If you have been injured in a collision with a commercial truck, you are likely dealing with mounting medical bills, serious injuries, and lost wages. The aftermath of a truck accident in Nashua can leave you feeling frustrated and confused. If you or a loved one were injured in an accident with a commercial truck, you may have the right to seek financial compensation to help cover your medical bills and provide support while you recover.
To explore your legal options and consult with an experienced truck accident attorney in Nashua, New Hampshire, contact the Coates Law Office, PLLC today.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents in Nashua
Accidents involving commercial trucks and passenger cars can have devastating consequences due to the vast difference in size between the two vehicles. The smaller vehicle’s occupants often bear the brunt of the impact, resulting in severe personal injuries or fatalities in Nashua, leaving the victims and/or their families with life-altering consequences.
Despite advancements in vehicle safety technology, the number of large truck accidents has increased. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, truck accidents have increased by over 40% since 2009. This alarming trend poses a significant threat to the safety of motorists in New Hampshire.
Despite efforts by federal regulators to reduce commercial truck accidents, changes in regulations have had limited impact on the rising crash rates. While multiple factors contribute to these accidents, a few stand out:
- Driver fatigue is a significant cause of commercial truck accidents. Truck drivers often face strict deadlines for delivering their cargo, leading them to disregard “hours of operation” rules and drive for longer hours than legally allowed. Fatigue increases the risk of accidents, similar to driving under the influence.
- Alcohol or drug abuse is another contributing factor. While it is challenging to determine the exact number of intoxicated truck drivers on the road, daily arrests across the country indicate the presence of this problem. An intoxicated driver operating a commercial truck can cause catastrophic injuries.
- Careless driving is a significant issue as well. Drivers make judgment errors every day, but when those mistakes involve large trucks, the consequences can be severe. Speeding or failure to yield the right-of-way are common causes of accidents.
Liability In Nashua Truck Accidents
To recover damages following a truck accident, the plaintiff must establish fault on the part of another party. Typically, commercial truck accidents in Nashua occur due to the negligent driving of the truck driver. Any careless or reckless act by the truck driver, such as speeding or driving while fatigued, can strengthen an injury claim.
Truck drivers are not the only ones liable in many cases. The truck’s owner may also bear responsibility for the accident. If the truck driver was an employee acting within the scope of their employment, the trucking company could also be held accountable for damages. Trucking companies may face liability for negligent hiring practices or failure to maintain their vehicles properly.
Potential Injuries In Truck Accidents in Nashua
A truck accident can result in devastating injuries for all parties involved. Due to the size and speed of commercial trucks, the impact of a collision can be immense. Such car accidents often lead to total vehicle damage and severe injuries to occupants.
Some common types of injuries resulting from truck accidents include:
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Amputations
- Burns
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Internal bleeding; and
- Fatalities
Available Damages In A Nashua Truck Accident Lawsuit
The physical, emotional, and financial costs of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Injured victims may face mounting medical bills while recovering from severe injuries, making it challenging to cover expenses without work income.
Fortunately, truck accident victims in Nashua may be entitled to financial compensation for these damages. By pursuing the compensation they deserve, victims can have peace of mind knowing their financial needs will be met during the recovery process.
Some common damages sought in truck accident claims include:
- Past and Future Medical Expenses: Past medical expenses refer to the costs incurred for medical care received before the settlement or trial, including emergency room visits, surgeries, hospital stays, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy. Future medical expenses refer to the estimated costs of necessary ongoing medical treatment, such as surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and long-term care.
- Lost Wages: To cover the income the injured party would have earned had the accident not occurred. It includes the wages lost during the recovery period, as well as any reduction in earning capacity if the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability that affects the individual’s ability to work and earn a living.
- Vehicle Repair Costs: Compensation for the costs of repairing or replacing the victim’s vehicle, including parts, labor, and any other associated expenses. This also applies to personal belongings damaged or lost in the accident, such as electronics or other valuable items.
- Pain and Suffering: To compensate the victim for the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident and subsequent injuries. This may include the immediate pain and suffering experienced at the time of the accident, as well as ongoing pain, discomfort, and emotional distress resulting from the injuries.
- Disfigurement: To address permanent scarring, loss of limbs, or other visible physical changes that significantly affect a person’s appearance, as well as the psychological and emotional impact of the visible changes.
- Long-Term Disability: To address reduced quality of life, loss of enjoyment of activities, and the need for long-term medical treatments, therapy, or adaptive equipment.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages sought by the spouse or immediate family members of an injured individual, including the loss of support, companionship, guidance, and the inability to engage in activities together as before the accident.
These are just a few examples of the damages that can be pursued in a successful truck accident claim. An experienced Nashua truck accident attorney can provide guidance on the full range of compensation available in your specific case.
Contact A Nashua Truck Accident Lawyer For The Help You Need
If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident in Nashua, holding the at-fault party accountable for your damages is crucial. To achieve this and obtain the compensation you deserve, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a skilled truck accident lawyer in Nashua.
To find out more about your legal options and receive professional assistance, contact the Coates Law Office, PLLC, today at 603-262-5766.