Big trucks cause big accidents. Tim has handled tractor trailer cases, garbage truck cases, straight truck cases, expedited delivery service cases, and the like. In doing so, he has personally recovered over Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000.00) for a client in a single trucking case, and represented people who were horribly injured by the negligence of these dangerous drivers and companies. Every case is different however, and these experiences are no guarantee of a recovery in each case. What is important is that you get help early in these cases, so the investigation and documentation of your case can begin as soon as is possible. Roadway evidence can disappear quickly – the sooner your attorney can start an investigation after an accident, the better.

Typical trucking cases can concern:
   • Drivers who have illegally been on the road too long – (these are called
      “hours of service” cases)
   • Driver fatigue and inattention cases
   • Negligent hiring and training of drivers and employees
   • Hazardous material spills
   • Cargo shifts and load loss
   • Mechanical failure of the trucks, drugged and drunk truck drivers,
   • Operating a commercial vehicle in hazardous weather
   • Dangerous driving practices.

Given the obvious danger represented by a behemoth tractor-trailer, weighing up to 80,000 lbs, the trucking industry is fairly well regulated. These safety rules are routinely broken, and innocent people get hurt as a result. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that large truck accidents in Kentucky alone took 124 lives in 2004 and 119 in 2003. As a result of the danger posed by big trucks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (the “FMCSA”) promulgates regulations applicable to the trucking industry . Those regulations are generally applicable in interstate commerce. Kentucky has adopted regulations governing trucking in the state as well. These safety rules and regulations are frequently violated in the course of the trucking business.

Winning trucking cases is never easy – truckers and trucking companies have sophisticated insurers and accident response teams available when a claim is reported. Investigating and litigating these cases also gets expensive – with accident reconstructionists often needed, and other industry expert witnesses frequently engaged. The likelihood of maximizing a recovery for the victim of a negligent truck driver or carrier increases with the use of appropriate trucking industry consultants. Important trucking records are destroyed after statutory retention requirements expire – and these need to be retained through formal requests or court order as soon as it is possible. Tim is experienced in big truck cases, with the industry records and requirements, and with experts in the field.

Get the right legal help in your big truck case, right now.

Contact Tim Lange today.