It's almost impossible to imagine our lives without the benefit of commercial trucking. Nearly everything we buy, from food to sporting goods to the very cars we drive, is delivered to retail outlets via commercial trucking. All of this explains why trucking is a multi-billion-dollar industry that literally never sleeps.
Unfortunately, there is a downside to all this movement of goods and consumer products. You can't have all those trucks on the road in and around Boston without accidents. Unfortunately, the size of most trucks means that many truck accidents are serious, even if they occurred at relatively low speeds.
If you've been hurt in a truck accident, you must consider your next moves very carefully. Of all those moves, perhaps none can be more beneficial to you than hiring the right Boston truck accident attorney.
Important Steps Following Your Accident
A large truck is often no match for a car, SUV, or motorcycle, and large trucks are a common sight among Boston's busy roadways. Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike are at constant risk of catastrophe when truck drivers or operators behave negligently. If you experienced injuries due to the reckless actions of a truck driver in Boston, we could help you.
A Boston truck accident lawyer from Dolman Law Group can assist you in your pursuit of compensation. Your injuries can impact your life for a very long time, and in some cases, forever.
Dolman Law Group serves truck accident victims and their families throughout Boston, and Larry Nussbaum leads our team of skilled commercial vehicle accident attorneys who will evaluate your case for free. Call us now to learn if you have a possible case for civil action.
Don't Sign Away Your Rights After a Truck Accident
After you've experienced something as frightening as being injured in a truck accident, it's perfectly normal to just want to move on with your life and put the entire experience behind you. Unfortunately, the severity of truck accidents cause injuries in many situations. These injuries can make putting the accident behind you very difficult.
Sadly, it's not uncommon for insurers and attorneys who represent trucking companies to try and take advantage of you after the accident. Making you a quick settlement offer while also implying that you don't deserve anything more is one of their favorite tactics. It's very likely that their early offer does not reflect the potential value of your case. If you accept it, you will sign away your rights to seek further compensation.
If you've been injured in a truck accident, you have a legal right to seek fair compensation for your injuries and damages. This means you don't have to accept an early settlement offer from an insurance claims adjuster or the attorney representing the negligent party.
You probably shouldn't accept any settlement offer from a trucking company insurer or their attorney without first consulting with your own counsel.
An Example of Our Success
One of our most successful cases involved a semi-truck accident that resulted in a brain injury. Through pre-trial mediation, we secured a settlement of $3.2 million for our client. The outcome of your case may differ, as each Boston truck accident case is unique. There is never a guarantee of compensation, yet settling for less than you deserve is not an option.
Payment for medical costs associated with your care should come from the responsible party, and not from your finances. At Dolman Law Group, if we cannot reach a fair settlement offer, we are always willing to take our client's case to trial. Preparing and building your case takes time.
Contacting us sooner rather than later is best for everyone. It allows you to unload the burden of your accident, and it will enable us to get started on your case.
Our Commitment to Affordable Representation
At Dolman Law Group, we offer our services to Boston truck accident victims on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only collect an attorney's fee if we secure compensation for you. Too often, accident victims believe they cannot afford to hire an attorney.
This is the time when they need legal representation the most. Handling your case alone can cause frustration and result in you not securing the outcome you need. Your injuries require time to heal, but your medical bills cannot wait. Let us help you pursue compensation for your truck accident injuries by contacting us for a free case evaluation.
Dolman Law Group Are Here to Help You With Your Boston Truck Accident Case
Our Boston truck accident lawyers are not afraid to confront large insurance and trucking companies. We know how to spot the tactics insurance companies use to deny claims. When it comes to arguing before the court, we understand how to present your case in a way that resonates with jurors. It is our goal to secure the best outcome for you.
