Frequently Asked Questions – Iowa Truck Accident Attorney
Trucking accident lawsuits can be very complex, and naturally, victims and their loved ones have many questions about how to handle the legal, financial, and medical issues that arise. Our Iowa accident attorney, Fredd J. Haas, is ready to answer even the toughest questions and help clients receive the justice they deserve. For answers to additional, case-specific questions, please contact Haas Law Offices, P.C. for a consultation.
What differentiates a commercial truck from an ordinary car?
Who is responsible for a truck accident?
What kind of financial recovery are victims entitled to?
Should I talk to a trucking company’s insurance representatives?
What should I do at the scene of an accident?
Why are trucking accidents so often catastrophic?
What differentiates a commercial truck from an ordinary car?
Tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, big rigs, and semi-tractor-trailers are all considered commercial trucks. Types of trucks include delivery trucks, mail trucks, and vehicles utilized to transport commercial goods and services. In general, commercial vehicles are designated as large trucks that weigh 10,000 pounds or more.
Who is responsible for a truck accident?
Responsibility for a trucking accident can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. However, if a truck driver is found to be negligent in the operation of the vehicle, and this negligence contributed to the accident, he or she may be held liable for damages. If a truck accident is determined to be the result of improper hiring, inadequate driver training, or maintenance issues, than the trucking company may be liable for damages.
What kind of financial recovery are victims entitled to?
If a truck driver or trucking company is found liable for a truck crash, accident victims may be entitled to financial recovery in areas such as:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Loss of wages (past and future)
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses
- Loss of benefits
- Loss of companionship
Serving Iowa and surrounding areas, our truck accident attorney can answer more questions regarding possible compensation. Contact Fredd J. Haas today.
Should accident victims talk to a trucking company’s insurance representatives?
No. Insurance agents representing trucking companies are often looking out for their client’s best interests. They may try and negotiate a settlement that is far below what victims are entitled to and won’t even begin to cover future expenses for long-term care. Plus, they may even deny a claim outright. It is extremely important to contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon after an accident as possible.
What should I do at the scene of an accident?
First, medical teams and police must be called to the scene. If possible, victims should also take photographs of all the vehicles involved before they are moved from the positions they were in immediately after the accident occurred. It is advisable to speak with any witnesses and other drivers involved in the crash, and exchange contact information with them. Most importantly, all victims should go to the emergency room, even if they feel fine. Some medical complications may be internal with symptoms that may not be immediately apparent. Learn more about what to do after a truck accident from our experienced truck accident attorney.
Why are trucking accidents so often catastrophic?
Because of the size of commercial vehicles, truck accidents often end in severe, and frequently fatal injuries. Large trucks can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and may be traveling at higher speeds on our roadways. This gives these massive trucks more energy than an ordinary car, and can make impact far more devastating.
Contact our Iowa truck accident attorney for a case review. Our Des Moines-based firm serves Iowa and surrounding areas.
Do truck drivers and trucking companies have to follow different standards of operation than other drivers?
Yes. In addition to following traffic laws applied to all drivers, truck drivers and the companies who manage them are under strict safety guidelines. Federal law requires the drivers of commercial vehicles to undergo training and a specific driving test geared toward the manageability of large vehicles. They must follow rules regarding the amount of hours they are allowed to be behind the wheel in a day, how to properly load and restrain cargo, and many other aspects of commercial vehicle operation.
Why Fredd J. Haas?
At Haas Law Offices, P.C., one of our special areas of practice is truck accident law. Fredd J. Haas has worked as an Iowa truck accident attorney for more than three decades. He has experience and skill, as well as a proven track record of success in obtaining fair and reasonable compensation for victims and loved ones affected by collisions with large trucks. Mr. Haas is a compassionate and aggressive lawyer who is dedicated to helping secure his clients’ financial future and holding negligent parties to account.
Contact Our Iowa Truck Accident Attorney
Serving Iowa and surrounding areas, the truck accident attorney at our Des Moines-based firm is prepared to fight for the rights of victims involved in devastating trucking accidents. Fredd J. Haas will work with you to recover financial losses, both current and future, from truck drivers and trucking companies whose negligence may have impacted your life. Contact Haas Law Offices, P.C. for a consultation today.