ABF Freight System Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving large trucking companies like ABF Freight System can be severe due to the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks. These companies have a significant presence on highways, and the nature of their operations increases the risk of truck accidents.

Due to their complexity, handling these cases requires specialized legal knowledge. You’ll be dealing with powerful insurance companies and navigating intricate federal regulations. Therefore, it is important to hire an expert truck accident lawyer.

The experienced trucking accident attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have a proven track record in managing such cases. We provide nationwide legal assistance, ensuring our services are accessible to clients nationwide.

Understanding ABF Freight System Accidents

ABF Freight System Inc., a well-known trucking company, operates an extensive fleet of commercial trucks across the United States. They have over 4,600 trucks, with more than 6,600 drivers moving them [1]. Their substantial presence on the roads means ABF Freight System accidents are unfortunately common.

Over the last few years, ABF Freight trucks and drivers have had more than 2,500 inspections, which revealed more than 800 violations. The freight company has been involved in 334 accidents over the same period, with seven fatalities [1]. These incidents can have devastating consequences, including serious injuries or deaths.

Causes and Consequences of ABF Freight Truck Accidents

Commercial truck accidents involving ABF Freight Systems can occur for various reasons. Common causes include: 

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often face tight schedules and long hours, which can lead to fatigue and distracted driving, which significantly increases the risk of accidents.
• Improper Vehicle Maintenance: Proper maintenance of trucks is crucial to prevent mechanical failures, such as brake issues or tire blowouts, which can lead to severe trucking accidents.
• Speeding and Overloaded Trucks: ABF Freight trucks are often loaded more than their capacity. Drivers, on the other hand, don’t always follow speed limits. Both of these are major causes of truck accidents. 

Common Injuries and Long-Term Impacts of Trucking Accidents

The injuries sustained in a trucking accident can be life-altering. Victims may suffer from broken bones, damage to their spinal cord, neurological issues, and internal organ damage. In the worst cases, these crashes can result in fatalities. 

The long-term impacts of such injuries can include permanent disabilities, chronic pain, and significant lifestyle changes. Truck accident victims often face emotional trauma and financial burdens due to ongoing medical expenses and lost income.

Liability for ABF Freight System Accidents

Establishing liability after a trucking accident occurs is important so the victim is justly compensated for their injuries. Understanding who is at fault can be complex. It can often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturers, and potentially third parties like maintenance contractors or parts manufacturers.

Determining Fault and Gathering Evidence

Gathering comprehensive evidence is essential to determining fault in a truck accident. This includes driver logs, which can reveal whether the truck driver was adhering to regulated driving hours or was fatigued at the time of the accident. Maintenance records are also critical, as they can show whether the truck was properly maintained. 

Eyewitness accounts can provide additional perspectives on how the accident occurred. All this evidence is vital for proving negligence and holding the responsible parties accountable.

Compensation Following an ABF Freight System Accident

Victims of ABF Freight truck accidents may be entitled to various types of compensation. This compensation aims to cover the wide-ranging impacts of the accident, from immediate medical costs to long-term financial and emotional burdens.

Types of Compensation

Victims of truck accidents are usually compensated for:

• Medical Bills: This includes medical expenses for treatments, surgeries, and rehabilitation. 
• Lost Wages: Victims can also claim lost wages for the time they are unable to work due to their injuries.
• Well-being and Support: Pain and suffering compensation addresses the physical and emotional distress caused by the accident. 
• Punitive Damages: These may also be awarded in cases involving gross negligence to punish the at-fault party and deter similar behavior in the future.
• Others: In wrongful death cases, families may receive compensation for funeral costs and loss of future earnings. 

Factors Influencing Compensation

Several factors can influence the amount of compensation that can be received. 

Severity of Injuries Sustained

The injuries sustained in a trucking accident are often quite severe. The compensation awarded can be adjusted according to how seriously the victim was hurt. 

Impact on Victim’s Quality of Life

In addition to the severity of injuries, courts also consider the impact on the victim’s quality of life. If the victim suffers considerably, the compensation awarded can increase. 

Degree of Negligence

The degree of negligence by the trucking company or truck drivers also plays a role. If the driver or the company is found to be at fault, they are heavily penalized to prevent similar negligence in the future. 

Insurance Cover

Trucking companies have substantial insurance policies that can significantly affect settlements. The powerful companies fight to reduce accident claims or flatly deny them. 

Comparative Negligence

Understanding comparative negligence is important, as it can reduce the compensation amount if the victim is found to be partially at fault.

What to Do Following an ABF Freight System Accident

If you’re in a truck accident with an ABF Freight System vehicle, knowing the right steps can protect your rights and help you build a strong case.

1. Ensure You are Safe: Your first priority should be safety. Move to a safe location. 
2. Call 911: After reaching safety, call emergency services to report the accident and get help.
3. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you think your injuries are minor, seeing a doctor is crucial. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent and can worsen over time.
4. Document the Accident Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including the vehicles involved, any visible wounds, and road conditions. Collect information from witnesses, as their accounts can be valuable later.
5. Report the Accident: Notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with accurate information without admitting fault.
6. Seek a Truck Accident Lawyer: Contact a specialized truck accident lawyer who is an expert in lawsuits against trucking companies. They’ll walk you through the legal system and help protect your rights.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming. Hiring an experienced truck accident attorney like those at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Initial Consultation

During the initial consultation, our truck accident attorneys will listen to your account of the accident and review any documentation you have. This helps us understand the specifics of your case and determine the best course of action. Providing all relevant details upfront is crucial for building a solid case.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

Our team will conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. This includes hiring experts, reconstructing the accident scene, and gathering crucial evidence such as driver logs and maintenance records. Preserving this evidence is essential for proving negligence and establishing liability.

Negotiation and Settlement

We will negotiate with ABF Freight System’s insurance company and other parties to reach a fair settlement. Most truck accident cases are settled before going to court, but if a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to advocate for your rights in court.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, our attorneys will present your case effectively, using the evidence gathered to support your claim. We are experienced in handling complex truck accident cases and will fight to secure the best possible outcome for you.

Contact an ABF Freight System Accident Lawyer Today!

If you or your loved ones have been involved in commercial truck accidents with an ABF Freight System vehicle, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. We’re here to help you get the full and fair compensation you deserve and guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.

Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.

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Resources: [1] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration