CRST Trucking is a big trucking company with a high profile on major American highways, so the chances are great and higher by extension.
Trucking accidents are legally complex. The victims usually deal with powerful insurance companies who actively fight claims to pay out as little as possible with nearly limitless resources. Secondly, these cases heavily depend on federal regulations that oversee the trucking industry, such as hours of service rules and vehicle maintenance standards.
Knowing these laws and using them to your advantage can be the key to proving liability while obtaining a just recovery.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers have in-depth knowledge of the trucking industry and federal regulations, and we can develop solid cases for clients. Our experienced truck accident attorney team is dedicated to representing the victims.
Understanding CRST International Truck Accidents
CRST Trucking is a leading freight transport company in the United States, with hundreds of trucks going up and down the road. CRST International has one of the most comprehensive logistics networks in the industry, and company owners move products across countries. The downside to this significant presence on the highways, in turn, is that it can lead to a higher chance of road accidents.Â
Some of the most notable CRST International truck accidents to date resulted in multi-vehicle pileups, multiple injuries, and fatalities – underscoring how dangerous such incidents can be for public safety.
Most Common Causes of Truck Accidents Involving CRST International Trucks
Truck accidents are typically caused by a combination of factors such as:
- Driver Fatigue: Driving long hours can put truck drivers to sleep and slow down their reflexes and decision-making skills.
- Mechanical Failures: Failing to maintain a vehicle or experiencing mechanical defects, such as brake failures and tire blowouts, may result in losing control of that vehicle.
- Distracted Driving: A semi-truck driver can be distracted by mobile devices, eating, or other things outside the road.
- Speeding: Larger trucks at higher speeds can lead to deadlier crashes and more severe injuries in a wreck.
- Improper Loading: Improper cargo loading causes the load to move during transportation, making the truck unbalanced and pushing towards the tilt.
The sheer size and weight discrepancy are primary reasons truck accidents cause such serious injuries. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: This can result in long-term cognitive and physical dysfunction.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Such could lead to partial or complete paralysis, affecting quality of life.
- Broken Bones: Fractures may call for long medical treatment because they can even lead to permanent disability.
- Internal Injuries: Organ injury can put lives at risk and could mean emergency surgery.
- Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Rear-end collisions can frequently result in debilitating, persistent pain and reduced functionality.
- Fatalities: When a semi-truck is involved in an accident, death may be the result, and families of those who are gone have to deal with far more than just emotional stress.
- Long-Term Impact: The far-reaching consequences of these injuries can result in chronic pain, permanent disabilities, and lost wages and benefits – affecting families for the long term.
Liability in CRST Truck Accident Claims
Liability is the backbone of any truck accident compensation recovery. An investigation determines who is at fault and how it affects compensation for the other party.
Unless liability can be established, it may prove difficult for victims to obtain the financial assistance required to offset medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.
Determining Fault for a Commercial Truck Accident
In truck accident cases, “fault” is divided based on the responsibilities of three key parties: the driver, the trucking company, and any 3rd parties involved.
- Driver Liability: If a truck driver causes an accident by speeding, being distracted behind the wheel, or violating hours-of-service regulations, they will likely be held responsible.
- Company Liability: If it is determined that the trucking company had inadequate maintenance procedures, insufficient screening of driver hires, or conducted too little driver training, then it can be found liable.
- 3rd Party Liability: If the accident was caused by a mechanical failure or negligent loading practices, third parties such as vehicle operators and cargo loaders may also be liable.
Collecting Evidence & Its Importance
Collecting evidence is the most important thing to secure a successful liability claim. When these pieces of evidence are carefully collected and analyzed, a truck accident attorney can paint a comprehensive picture of the accident and who is to blame, thereby fortifying their compensation case.
Evidence may include the following:
- Driver Logs: With these logs, a truck accident attorney can reveal whether a driver complied with hours-of-service rules and possible fatigue.
- Maintenance Records: The court can order the trucking company to produce comprehensive maintenance records showing if the vehicle was maintained properly and regularly.
- Eyewitness Accounts: Witnesses’ testimonies may also contain life-saving information and provide a detailed depiction of the incident, such as the condition of the driver or vehicle before it crashed. These accounts can help a truck accident lawyer build a strong case.