No one truck accident case is alike. Your lawyer must get to work building your case as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for filing a civil lawsuit in Massachusetts is three years. The time starts the moment you suffer your injuries. This tight timeline demands quick action. Once we meet regarding your case, we can handle all aspects of it, including but not limited to:
- Aggressive insurance adjusters
- Interviewing witnesses
- Collecting photographs
- Securing a police report
- Gathering medical records
Dolman Law Group stands committed to providing our clients with the utmost customer service. We listen to our clients to gain a better understanding of how an accident impacted their life. When a case involves a loved one, we learn about their lives and how the loss affects those left behind.
It is often impossible to escape a truck accident with no injuries. The force of impact can leave you dazed and in pain. Once you settle into your hospital bed, the reality of your situation hits you. When it does, contact Dolman Law Group. The sooner we get to work for you, the better for your case. If we do not file your lawsuit on time, you may lose out on compensation forever.
The trucking industry provides a valuable service; however, they must do so with safe drivers and trucks. Seek the justice you need on behalf of yourself or your loved one by reaching out to us today. It is a simple process where a member of our team can inform you if you have a case for moving forward.
Call Dolman Law Group now regarding your truck accident injuries or death.
Types of Compensation Possible in Boston Truck Accident Cases
Possible compensation for your truck accident injuries might include:
- Medical costs for treatment and care now, along with your anticipated future care
- Loss of income
- Diminished earning capacity for possible future earnings
- Mental anguish
These are just some examples of the types of compensation possible. It is impossible to predict the outcome of your case. Planning for long-term medical needs is critical if you or a loved one experienced injuries in a truck accident.
You Can Help Your Boston Truck Accident Case
There are ways—despite your injuries—that you can help your case. Examining your belongings and your smartphone for evidence is an excellent place to start. You may find a copy of the police report among your documents. Your smartphone may contain a variety of helpful information, including:
- Photographs and videos of what occurred
- Contact information for eyewitnesses
Supplying your lawyer with copies of your medical records can also help your case. If you cannot gather the information, your lawyer can search for it on your behalf. Use caution during this time regarding whom you share information with. Friends and family may contact you and ask questions about what happened.
Protecting essential details of your case prevents rumors and gossip. If the wrong information makes its way back to the insurance company, you might wrongfully receive the blame for the accident.
Common Causes of Boston Truck Accidents
Truck drivers spend substantial hours on the road. Their travel between home and their destination or their company demands full attention. To maintain their commercial driver's license, truck drivers must refrain from:
- Drunk driving: The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for those with a CDL is .04 percent or higher
- Distracted driving: Any actions that remove the driver's focus from the road, hands from the wheel, or mind from driving
- Aggressive driving: Includes such dangerous actions as speeding, tailgating, and changing lanes without signaling
- Drowsy driving: This type of driving makes it easy for a driver to drift into another driver's lane
The unsafe actions of a truck driver can both end their career and ruin your life. There is often no place to go to escape the impact of an out-of-control semi-truck. The impact is something you may relive repeatedly if you develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following the accident. Accident scene photographs and videos of the wreckage can stir unpleasant memories.
A Boston truck accident lawyer can manage the details of your claim so that you do not have to relive the event. Hiring a lawyer to represent you can ensure you have someone protecting your best interests. Your lawyer can convey to insurance companies (and possibly a jury) the true effects of the accident on your life.
If you suffered life-altering injuries because of a careless truck driver in Boston, take action now and contact Dolman Law Group for help.
Boston Trucking Companies and Liability
Some tragic accidents occur due to poor driver training, and others due to a lack of proper maintenance. The trucking industry receives its rules and regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in addition to regulations set forth by state agencies.
In a large truck crash causation study, the FMCSA and other agencies discovered several causes of truck crashes. Most of these causes, in addition to driver error, involved truck maintenance issues:
- Worn tires
- Cracked windshields
- Improperly working lights
- Faulty brakes
These and other issues are easily fixable if a trucking company uses care. Maintaining their fleet can protect the driver and other drivers. A full investigation of your accident can help your Boston truck accident lawyer determine if the trucking company is liable for your harm. In addition to maintenance issues, a trucking company may face liability if they failed to properly screen or train a driver.
