Lowell 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

It is almost impossible not to encounter an 18-wheeler on a drive through Lowell, Massachusetts. Big rigs are invaluable to America’s economy. Unfortunately, they also pose significant injury risks. In a collision between an 18-wheeler tractor-trailer and a standard automobile, the latter will always lose. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lowell, contact the local Lowell 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Merrimack Valley Injury Lawyers. We may be able to help you obtain compensation for your losses.

Why You Need an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Lowell

Accidents involving commercial vehicles do not use the same litigation rules as a typical passenger car accident. Rather than having a case between two drivers, an 18-wheeler accident will lead to a case between a driver and trucking company, in most situations. The best way to protect your rights as an injured victim is to hire an injury attorney with experience handling these types of claims.

The catastrophic nature of most 18-wheeler accidents makes it important to hire a lawyer. If you or someone you love has a catastrophic injury, such as a spinal cord injury or brain injury, you may need a lawyer to force the at-fault party to pay for your devastating damages. The right personal injury lawyer in Lowell can investigate your truck accident, establish a breach of the duty of care, and demand maximum compensation for damages that may last a lifetime.

What Are the 18-Wheeler Accident Laws in Massachusetts?

The commercial trucking industry is unique. Many different federal and state laws that do not apply to standard passenger vehicles apply to 18-wheelers. As the injured victim of a car accident in commercial truck accident, it is up to you to navigate these laws. This is one of the key reasons you need a personal injury lawyer by your side during the claims process.

  • No-fault law in Massachusetts. The Commonwealth uses a no-fault insurance rule, meaning you will seek compensation from your own insurance company, unless your injuries are serious. Most 18-wheeler collisions in Lowell meet the Commonwealth’s serious injury threshold.
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. The FMCSA has hundreds of laws trucking companies must obey. If you or your lawyer can find proof of a breach of one of these laws, this could serve as proof of the trucking company’s liability for your wreck.
  • Statute of limitations. If your truck accident occurred in Massachusetts, you will have no more than three years from the date of the crash to file a civil claim. This is the statute of limitations on most injury claims. Ignoring this limit could mean giving up your right to file.

These are just three of the many different laws you or your lawyer will need to understand for a successful 18-wheeler accident claim in Lowell. You may also need to navigate comparative negligence laws, vicarious trucking company liability, insurance rules, hours-of-service violations, and many other rules. Hiring an attorney with experience handling truck accident cases can help you understand each law that pertains to your case.

What to Do After an Accident With an 18-Wheeler

As the victim of a collision with an 18-wheeler in Lowell, your two priorities should be your physical health and crash documentation. First, seek professional medical care from a hospital in Lowell if you have a minor or catastrophic injury. Do not delay or skip this step, as the failure to obtain immediate treatment could hurt your insurance claim. Start documenting your truck accident right away. Request copies of your medical records and police reports. If possible, take photographs while you are still at the scene of your 18-wheeler accident. Photos can serve as important evidence during your injury claim.

Another important type of evidence is the truck’s black box. This is a piece of equipment that records important data, such as how fast the truck was traveling at the time of the collision. Preserve the black box by contacting an attorney. An attorney can make phone calls and issue subpoenas that force the trucking company to preserve the truck’s black box information.

Contact Our Lowell 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Today

A lawyer can create a strong claim to damages on your behalf after an 18-wheeler accident. If you or a loved one has serious injuries from a Lowell 18-wheeler accident, call Merrimack Valley Injury Lawyers to schedule a free injury consultation. We may be able to help you and your family move forward. Contact us today.