMT, and therefore did nothing wrong.
The Results:
Our arguments were successful, and Bob collected damages to pay for all past and future medical expenses. We then worked with him to set up a structured settlement that will provide him with an income for the remainder of his life.
Man Repairing Disabled Car Hit By 18-Wheeler
The Case:
Victor, a Hispanic man was working to save up money and send it home to his family in Mexico. While on the side of the road making a minor repair to his car which had become disabled, a tractor-trailer driving by lost a wheel, which flew across the road and hit him. The impact caused severe orthopedic injuries and a traumatic brain injury, and Victor was in a coma for several weeks. He suffered catastrophic permanent injuries.
The Investigation:
Our attorneys’ investigation determined that the truck had not been properly inspected to make sure it met current safety standards, and that the wheel had been loose for some time without anyone noticing. In addition, the truck was hauling hazardous materials, and as a result should have been subject to even more frequent inspections. Our attorneys uncovered the delivery manifest for the truck and proved that it had stopped several times the day of the wreck without being inspected. They were also able to prove that, based on the condition of the car, Victor had no choice but to pull over and attempt the repair in the location where he did.
The Results:
Following a successful settlement, our attorneys played an integral role in making sure Victor had medical professionals to provide expert care following the wreck, and ensuring that he was placed in an appropriate institution that could meet his ongoing needs. We also worked with life care providers to create a plan for managing his income, providing for his ongoing medical needs and continuing the support of his family.
NOTE: Names of clients have been changed for confidentiality reasons.