Hiring a truck driver without checking their record for previous traffic convictions can result in an accident for the same type of previous behavior. Many truck drivers drive responsibly and with safe trucks. As professional drivers, their job depends upon following the hours of service and other rules of the road. If a truck driver lost control and collided with your vehicle, hold them accountable for your damages.
Boston Truck Accidents and Your Injuries
A large semi-truck can intimidate you as you travel alongside it on a busy highway. The size and weight of such a truck require sharing the road and allowing enough room for everyone to travel safely.
A serious crash involving a semi-truck can impact your life forever. From a rear-end collision to an accident involving a tanker truck, the injuries you suffer can require long-term and expensive care. Serious types of truck accident injuries can include:
- Broken bones: Types include compound where the bone breaks the skin or other types of serious fractures
- Internal bleeding: When left untreated, internal bleeding can cause organ damage and death
- Brain injury: A severe traumatic brain injury can disrupt normal brain function
- Spinal cord injury: This type of catastrophic injury can result in paralysis
- Burns: An accident involving fire can cause severe burns, making treatment at a burn facility necessary
When you experience one of these types of injuries, your world turns upside down. Simple tasks become difficult and frustrating. Your recovery can require an extended stay in a hospital or rehabilitation center. If a loved one suffered a serious brain injury, they might require the care of a skilled nursing facility.
No matter how long you need care, medical services are expensive. If you or your loved one require care throughout your lifetime, you can't manage your bills. Fighting for fair compensation is where a truck accident lawyer can help you. They can investigate your accident to pursue damages against all parties liable for your harm.
Wrongful Death: When Boston Truck Accidents Result in a Personal Loss
Losing someone you love due to the careless actions of a truck driver is heartbreaking. Your tragic loss is something that stays without you throughout your life. Seeking compensation for your damages is too emotionally difficult to handle alone.
A Boston truck accident lawyer from Dolman Law Group can compassionately work with you on your case. Compensation in a wrongful death case is similar to those in a regular Boston truck accident case with a few differences:
- The funeral expense and burial costs are typically included
- Loss of companionship is often included as a non-economic damage
- Loss of inheritance is possible for surviving children
These are a few examples of compensation generally sought in a wrongful death case. To learn if you might have such a case, contact Dolman Law Group now.
Boston Truck Accident Lawyer FAQ: What You Need to Know
The trucking industry is vital for transporting goods and materials. When a truck driver drifts to sleep behind the wheel or engages in other reckless behavior, however, they place other drivers in harm's way. If you suffered severe harm or lost a loved one in a truck accident, a civil claim and lawsuit are possible.
The following frequently asked questions can help inform you about truck accidents and their impact on your life:
What Are No Zones Surrounding a Truck in Boston?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines the four no-zones surrounding a truck as:
- The front of the truck: The FMCSA recommends maintaining a 20-foot distance in the front of the truck.
- The back of the truck: The FMCSA recommends maintaining a 30-foot distance behind the truck.
- Both sides of the truck: The FMCSA recommends not riding alongside a truck but rather passing it quickly.
Many tractor-trailers have signs posted on the back of the trailer warning drivers that “If you can't see my mirrors, I can't see you.” This is a true statement, given that drivers rely on their side mirrors to maintain a safe distance. There are no rearview mirrors on trucks—something most drivers do not think about when they pass a large truck.
On Boston Roadways, How Much Time does It Take for a Truck to Stop?
A tractor-trailer or semi-truck can legally weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When traveling at a normal speed of 65 miles per hour under perfect weather conditions, a truck this size and weight require the length of two football fields to stop.
This is an incredible force coming toward you if you are stuck in stopped traffic. The truck driver's inability to stop can result in life-changing injuries for you. Their decisions behind the wheel, in addition to poorly maintained brakes, may affect their ability to stop. Whatever the cause, a truck driver who cannot stop due to negligence is typically liable for your harm.
Are Boston Truck Drivers Required to Rest?
Yes. The FMCSA regulates the hours of service for the trucking industry. While designated rest breaks are a part of the regulations, it is often difficult for drivers to fully or adequately rest upon demand. An undiagnosed sleep disorder or a lack of rest can cause them to drift off behind the wheel.
