When You Have Been Injured By a Commercial Driver
Drivers of commercial vehicles have certain state and federal regulations to which they must adhere. For example, they can only drive a certain number of hours a day and they must rest for a certain amount of time in between trips. Drivers must also keep a log of their driving. And, after a truck wreck, they are usually required to submit to urinalysis to determine if the driver was under the influence of any substance. Obtaining this information about the driver can be very helpful to your case.
At Theresa I. Wigginton, P.A., in the Tampa, Florida, area, I know the rules that affect truck drivers. When truck accidents happen, I am well prepared to help personal injury victims right the wrongs. I am very thorough and begin an in-depth investigation immediately.
I look at all the facts and laws that may be involved in the trucking accident. I request documents, conduct investigations and depositions:
- If the accident involved a commercial trucker with a CDL license, I make sure I obtain the information from the urine test.
- I look at the driving log to see the times spent driving and to check for driver fatigue.
- I research what the driver did in the day before the truck accident. This can often help me tell if it was likely he or she fell asleep.
- Sometimes big rigs try to save money by travelling overloaded on routes without weigh stations. However, overloaded trucks do not perform well in an emergency. I do in-depth discovery on whether or not the truck was overloaded.
- I look at the load the tractor trailer was carrying. Was it secured pursuant to the regulations for that load. Was it likely to have shifted in a truck accident? I find out.
Because of the sheer weight and size of an 18 wheeler, trucking accidents involve some of the most serious injuries, like back injuries, brain injuries and wrongful death. However, these injuries aren't always apparent at the scene of an accident.
Even if the injuries seem minimal at first, contact an attorney with truck accident litigation experience. You body has a natural defense mechanism that creates an adrenaline rush when you are in danger. Because of this rush, people may be seriously hurt in an accident and not feel anything until much later. It is not unusual for clients, who later become aware that they seem more forgetful, or get migraines do not associate these problems with the accident. This often prevents them from taking the crash as seriously as they should.
Take action. To talk with a lawyer about your truck accident, contact Theresa I. Wigginton, P.A. by calling 866-935-0605 or by completing my online contact form.
