Who Is Responsible for Truck Accidents in Arkansas?
Truck accidents in Jonesboro and throughout Arkansas generally are more complicated than accidents involving passenger cars. That's because a tractor-trailer accident may involve multiple liable parties. Rarely do truck accident victims just deal with the driver who may have caused the accident. Trucking companies are often involved and could even be liable for causing the accident. Yet these truck companies are often located out-of-state, difficult to track down, and typically have teams of attorneys working behind the scenes to limit the company's liability. Even if you do track them down, you may find it difficult to get straight answers.
The causes of tractor-trailer accidents may be complex. In the case of the driver who fell asleep, was he or she fatigued due to a schedule set by the trucking company? Drivers typically face tremendous pressure to move their cargo quickly. While there are regulations limiting the amount of time truckers can spend behind the wheel, they sometimes break the rules to satisfy their employers' goals. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC has a proven record of winning hard cases and getting the justice our clients need and deserve.
Determining fault in Arkansas tractor-trailer accidents
Commercial trucks governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to carry liability insurance for accidents that result in bodily injury or death. If the truck is not regulated by the DOT, it must follow state rules that require a minimum amount of liability insurance. Other liable parties may include the owner of the freight. Sometimes, one company owns the cab while another owns the trailer. There may be a parent company of the owner of the truck or the employer of the driver.
In typical truck accident cases, McDaniel Law Firm, PLC will look at the professional liability of those who maintain or load the tractor-trailer. We ask questions such as:
- Were there any prior incidents?
- Were there past police reports?
- What kind of insurance coverage does the firm have?
- What are the hiring, training, and supervising practices of the trucking company?
Furthermore, we can look into records such as the driver's background, "black box" data from inside the truck involved in the accident, or history of accidents or moving violations.
How a truck accident lawyer in Jonesboro can help
We understand accidents happen fast in Arkansas. Knowing what to do can be difficult and confusing. That's why we work so hard for each of our clients. We put your needs first. If somebody else caused your accident, you should not have to face years or even a lifetime of financial hardship. Don't let insurance companies intimidate you. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC can help.
Your accident turned your life upside down. Trust our firm to help set things right. McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve. Contact us. Call 870-336-4747 and schedule a free consultation today at our Jonesboro office. We proudly serve clients throughout Northeast Arkansas (including Jonesboro, Paragould, Craighead County, Lawrence County, Greene County, Mississippi County, and Poinsett County), all of Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and Memphis, Tennessee.