If you suspect the truck driver responsible for your crash fell asleep behind the wheel, contact a Boston truck accident lawyer now. We can investigate to determine if the driver drove beyond the allowed hours of service.
What Types of Injuries Are Possible in a Boston Truck Accident?
A truck accident can result in serious and often catastrophic injuries. Examples of some of the more severe injuries possible include: Broken bones. Your bones can become fractured or even crushed in a violent crash with a semi-truck. Broken bones often require surgeries and physical therapy. If the break is in one or more limbs, you may need assistance with daily tasks.
Your recovery may require weeks or months. The broken bones one experiences in a truck accident typically extend far beyond a broken arm. Taking care of your injuries and allowing your bones time to heal is important for moving forward. The knowledge that a lawyer is at work for you can ease your stress and allow you to rest.
Internal injuries. Internal injuries are why you must always accept medical transport to the hospital. You may feel fine and not feel injured when, in fact, there are injuries you cannot see or yet feel. If left untreated, an internal injury such as bleeding can have deadly consequences. Accepting medical transport results in necessary documentation that you sought medical care.
This can serve as invaluable evidence in a civil case. Traumatic brain injury. Blunt force trauma to a brain injury that impacts brain function. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a traumatic brain injury can affect various aspects of your life:
- Your ability to experience sensations, such as taste and touch
- Your ability to maintain muscle coordination and balance
- Your ability to remember and process thoughts
- Your ability to control your emotions and behavior
A brain injury can change a loved one from fun and easy-going to angry and depressed. The changes are heartbreaking, and the care your loved one requires can exceed your ability to provide. A skilled nursing facility can give your loved one the 24-hour care they need—at a cost. These types of facilities in Massachusetts average as much as $12,000 or more per month.
This monthly expense should come from the party responsible for your loved one's brain injury. A Boston truck accident lawyer can help you pursue the compensation needed for quality care.
Spinal cord injury. A spinal cord injury disrupts communication between the brain and the spinal cord. This communication is vital for movement and sensation.
When damaged, the spinal cord communication slows or stops, often resulting in paralysis. Accident victims who experience a spinal cord injury face life in a power wheelchair, require home modifications, and accessible transportation. This type of injury can cost millions of dollars throughout a patient's lifetime.
Burns. If the truck involved in your accident carried fuel or other hazardous materials, you or your loved one might suffer from extensive burns. A burn treatment center may serve as your only option for care, placing you far away from your family. Severe burns can require painful skin grafts and plastic surgery.
If the driver of a tanker truck caused your burn injuries, contact a Boston truck accident lawyer today. There are multiple types of injuries you may suffer in a truck accident. When your loved one is the injured party, you may feel helpless about their situation.
Contacting an attorney can help you as you learn:
- If you have a case for possible compensation
- What you need to do for moving forward
The injuries and suffering experienced due to the negligence of another person are at the core of every Boston truck accident case. Hiring a lawyer to handle the details of your legal action can protect your best interests moving forward.
Are My Pictures from the Boston Accident Scene Helpful?
Yes. Pictures or videos taken with a smartphone or other device can help your lawyer determine liability. Additional types of helpful evidence include the police report and the contact information for witnesses.
Your medical records also play an essential role in preparing your case. Gathering and organizing your multiple medical records can save your attorney time as they decide upon the best strategy for your case.
I Posted a Picture of the Boston Accident on Social Media. Should I Remove It?
If you do post anything about the case, or anything that could show that you're not as injured as you claim, don't add or subtract anything from your social media accounts until you talk to us—then follow your lawyer's advice about what to do with the post.
Social media accounts serve as a fast way to inform others about events in your life. When you decide to pursue compensation from the responsible party, you do not want to share information about your case publicly.
An insurance adjuster might see a photograph or post that they decide implicates you for fault for the accident, for example. When it comes to social media, safe is better than sorry. If your friends and extended family want updates about your condition, ask them to call or visit you and post nothing.
