Concord Truck Accident Lawyers
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If you have been injured in a trucking accident near Concord, New Hampshire, you should get an experienced attorney on your side who will fight for your rights. Truck accidents can be devastating, and the injuries sustained can be life-changing. Our team of skilled Concord truck accident attorneys at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. proudly represent drivers who have been injured by the negligence of trucking companies and truck drivers. Let us navigate the complex legal landscape on your behalf.
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Contact us today to learn how we can help you with a truck accident claim in the Concord area.
Why Hire a Concord Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been in a truck accident, you should think twice about dealing with insurance companies and the trucking company on your own. Insurance companies often offer low-ball settlements or even no compensation at all in hopes that the claimant just gives up. Hiring an experienced attorney can provide many benefits to help you stay ahead of any challenges.
Our legal team understands the complexities of truck accident cases and can investigate and identify all the liable parties. Once we do, we can file a claim and prepare to negotiate with the insurance company and truck company on your behalf. In addition, we can represent you in court if necessary to fight for the maximum compensation possible if a presuit settlement is not reached.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks are usually caused by the negligence of the truck driver or trucking company and are often preventable. Our job as your lawyer is to investigate the situation to determine exactly what caused the accident. If that investigation determines that the truck driver or the trucking company did something negligent that contributed to the crash, then we will pursue a claim on your behalf.
Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel.
- Distracted driving, including texting, talking on the phone, or eating while driving.
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Speeding or driving too fast for the conditions.
- Lack of training or experience as a commercial truck driver.
- Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo.
- Poor truck maintenance or defective parts and equipment.
- Reckless or aggressive driving behaviors, such as sudden lane changes or tailgating.
- Driving unsafely in adverse weather conditions, including rain, snow, and ice.
- Failure to follow traffic laws or posted road signs.
Damages in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
The financial toll of a trucking accident can devastate the financial stability you’ve worked hard to create and disrupt your day-to-day life. As your lawyer, we will do whatever we can to minimize the effects of a trucking accident by ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. With our experience and resources, we will fight for you and your family.
The two primary types of damages in a truck accident claim are:
- Economic damages: These are losses that can be tied to a specific dollar amount Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity.
- Non-economic damages: These are intangible damages that are not reducible to a specific dollar amount but are just as important as economic damages. They compensate a victim of negligence for the impact the injury has on their life and well-being. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent injury, and so on.
In rare cases, punitive damages could also be available. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant for particularly reckless or egregious behavior in an effort to discourage others from engaging in similar acts.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Like any motor vehicle crash, trucking accidents can result in serious, life-changing injuries. Due to the sheer size of commercial trucks, they can cause devastating damage to other vehicles on the road, even in low-speed collisions.
Five of the most common truck accident injuries include:
- Whiplash: A sudden impact or an abrupt stop can place an extreme amount of force on the spine and muscles of the head and neck, resulting in a whiplash injury. Symptoms often include neck pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and chronic headaches.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Closed head injuries and concussions are common in truck accidents. TBIs can result in long-term cognitive, emotional, and physical problems.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, depending on the severity of the injury. They can be life-altering and require ongoing medical treatment.
- Broken bones and fractures: The force of a truck collision can cause serious orthopedic injuries like fractures of the bones in the arms, legs, ribs, and other body parts.
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries can be life-threatening and are not always immediately apparent. Examples of internal injuries include organ damage, internal bleeding, and bruising.
Truck accidents can also cause serious burns, amputations, and psychological trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These psychological injuries often linger for months or years and can be triggered by the sight of commercial trucks and result in a fear of driving. It is crucial for a victim of a truck accident to seek prompt medical attention. This serves two purposes. Prompt medical care provides the immediate medical care needed for the victim and also documents the injuries suffered and the pain a victim is experiencing for the purposes of a legal claim. Medical records can be used in a trial as evidence of the injuries suffered and are useful tools to present your case to a jury in a clear and convincing manner.
Let Us Help – Call Our Firm Now
Don’t wait to seek the justice and compensation you deserve after a truck accident. At Shaheen & Gordon, P.A., our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping clients in and around Concord recover after a truck accident. We understand the complexities of truck accident cases and are committed to fighting for your rights. Remember: We work on a contingency fee basis—we only get paid attorneys fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Call (603) 819-4231 or contact us online at any time to learn more.
Concord Truck Accident FAQ
What if I am partially responsible for the truck accident – can I get compensation?
Potentially, New Hampshire follows a legal doctrine of comparative fault. This means that an injured party can recover damages even if they were partially at fault for an accident. Any fault attributed to the plaintiff is simply subtracted as a percentage from the recoverable damages. However, there is a catch. Under New Hampshire's modified rule, a plaintiff is entitled to compensation only if they are found to be less than 50% responsible for the accident. If a plaintiff is found to be more than 50% responsible, they are not entitled to recover any damages.
How long will it take to resolve a truck accident claim?
The time it takes to resolve a truck accident claim depends on many factors, including the severity of the accident, the extent of the injuries sustained, the complexity of the legal case, and whether litigation is necessary. Some cases can be resolved in a matter of months, while others can take much longer. Factors that can impact the length of time it takes to settle a truck accident claim may include:
- Investigation: Conducting a thorough investigation to determine fault can take time. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts.
- Negotiation: Negotiating with insurance companies and other parties involved in the accident can be a lengthy process. Multiple rounds of negotiations may be necessary to reach a settlement.
- Medical treatment: If you suffered serious injuries in a truck accident, you will likely have a prolonged period of medical treatment and rehabilitation. Because it’s important to know the full extent of your treatment and recovery before negotiating with the at-fault party, the length of your medical treatment can impact how long it takes to resolve your claim.
- Court proceedings: If a settlement can’t be reached through presuit negotiations a lawsuit will be required. The litigation process will further extend the time it takes to resolve your case.
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
In New Hampshire, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit, including a truck accident lawsuit, is three years from the date of the accident. This means that you have three years to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. It is important to always keep this timeline in mind. Failure to file a lawsuit within the allotted time frame will prevent you from seeking damages in the future.
