In Massachusetts commercial trucking accidents, trucking companies have much at stake. The sheer size of an 18-wheeler will increase the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities in the event of a crash.

That’s why these firms will immediately dispatch an experienced team of investigators to sift through evidence and extract details most favorable to them. That means finding evidence that could mitigate the fault of the trucker while scouring for comparative fault by other drivers. They know these cases have the potential to cost their company millions.

At The Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman, our experienced truck accident attorneys know well how trucking companies operate, and we know what it takes to beat them. We urge clients – or potential clients – to speak with an injury lawyer as soon as possible after a crash so that we may begin conducting our investigation with your best interest in mind. We are located in Boston and will travel to you throughout Massachusetts.

It’s essential that this is done quickly because we aim to gather evidence before it is destroyed. We will thoroughly investigate circumstances of the crash to identify whether there is any negligence on the part of the driver, employer, owner of the tractor, owner of the trailer or the company that contracted to have goods hauled. In many cases, these are all separate entities. With so many competing interests, you must ensure yours are protected.

Some examples of negligence resulting in Massachusetts trucking accidents are:

Driver fatigue

Equipment failure

Negligent maintenance

Overloaded truck

Inattention of driver

Speeding (often the result of demanding or impossible delivery schedules)

Breach of federal regulations

Negligent hiring practices

Our Boston truck accident lawyers recognize other road users are at a major disadvantage when involved in a collision with a large truck. These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Anytime someone is involved in a crash with a big rig, delivery truck, garbage truck or any other large commercial vehicle; results are too often catastrophic.

Fatalities from truck accidents in Massachusetts have fluctuated in recent years, most recently increasing from 18 to 30 between 2012 and 2013. Before that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Association reports there were 34 Massachusetts truck accident deaths in 2011 and 19 in 2010.

Nationally, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reported the number of truck accidents has spiked by 20 percent. Although large trucks are only responsible for about 3 percent of the total number of injurious crashes, these wrecks are more likely to result in greater harm than those involving smaller vehicles simply because of the sheer size and weight of these vehicles.

It’s not uncommon for these companies to reach out immediately to victims with a low-ball settlement offer, trying to strong-arm them into a deal that will absolve the company of future liability. They are counting on the fact that victims are desperate in those early days to cover medical bills and other expenses. One should never speak to a trucking company representative – let alone sign any paperwork – without the involvement of a personal injury lawyer. In most cases, the amount to which truck accident victims are entitled far exceeds the initial settlement offer.

In addition to covering medical expenses, damages can include:

Lost Wages

Diminished earning capacity

Pain and suffering

Loss of life enjoyment

Pain and suffering

Funeral expenses

Property damage recovery

In some situations, courts will allow victims of truck accidents to seek punitive damages, which will triple potential awards. Punitive damages are granted in cases where a trucking company’s actions were especially egregious, and the court deems it necessary not just to compensate the victim, but to punish the wrongdoer. An example would be a company that mocks federal regulations and forces drivers to fudge delivery logs to beat competitors on delivery times. One could make a strong argument that such action was known to cause severe injury or death to other motorists.

Even in cases where trucking accident victims survive, potential injuries and losses noted in 18-wheeler accidents include:

Traumatic brain injuries

Spinal cord injuries

Severed limbs

Massive internal injuries

Broken bones

Permanent scarring

These injuries often require expensive ongoing treatments, including surgery, medication, physical therapy and rehabilitation. Victims often never recover from being the same as they were before. It’s our goal to make sure you receive compensation to which you are entitled to your injuries and losses.

Contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman today for a free and confidential consultation.