WHEELING TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

According to the West Virginia Truck Driving Association, there are approximately 34,410 jobs in the state’s trucking industry, which makes about 1 out of every 16 jobs in West Virginia related to trucking. The Association also points to recent reports that the West Virginia trucking industry paid $246 million dollars in roadway taxes and fees. There is no doubt that the trucking industry benefits all of us here in Wheeling and across the state of West Virginia, but a downside to the trucking industry is that when truck accidents occur, they often cause grave injuries to others involved in the accident.

TRUCKING REGULATIONS

Truck accidents are similar to regular passenger vehicle accidents in that fault must be proven in order to receive compensation for injuries and damages sustained in the accident. A case for liability is often built on witness testimony, police accident reports, accident reconstruction, and expert witness testimony. Truck accidents differ from regular passenger vehicle accidents in that the trucking industry is subject to federal and state regulations and requirements and investigating compliance or noncompliance with those regulations is often very important in building a case against a truck driver, employer, and/or truck owner.

Trucking regulations and requirements are expected to be strictly complied with because they are created with safety in mind. Trucking laws protect truck drivers, truck passengers, and especially anyone else on the road including occupants of other vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When defendant truck drivers, employers, and owners are not in compliance with trucking laws, it can be used as evidence against defendants in truck accident cases. Regulation violations that our truck accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman most often discover during compliance investigations relate to the following:

• Hours of service regulations place limits on the hours and consecutive days that truck drivers may operate their vehicles.
• Safe loading and cargo securement regulations to prevent lost loads or shifting loads, which can be perilous.
• Maintenance, repair, and inspection regulations to ensure that trucks are in safe working order when operating on our West Virginia roads.
• Compliance with background check regulations related to a driver’s driving record, work history, drug checks, medical certifications, and road testing.
• Safety training for truck drivers because trucks do not operate or handle like passenger vehicles and drivers must be trained in order to safely operate them.

INSURANCE COMPANIES

Due to the size, weight, mass, and design of trucks, truck accident injuries can be catastrophic. Truck accident impacts can cause serious injuries including shattered and broken bones, spinal injuries, severed limbs, traumatic brain injuries, and death. When truck accidents occur, insurance companies are sometimes quick to call injured parties and offer settlements in exchange for a release of liability. It is critical to understand that insurance companies are not on your side and are not looking to see that you are compensated for your injuries and damages.

If you are contacted by an insurance company, you do not have to speak with them. Our Wheeling truck accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman are skilled insurance negotiators and trial attorneys. We want to see that you are fully compensated for your injuries and damages and we will negotiate with insurance companies and if they are not making reasonable offers, we will take your case to trial in order to maximize your recovery.