Compensation Following a CRST International Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a CRST trucking accident, understanding the compensation you may be entitled to is crucial.
Different Compensation Types in Truck Accident Cases
Here are the various forms of compensation that can be sought when pursuing a case of a truck accident involving CRST International:
- Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of current and future medical treatments related to the injuries sustained in the accident. These include hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and other necessary medical care.
- Lost Wages: This is the compensation for income lost due to the inability to because of the accident. This also extends to loss of earning capacity if the injuries lead to long-term or permanent disability affecting one’s ability to earn a living.
- Suffering & Pain: It is monetary compensation for the emotional distress and the physical pain caused by the truck accident and subsequent injuries. This is often more subjective and can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case.
- Punitive Damages: These are awarded where the defendant’s conduct was especially egregious or reckless. Punitive damages are meant to penalize the wrongdoer and prevent any similar conduct in the future.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where the accident results in fatalities, the family of the deceased can seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support provided by the deceased.
Factors Influencing Compensation Amount
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded in truck accident cases:
- Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries typically result in higher compensation due to the increased medical expenses and more significant impact on the victim’s life.
- Impact on Quality of Life: Injuries that significantly alter the victim’s quality of life, such as those causing permanent disability or chronic pain, usually warrant higher compensation.
- Degree of Negligence: The extent to which the defendant’s negligence contributed to the accident can affect the compensation amount. Cases involving gross negligence or reckless behavior often result in higher awards.
What to Do Following an Accident with a CRST Commercial Truck
After a CRST International truck accident has occurred, take these critical actions to strengthen your truck accident claim,
- Document the Scene: Photos and videos of the accident scene are also important. This entails the damage to your automobile, other conditions around you, and road context.
- Seek Medical Attention: Seeking medical help is necessary to have a safely healed knee, even if you do not immediately feel your pain or discomfort. Other injuries may not seem serious at first but could be life-threatening.
- Gather Proof of Insurance: Exchange insurance information with all parties, particularly the truck driver. Get their name, contact information, and insurance policy number.
- Record Eyewitness Info: Collect the names and addresses of any parties that witnessed the truck accident. Witnesses to the event can offer vital testimonials that may reinforce your testimony when meeting with insurance agents on behalf of the accredited party.
- File a Police Report: You should call the police and file a report at the truck accident site. The report is an official document that records the incident and can sometimes be necessary to prove what occurred during the accident for insurance purposes or with legal authorities.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers
After a CRST International truck accident, filing an injury claim is daunting. With Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers working for you, the process becomes seamless and ensures you obtain a full measure of compensation.
Head-on semi-truck collision
Fatal truck sleeping compartment fall
Rear-end semi-truck accident
Cyclist struck by a truck on a bike line
Truck loading dock accident
T-bone truck collision
Here’s what to expect when working with us:
- Free Consultation: In your first meeting, we will review your accident’s specifics and discuss possible legal strategies. This is also when you can ask questions and get a feel for how we could help you manage your claim without all.
- Case Investigation: We scrutinize the details of your accident, collecting all relevant information. This also involves examining the police reports, getting statements from witnesses, and piecing together all evidence to establish the truck driver’s and any other responsible parties’ fault. Our main objective is to establish a solid foundation for your personal injury lawsuit.
- Consulting Experts: As part of our support community, we bring accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and economists to investigate every aspect of your claim.
- Dealing with Insurance Companies: Our team will deal with insurance companies on your behalf and handle all communications. We aim to help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company that adequately compensates you for your losses and damages. This may involve dealing with the other driver’s insurance company or your own to protect you and your interests.
- Preparing for Trial (If Necessary): If your claim is denied or we cannot reach a fair settlement, we will pursue a legal case for you. We will extensively prepare your case for litigation and present thorough evidence to support our argument that you are entitled to adequate compensation for the harm caused.
Contact a CRST International Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to securing the best possible settlements for truck accident victims. Our law firm meticulously prepares each case, gathering strong evidence and expert testimony to build a compelling argument for maximum compensation.
Call our law firm at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form.