Fargo Truck Accident Attorneys

Trucking accidents can be caused by a variety of different factors including:

• Drowsy or distracted driving - Truckers often have to drive long hours on boring roads, which can lead to them falling asleep at the wheel or allowing themselves to be distracted by things like the radio, eating, or even being on their phone.
• Drunk or drugged driving - Unfortunately it is not uncommon for some truckers to take performance enhancing drugs in order to allow them to stay awake longer and drive farther.
• Faulty trucks or poorly loaded cargo - Mechanical issues including brakes going out, or cargo being loaded unevenly can lead to accidents when a trucker is unable to control their vehicle.
• Speeding - In order to meet deadlines, some truckers will speed, resulting in accidents when they are unable to stop in time.

You might be understandably convinced that the truck driver who hit you is the only party responsible for your damages. The truth is often more complex, though. In many truck accident cases, liability can be traced to multiple parties. By filing a claim against multiple defendants, you could potentially collect more damages due to more insurance policies being used to provide your compensation.

What liable parties might there be in your truck accident claim?

• Trucker: The truck driver who is in control of a big rig always has a responsibility to drive safely and try to prevent an accident. No matter what other parties do to contribute to an accident, it is rare for a trucker to be absolved of all liability.
• Trucking company: The parent company that sends truck drivers on routes and gives them delivery schedules can be liable for some truck accidents. Negligence on behalf of a trucking company often includes overscheduling a trucker to the point of exhaustion or hiring an inexperienced truck driver.
• Part manufacturers: If a truck accident occurs due to a truck part defect, then it could be possible that liability lies with the part manufacturer. At that point, the trucker or trucking company could find itself in a fight with the manufacturer as well, but that does not mean they will be “on your side.”
• Load crews: Third-party load crews that place cargo into or onto a trailer have a duty to do so safely. Failing to secure cargo correctly can cause an accident later, and the liability might land on the shoulders of that load crew.

There are four things that every driver should do after a trucking accident:

• Call the authorities: Truck accidents rarely end in minimal damage and injuries. If someone is hurt or debris has been scattered into the road, then the authorities should be notified of your crash so they can help control the situation.
• Collect evidence: If it is safe to do so, take pictures of your accident, and speak with eyewitnesses to get their testimonies. If the authorities are brought to the scene of your truck accident, ask them to send you copies of their reports when they can.
• See a doctor: Visit a medical professional for a checkup the same day as your truck accident. You need to make certain you have no underlying, undiagnosed injuries. A doctor’s notes can also prove to be valuable evidence of your injuries and damages in the future.
• Call an attorney: The last thing to do is to speak with a truck accident lawyer in Fargo to learn more about your legal options.

While taking preventative measures will not guarantee you'll never get in an accident, it can help reduce the likelihood.

Some preventative measures to follow include:

• Avoiding a truck's blind spots (typically on either side of the truck or immediately behind it)
• Paying careful attention while passing
• Using your signals to indicate intention to pass or merge
• Allow space for the truck, do not crowd them