Whenever we hold accountable to a negligent company, we send a message that makes a difference.
When I first started to handle the truck crash cases, I thought they would be like the debris of another car. I couldn’t be wrong. In the past years – on both sides of the room court – I have learned that the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) claims are in their own league. If you are thinking about taking a trucking case, or a client thinking that these claims are so different, let me share some of the hard -earned insights from this field.
Trucking cases are not just “big car debris”
I’ve been in this business for a long time to find out that every matter is unique. But trucking matters? They are at another level. Why here:
- The stake is high: when a fully loaded tractor trailer weighs 80,000 pounds, the results are often disastrous. I have seen life changing in a moment. The losses are large, and so are legal battles.
- Rules are different: Truck companies and drivers must follow a thick book of federal rules – FMCSR (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations). If you do not know these principles inside and out, you are already behind.
- Evidence disappears rapidly: I can’t count the number of time I have seen significant evidence – such as blackbox data or driver Logs – Vanish on accident days. That is why, in my process, we immediately send letters of protection. Time is not towards you.
- There are usually more than one defendant: it is rarely the only driver. Trucking Company, Broker, Ship, Loader, Rehabilitation Staff – They can all play a role. I dig deep to find every responsible party, because my client deserves.
What makes a good deal of trucking?
People ask me all the time: “Alex, what strengthens the trucking case?” What do I look for here:
- Clear Violation: Did the driver break the rules of service times? Was the truck overload? Did the company ignore maintenance? I have noticed that proving the FMCSR violation could make all the difference.
- Severe injuries: Due to the size and weight of these vehicles, injuries are often severe. These are not immediate settlements.
- Good evidence: There are solid evidence in the best cases – photos, electronic data, witness statements, and expert analysis. I always tell the clients: The more we have the knowledge, the better.
How do I refer to these matters
Whenever I get a call about a truck crash, I treat him as a race against the clock. My playbook is this:
- Protect everything: I send letter to the trucking company, driver, and someone involved. I want driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, and even dashcam footage.
- Get the right experts: accident construction specialists, medical experts, internal sources of the trucking industry – I work best. Their testimony can change a case.
- Diggs Regulations: I combine FMCSRS and company policies. If there is a sample of the corner cut, I will find it.
- Tell the story of my client: At the end of the day, these matters are about people. I make sure that the jury sees my client as a person.
Learned a lesson (hard way)
I have hardly learned some things. Here are some truths that every lawyer knew before taking a trucking case:
- Don’t know it alone: These matters are expensive and complicated. If you are new to the trucking legislature, contribute with someone that was there. I have jointly engaged with lawyers across the state, and together we have made a real difference for our clients.
- Work fast: Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. As soon as you process, your chances will be better.
- Know the rules: If you don’t know the FMCSRs, learn them – or find someone who does. Will defend.
In contributions with a commercial vehicle accident lawyer
People sometimes ask me why I focus on trucking issues. The answer is easy: I want to make the streets safe for everyone. Whenever we hold accountable to a negligent company, we send a message that makes a difference. This is something I can be proud of.
If you are a lawyer with a trucking case on your desk, or a client who is hurt in a truck accident, know: You don’t have to go alone. These matters are tough, but with the right approach and the right team – you can get justice.
As a trusted truck accident lawyer, my firm regularly complies with other lawyers and offers referral arrangements in compliance with the state bar rules. If you have a trucking matter and they want to maximize its price.
