When a Truck Wreck Causes Wrongful Death
Interstates 81 and 26 are major thoroughfares for trucking. As big trucks travel from the coal fields and the timber hills of Virginia and West Virginia through the windy roads of the Appalachian Mountains, wrecks are nearly inevitable.
With these wrecks come very serious injuries and wrongful death. At the Stapleton Law Office we understand the serious negative impact the loss of a loved one can have on a family. We know that our clients are often devastated and left without the financial support, so we fight hard to help them find justice.
What You Should Know About a Truck Wreck
Truck wrecks are not like car wrecks. When a semi-truck is involved in an accident — especially a truck accident fatality — the trucking company hires a team of insurance industry experts to spring into action. This team of investigators, accident reconstructionists and engineers goes immediately to the scene of an accident. They investigate ways to defend a possible lawsuit, even before one is ever filed.
You should know that, while you and your family grieve for the loss of a loved one, the trucking company and their insurance carrier almost immediately visit the scene of the collision and start building a case in their favor. The best way to take action against these people is to get your own attorney and his team of experts involved as quickly as possible.
The Law on Truck Accidents
Many lawyers do not realize that the law on truck accidents is different than the law on car accidents. Trucking litigation is guided by an independent set of rules created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is focused on reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and busses, so its rules govern almost every part of a trucker's job. FMCSA rules say how much rest truck drivers must get between shifts, what load they can and cannot haul, and when a driver must submit to drug and alcohol testing.
Because the rules on truck driving and truck accident fatalities are so complex, it is critical to work with an experienced lawyer. At the Stapleton Law Offices, we use more than 20 years of experience, which gives us the in-depth experience necessary to help our clients get the best possible results in Tennessee courts.
Contact a Lawyer With Experience in Truck Accident Fatalities
When a loved one has been involved in a deadly crash, seek the help of an experienced attorney. To talk with trial lawyer Mark Stapleton or one of our office staff, contact the Stapleton Law Office by calling 423-546-4046 or by completing our online contact form.
