Missoula Truck Accident Lawyer

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Missoula

In Missoula, truck accidents cause severe injuries and substantial property damage. These accidents often have underlying factors that contribute to their occurrence. Some of the common causes include:

Driver Fatigue

One factor contributing to trucking accidents is driver fatigue. Long-distance truck drivers must deal with demanding schedules and the pressure to meet strict deadlines. These challenges can lead to excessive work hours and inadequate rest, resulting in drowsy driving.

A tired driver often experiences decreased reaction times and a lessened capacity for quick decision-making, leading to an accident.

Distracted Driving

Like smaller vehicles, distracted driving has become one of the most significant causes of truck accidents. Drivers may text, use GPS, or even eat while driving. In turn, they can lose focus on the road. Taking their eyes off the road for a few seconds can have catastrophic consequences.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding is a cause of many accidents in Montana. It often reduces the driver’s ability to steer around objects or corners in the roadway. Along with that, it does increase the stopping distance for the vehicle, leading to dangerous situations.

Improperly Maintained Trucks and Equipment

From brake problems to tire issues, mechanical failures can cause accidents. Multiple parties could be liable for the incident in these cases, including the driver, trucking company, and maintenance repair team.

Adverse Weather Conditions

Missoula’s weather conditions can be tough to navigate. Rain, ice, snow, and fog often cause poor visibility and slippery road surfaces, leading to tire traction loss. Truck drivers who are speeding and are not accustomed to these conditions can crash into other drivers.

Unfamiliarity with the Roadway

With the unique topography in Missoula, unfamiliarity with the roadway can contribute to accidents. Truck drivers unfamiliar with the local roads may be unprepared for sudden turns, steep grades, or unexpected road conditions.

These factors can establish liability in your case. Sometimes, multiple parties may be negligent in their actions. Determining fault can be challenging. For that reason, you will want an experienced Missoula truck accident lawyer to assist with the case.

Truck Accident Injuries

Due to their sheer size and weight compared to passenger vehicles, truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries. The impact of these collisions can be severe, leading to life-altering consequences for those involved in these crashes. Some common injuries that can occur include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and changes in sleep patterns or behavior. Some TBIs can improve over time, while others may need long-term care.
• During the collision, lacerations and abrasions can occur from shattered glass or metal debris. While some cuts may be minor, others can be deep and lead to damage to tissues and organs.
• Broken bones often range from simple fractures that require casting to complex fractures that require surgical intervention. Recovery can require surgery and extensive physical therapy.
• Muscle sprains and strains may heal with rest and physical therapy; others can lead to long-term pain and disability.
• Neck and spine injuries can range from whiplash, which is common in rear-end collisions, to spinal cord injuries that can result in permanent paralysis.
• An amputation is a life-changing event that will require long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Burn injuries vary from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that damage deeper tissues and require extensive medical treatment.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Missoula, you will want to contact an experienced Missoula truck accident lawyer. These injuries are often severe, requiring long-term medical care.

However, you may be able to recover monetary damages. Some of these economic and non-economic damages can include:

• Current medical expenses
• Future medical care costs
• Costs related to disabilities
• Lost wages
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

In the unfortunate event that the accident results in a fatality, the family can initiate a wrongful death lawsuit. They can seek financial help for medical bills incurred before death, funeral, and burial costs. They can also seek non-economic damages for the hardships caused by the loss of companionship and support.

Holding Negligent Parties Responsible

In a trucking accident lawsuit, several parties could potentially be held responsible. You and your legal team will need to identify the parties, especially if you want to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Missoula. They may include:

• The truck driver
• The owner of the truck or trailer
• The trucking company
• The truck manufacturer
• The cargo loader

These parties could all be held liable for the accident. When dealing with multiple parties, you will have to negotiate with several insurance companies, many of whom want to offer you a lowball offer.

Often, they try to intimidate accident victims, so they accept these offers.

But, when you have a skilled Missoula truck accident lawyer working on your case, you can benefit from their experience and knowledge. They can negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages. If necessary, your attorney will represent you in court, fighting for your rights and getting you the compensation you deserve.

If you are searching for a qualified Missoula truck accident lawyer, reach out to Western Justice Associates, PLLC. Over the years, we have fought against the insurance companies to help our clients get a fair and reasonable settlement for their cases.

These accidents can turn your world upside down. We’ll be your legal advocate while you focus on your recovery.

Schedule a consultation today.