Should I Contact the Trucking Company About My Boston Truck Accident Damages?
No. The only person you should contact following your accident is an attorney. The trucking company and its insurance company may contact you; however, you do not have to speak with them. Referring them to your lawyer is the best as they may pressure you to settle without legal representation.
This is dangerous for your future medical needs. Accepting a settlement offer on your own prevents you from possible civil action later. If your medical condition worsens and you want to file a lawsuit, you generally cannot accept their initial settlement offer. Personal injury law is complex and confusing for those who don't know how litigation works.
When you are dealing with painful injuries, it is often difficult to think clearly when it comes to making a big decision. Protect your best interests and hire a lawyer. While the amount the insurance company offers you may seem like a large sum, it is most likely a low amount.
My Loved One Died from Their Boston Truck Accident Injuries. Do I Have Legal Options?
Possibly. Your relationship to the decedent is critical, whether you qualify for a wrongful death case. The loss of someone close to you is always difficult. When this loss occurs due to negligence on behalf of a truck driver, trucking company, or both, it is unfair. The knowledge that your loved one is never returning home can leave you sad and confused.
If you are a surviving spouse, the loss of income and companionship is permanent and generally worthy of legal action. If an insurance adjuster attempts to speak with you during your time of mourning, refer them to your lawyer. Do not deal with insurance companies alone. Wrongful death cases typically involve the following types of compensation:
- The final medical costs for your loved one
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income
- Potential future earnings had your loved one survived
- Loss of inheritance
These are examples of the types of economic and non-economic damages possible in a wrongful death action. Non-economic damages—like loss of companionship—are complicated when assigning a dollar amount to them. A Boston truck accident lawyer familiar with wrongful death laws can handle these and other vital details.
Your lawyer will treat you with compassion as you work together toward justice for your loved one.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA Can Handle Your Boston Truck Accident Case
At Dolman Law Group, we believe that no trucking company or driver should place profits or pay over people. Many truck drivers earn pay for each mile they drive, causing them to speed or take other dangerous chances behind the wheel.
If the truck driver involved in your accident faces criminal charges, those charges have little bearing on your civil case. Civil action and criminal cases are separate matters. The Massachusetts statute of limitations for pursuing compensation for personal injury and wrongful death cases is three years.
This time can pass very quickly as you adjust to the significant changes in your life. If the time allowed passes before you have a chance to file your case, you might not file your lawsuit. The time starts ticking the moment you suffer injuries or your loved one dies. Take swift action for several reasons:
- State law requires it
- Evidence can become lost
- Witnesses may move or fail to remember important details
Your truck accident injuries, those of your loved one, or the loss of someone you loved demand justice. Pursuing compensation takes time. While an initial settlement offer may seem like a quick and easy way to find closure, it can create serious problems later.
Ensuring that you have the financial resources necessary should your condition worsen is important. Planning for your future needs is where a Boston personal injury lawyer from our team can help you. We strive to deliver the best customer service possible.
As we investigate and prepare your case, we keep you informed. If there are any updates to your case, you are the first to know. Dolman Law Group takes great pride in helping Boston truck accident victims secure the best possible outcome for their case. Call us today to learn more and for a free case evaluation today.
Dolman Law Group Can Help Put Your Life Back Together After a Truck Accident
There aren't many things scarier than getting hit by a truck. Unfortunately for most drivers, the only thing scarier than the accident is dealing with what comes next. First comes the injuries, then the medical bills, and then the stress of how to deal with it all. It can feel like too much to deal with. Dolman Law Group wants you to know you don't have to go it alone.
At times like these, having legal representation can make a big difference in how well you recover. We're not here to make money for ourselves. We're here to help people like you put their lives back together after being injured in a truck accident. That's why we offer free consultations and take cases on contingency. Dolman Law Group doesn't want anything to prevent you from moving forward. Call us today.
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
76 Canal Street, Suite 302
Boston, MA 02114
(857) 407-4182